Question about masonry firepit

[IlliniJeeper]

Hey guys,

I've read a lot of competing information about how long I need to wait before lighting my first fire in my masonry firepit that I'm building. I was hoping some of you guys would have expert advice on the matter.

I'm building this plan from Family Handyman. They say to wait 2 weeks before lighting the first fire, other places say to wait a month, and some other places say that you should light a small fire after 2 days to aid curing. I tried searching for the manufacturer of my refractory cement (it's a "flue cured" variety that the brickyard said is perfectly suited for outdoor firepits) and I got nothing.

Anyone here have any insights? I've put a lot of work into building this and I don't want to mess it up by being too impatient, but my kids are getting very antsy to roast some marshmallows.

 

[joes169]

http://www.heatstoprefractorymortar.com/faq.php




Hopefully you used a non-water soluable like "Heat Stop II" so the joints don't wash out. The link from them says 1 day, but it's always best to start with small fires to aid in curing, and work your way up from there............

 

[IlliniJeeper]

It is a non-water soluable mortar. Says right on the bucket that it's for outdoor use and it specifically says outdoor firepits. It's not Heat-Stop II, though. It was the only kind they had at my local brickyard (and it cost $50 for the gallon bucket. Eesh)

Is there any danger in lighting a small fire for the type N mortar used to install the decorative brick?

 

[joes169]

No more now than ever, just make small fires at first and heat masonry slowly.......

 

[IlliniJeeper]

No more now than ever, just make small fires at first and heat masonry slowly.......

My kids will be very happy to hear that we can have a small fire sooner than we thought. Thanks.

 

[kbs2244]

My son is a mason.
He dry laid his.
No motar at all.
The air leaks help keep the fire going.