Bricklaying for firebox

[time2smoke]

I have a question regarding the roof or top side of the brick firebox. How do I lay brick to form a roof over the brick firebox? Or should I use a concrete slab to put on top of the firebox? if yes, how thick should the concrete slab be?

Many thanks.

 

[SonnyE]

Schools of thought. If you can find a firebrick supplier, you may find firebricks with angled ends to lay in circles, or semi-circles. Same for arches.
Sometimes fireplace/wood stove stores carry firebox relining bricks.
You may have to look toward furnace lining bricks.
Start here.

 

[daveomak]

Place a sheet of steel over the top of the walls.. If you want firebrick up there, weld brick strips to the steel and slide the brick in... "Usually" the brick have slots milled in the sides to fit the strips...

 

[time2smoke]

Thank you! it's helpful! I have been surfing those links that you just shared. Now I know what to do next. Thank you!!

 

[archeryrob]

I did a poured concrete roof and it works. You can see it all here. Make sure you buy S mortar not the normal stuff for all your brick work. You can buy that Fire mortar but S should hold up and has for me except where I didn't put fire brick.

NOW, if I had to do it all over again and I might, eventually.

• I would run the fire brick all the way to the top. I got some brick joints that swell when the box is hot and heave up and settle back down when its cold.
• Even though the concrete works I would arch build the fire bricks to make a arched roof out of all fire brick. I considered welding two Angles irons to form a T and use them as a center rest. A 2" angle acts as the header support over the door and its not had any problems.
• I'd build a brick chimney and a oven over the top of the fire house. Then I could smoke a chicken after lower smoking my other stuff. :)

 

[time2smoke]

awesome! it is very helpful!