Brick dimensions?

[rwiegand]

So I just put a ruler on one of the bricks I hauled up here last week and find that the actual dimensions are 8.25" X 4.25" X 2.25" vs. the 9 X 4.5 X 2.5 people talk about here. Is this a nominal vs actual thing (like a "2x4" is actually 3.5 X 1.5) or a difference I need to worry about? The sample I picked up from another yard is the same size as the ones I bought, so perhaps a regional thing--or is it just like the ever-decreasing size of ice cream containers, just a way to make it cheaper per unit?

Anyway, if they were supposed to be a true 4.5 x 9' will a slightly smaller brick cause me grief other than the ~6% reduction in thermal mass? Returning them will be difficult and expensive.

[UtahBeehiver]

I would go with what you got. That is enough thermal mass and insulation of the dome with be the critical factor in multi-day cooking.

[rwiegand]

Thanks, that was my hope and suspicion. I suppose the Romans had a standard brick that was used throughout the empire, but I doubt that was the case in the rest of the world.

[Gulf]

+1 on what Russell said. My oven is built out of them. One thing to consider though is the inner arch. Depending on the size of your oven, you may want to buy a few standard sized fire brick to form it. The extra length may be needed for the proper placement of the arch.There is only about 20 or so brick that make up the inner arch. And, it is only the upper most brick that sometimes need the extra length.

[rwiegand]

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind as I approach that step.