NW Ohio Build - Opinions welcome

[david s]

Re: NW Ohio Build - Opinions welcome

So here's my questions so far:
1.) Should I have any concern with using 4x4 timbers under a layer of firebrick, 4" foamglass and 4" concrete pad with regards to heat? I did leave 2 gaps between the timbers so that I could shoot an infrared thermometer to the bottom of the pad that sits on the lumber to monitor temperatures on the first few fires.
2.) If you look at the last image posted, there's is a small gap between the second and third brick on the left. When I go to do the mortar and spread the gap across all 13 bricks will I be alright or does every brick need to be flush with the next and essentially no mortar at all used on the end of the bricks that will be the ceiling?
3.) This one is really important... I have read everything I could find on the refractory mortar and specifically the "home brew" posted on this site. Under the FB Mortar (pinned) section someone asked if Glass Block mortar could be used in lieu of sand, portland cement and lime for the home brew and no one replied with an answer. Per quickrete's site their block glass mortar contains all 3 and at approximately the correct ratios. It took me several hours of calling around and searching on google but I did finally find the fireclay in my area. So all I need now are the other three ingredients and if glass block mortar gets me the rest of the way there my life gets easier.

Per the post I'm referring to glass block mortar is:
1 part portland
1 part lime
4 part sand

1. No
2. The bricks do not need to be in direct contact. Your mortar acts as the wedge holding each brick in position.
3. If that is the composition of the mortar, all you need is to add the clay.
It would probably be cheaper to buy all the ingredients separately and mix yourself.

[perrysburg]

Re: NW Ohio Build - Opinions welcome

So here's my questions so far:
1.) Should I have any concern with using 4x4 timbers under a layer of firebrick, 4" foamglass and 4" concrete pad with regards to heat? I did leave 2 gaps between the timbers so that I could shoot an infrared thermometer to the bottom of the pad that sits on the lumber to monitor temperatures on the first few fires.
2.) If you look at the last image posted, there's is a small gap between the second and third brick on the left. When I go to do the mortar and spread the gap across all 13 bricks will I be alright or does every brick need to be flush with the next and essentially no mortar at all used on the end of the bricks that will be the ceiling?
3.) This one is really important... I have read everything I could find on the refractory mortar and specifically the "home brew" posted on this site. Under the "High Heat Mortar Primer" (pinned) section someone asked if Glass Block mortar could be used in lieu of sand, portland cement and lime for the home brew and no one replied with an answer. Per quickrete's site their block glass mortar contains all 3 and at approximately the correct ratios. It took me several hours of calling around and searching on google but I did finally find the fireclay in my area. So all I need now are the other three ingredients and if glass block mortar gets me the rest of the way there my life gets easier.

Per the post I'm referring to glass block mortar is:
1 part portland
1 part lime
4 part sand

[perrysburg]

Re: NW Ohio Build - Opinions welcome

So here's where it gets real: I started to lay out the fire brick. I have to completely disassemble once the foam glass arrives. I plan on installing 4" foam glass between the firebrick and concrete pad--hopefully no chance of the timbers getting hot enough for concern.

[perrysburg]

Re: NW Ohio Build - Opinions welcome

Building concrete pad on top of treated lumber (using 2 32" x 40" pieces of durock as base). First image shows durock being pressed because I glued with liquid nails both sheets together and to the layer of 4x4's underneath.

Last pic shows finished stucco (sorry didn't take pictures during but only finished product) along with side view of pad where you can clearly make out the two pieces of durock.

[perrysburg]

Re: NW Ohio Build - Opinions welcome

Foundation: Concrete pad (4" with rebar). did a dry stack of block with liquid nails in between each layer. Stucco with quickrete quickwall which claims you do not need to mortar between blocks because they use fiberglass material in their product. And finally countersink 4x4 treated lumber for shelf.

pad dimensions: 4' x 5'

[perrysburg]

Ok, so I've never done any masonry work in my life (I'm an IT guy) and hope I haven't made any major mistakes up to this point but I could use feedback and opinions going forward....