Is it a good idea to bevel the floor brick edges?

[deejayoh]

Re: Is it a good idea to bevel the floor brick edges?

catching a peel on the bricks is something I think you only worry about before you build your oven. In practice, I have never had a single problem

[edsiajb]

Re: Is it a good idea to bevel the floor brick edges?

Thanks to all for the replies and insight. I will lay them just as they are (herringbone pattern). Now I have to figure out how much fire clay and sand to mix up....

[jeeppiper]

Re: Is it a good idea to bevel the floor brick edges?

By chamfering the edges you will create grooves that will collect crap (dirt, ash, etc.), which will become difficult to clean out. I recommend the herringbone pattern and take some care in laying your floor. You will be fine.

[Tscarborough]

Re: Is it a good idea to bevel the floor brick edges?

Just lay them at a 45 degree angle or herringbone and there is no need.

[boerwarrior]

Re: Is it a good idea to bevel the floor brick edges?

The only disadvantage is that in order to get a bevel you will need to grind off some of the outer layer on the firebrick. Uncut firebrick has a very hard outer layer which you want to preserve if possible. Elsewhere on this forum some of the brick experts discuss that.

[Novaslo]

Re: Is it a good idea to bevel the floor brick edges?

If they are extreme then it could cause you some strain.... but for the most part the way things lay out, it is unlikely that it will be extreme. With use, Ash will fill in and the way you use your peel will be direct and to the point. Meaning that you won't really notice it because it does not need to be perfect.

However, I would try to keep it as level as possible. I used sand to level mine, it wasn't much. Some people use fire brick dust or fire clay.

My advice, do your best and then cook your @$$ off. It will likely be a moot point as you enjoy the idiosyncrasy's of your build.

Good luck.

[stonecutter]

Re: Is it a good idea to bevel the floor brick edges?

....Are there any drawbacks?

If the plane of the hearth isn't level, there is lippage whether the brick edges are beveled or not.

[edsiajb]

I've seen in a couple of builds (can't recall which ones) where the edges of the floor brick were slightly beveled or chamfered. This seems like a good idea (less chance of peel catching on the brick edges). Are there any drawbacks?