Okay, so I’ve always wanted a brick BBQ in my backyard. You know, the kind you see in those fancy home improvement shows? I finally decided to just go for it. No more dreaming, time for some action!
Planning and Gathering
First thing I did was to sketch out what I wanted. Nothing too complicated, just a simple rectangular design. I measured my backyard to make sure I had enough space. Then I made a list of all the stuff I needed: bricks, mortar, some metal grates for the grill, and a few tools. I already had some tools, but I borrowed a few from my neighbor, old man Jerry. He’s got everything!
Laying the Foundation
Next, I dug a shallow pit where the BBQ would stand. It wasn’t too deep, just enough to lay a solid foundation. I mixed some concrete – man, that stuff is heavy! – and poured it into the pit. I leveled it out as best as I could, but let me tell you, it’s harder than it looks. I let it dry for a couple of days. Just to be sure.
Building the Walls
This was the fun part, but also the most challenging. I started laying the bricks, one by one. I mixed the mortar, which is like a glue for bricks, and spread it on each brick before placing it. It was slow going. I had to keep checking if the walls were straight and level. My back was killing me, but I kept going.
- Mix mortar
- Spread on brick
- Place brick
- Check level
- Repeat a million times
Adding the Grill
Once the walls were high enough, I placed the metal grates across the top to hold the charcoal and the food. I made sure they were secure and wouldn’t fall through. Can you imagine the disaster if that happened mid-BBQ? I also added a smaller grate lower down for the charcoal.
Finishing Touches
After all the bricks were laid, I let the mortar dry for a few more days. Then I cleaned up the whole area, brushed off any loose mortar, and admired my work. It wasn’t perfect, a bit wonky in places, but it was mine. I even added a little side table with some leftover bricks. For the beers, you know?
The First BBQ
Finally, the moment of truth! I invited some friends over for the inaugural BBQ. I loaded up the grill with charcoal, lit it up, and threw some burgers and hot dogs on there. The smell was amazing! The food cooked perfectly, and everyone loved it. We sat around, eating, drinking, and laughing. It was the best feeling, seeing everyone enjoy the BBQ I built with my own hands.
So, yeah, that’s how I built my own brick BBQ. It was tough, I messed up a few times, but it was totally worth it. Now, who’s coming over for the next cookout?
