Okay, folks, gather ’round! I’ve got a project to share that I just finished up, and let me tell you, it was a real doozy. I decided to build a brick barbecue grill in my backyard, and I’m here to tell you all about the blood, sweat, and tears (mostly sweat) that went into it.
Getting Started
First things first, I had to figure out where this bad boy was going to go. I paced around my backyard like a madman for a good hour before settling on a spot that got plenty of sun but was also a safe distance from the house. Safety first, you know?
Next up was the design. I sketched out a few ideas on some scrap paper, nothing fancy, just trying to get a basic shape and size in my head. I wanted something sturdy and classic, nothing too over the top.
Gathering Supplies
Once I had a rough plan, it was time to hit up the local home improvement store. Let me tell you, pushing a cart full of bricks is no joke. My arms were burning by the time I got to the checkout. Here’s what I ended up getting:
- Bricks: Lots and lots of bricks. I probably overbought, but hey, better safe than sorry.
- Mortar mix: This is the stuff that holds the bricks together.
- Sand: For the foundation.
- Gravel: Also for the foundation, drainage is key.
- Metal grates: For the actual grilling surface.
- Various tools: Trowel, level, measuring tape, that sort of thing.
Building the Foundation
This was the least glamorous part, but it was super important. I dug out a shallow pit and filled it with a layer of gravel, then a layer of sand. I tamped it all down real good to make sure it was nice and compact. I spent a good amount of time using my level to make sure the foundation was as flat as possible. This is where you don’t want to cut corners.
Laying the Bricks
Now for the fun part! I started mixing the mortar, which is a bit like making a really thick, gritty cake batter. Then I started laying the bricks, one by one, spreading the mortar in between. I used a level and string lines constantly to make sure everything was straight and even. It was slow going, but I found a certain rhythm to it. Kind of meditative, actually.
I built up the walls layer by layer, leaving openings for the firebox and the ash pit. I also made sure to build in some supports for the metal grates that would hold the food.
Finishing Touches
Once the main structure was done, I let it cure for a few days. Then I came back and added the metal grates. I also cleaned up any excess mortar and made sure everything looked presentable.
The First Cookout
Finally, the moment of truth! I fired up the grill for the first time and cooked up a feast of burgers, hot dogs, and corn on the cob. Let me tell you, food just tastes better when you’ve cooked it on something you built with your own two hands.
It wasn’t a perfect project, and there are definitely a few things I’d do differently next time. But overall, I’m incredibly proud of my homemade brick barbecue grill. It’s a solid addition to my backyard, and I know it’ll be the centerpiece of many cookouts to come.
