Alright, so I’ve always wanted a brick BBQ grill in my backyard, you know, for those summer cookouts and just to have a cool place to grill up some grub. I finally decided to take the plunge and build one myself. Let me tell you, it was quite the adventure, but totally worth it in the end!
First things first, I needed to gather all the materials. I made a list: bricks, mortar, sand, gravel, some metal grates for the actual grilling part, and a few other bits and pieces. Then I went to the local hardware store. I loaded up my truck with everything, which was a workout in itself!
Next up was figuring out where to put this thing. I paced around my backyard for a while, trying to find the perfect spot. I wanted it close enough to the house for convenience but not so close that smoke would be an issue. After some serious contemplation, I found the ideal location.
Then came the fun part – digging! I marked out the area for the base of the grill and started digging a shallow foundation. I made it big enough to give the grill a sturdy base. I tossed in some gravel for drainage and then leveled it out with some sand. This took me the whole weekend to figure out and get done right.
Now for the bricklaying. I mixed up the mortar, which was like making a giant batch of really thick, gritty mud. I started laying the bricks in courses, making sure each row was level. I have to admit, my first few rows were a bit wonky, but I got the hang of it eventually. It’s all about getting the right amount of mortar and tapping the bricks into place.
- First layer: Just a simple rectangle, nothing fancy.
- Second layer: Staggered the bricks, like you see in walls.
- Third layer and so on: Kept building up, leaving spaces for the grill grates and an ash pit.
It took a few days of on-and-off work, but slowly but surely, the grill started to take shape. I used some metal supports to hold the grates in place and built up the sides to create a nice enclosed cooking area. Honestly, I felt like a real bricklayer by the end of it!
Once the main structure was done, I let the mortar cure for a couple of days. This was the hardest part because I was itching to try out my new creation! The waiting was a big test of my patience.
Finally, the moment of truth arrived! I fired up the grill, threw on some charcoal, and waited for it to heat up. I slapped some burgers and hot dogs on the grates, and they sizzled away beautifully.
The first bite was heavenly. The food tasted amazing, and I felt a huge sense of accomplishment. I built that grill with my own two hands! It wasn’t perfect, mind you. There were a few wonky bricks and the mortar was a bit messy in places, but that just added to its charm.
My Custom Grill
Now, I have a fantastic brick BBQ grill in my backyard. It’s the centerpiece of our summer gatherings, and I love showing it off to friends and family. If you’re thinking about building one yourself, I say go for it! It’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding project.