Okay, so I’ve always wanted a proper barbecue setup in my backyard. I’m talking about something more permanent than those flimsy metal grills that rust out after a couple of seasons. I decided to go all-in and build a brick barbecue. Yeah, a real, solid, “this ain’t going anywhere” kind of barbecue.
First things first, I hit up the internet for some inspiration and basic plans. I found a few different designs, but most of them looked pretty straightforward. It’s basically a big brick box, right? How hard could it be?
The Planning Phase (and a Few Hiccups)
I sketched out a rough design, figuring out the size I wanted and how high the grilling surface should be. I wanted it big enough to handle a decent amount of food, but not so huge it took over the entire yard. Comfort was key for me.
Then came the materials. I needed bricks, obviously. Lots of them. And mortar, to stick them all together. I also needed some firebricks for the inside, since regular bricks can crack under high heat. I also needed a metal grate for the food to sit on.
I headed down to the local hardware store, and let me tell you, bricks are heavy! I ended up making a couple of trips because my poor little car couldn’t handle the weight of all those bricks in one go. I figured I can save gas in long-term.
Getting My Hands Dirty
I marked out the area in my backyard where the barbecue was going to go, and dug a shallow foundation. I poured in some gravel for drainage, and then started laying the first course of bricks.
Mixing mortar is kind of like making a giant batch of really thick, gritty pancake batter. You gotta get the consistency just right, not too runny, not too stiff. I definitely learned that the hard way on the first few batches.
I started laying the bricks, one by one, spreading mortar on the bottom and sides. I used a level to make sure everything was straight and even. This was the slow part. It’s like building with giant, heavy Lego blocks, except you can’t just snap them together. You gotta be patient and precise, or you’ll end up with a wonky barbecue. And no, you can’t trick with the first layer.
The Home Stretch
After several days of bricklaying (and a few sore muscles), the main structure was done. I built up the firebox with firebricks, leaving a space at the bottom for airflow. I slotted in the metal grate, making sure it was nice and secure.
I let the mortar dry for a few days, just to be sure everything was solid. Then, it was time for the moment of truth: the first barbecue!
I loaded it up with charcoal, lit it up, and waited for the coals to get nice and hot. The smell of that smoky goodness filled the air, and I knew I had done it. I had built my own brick barbecue!
- First trial: Burger and Hotdogs.
- Result: Delicious!
The burger and hotdogs are cooked perfectly, and I felt a huge sense of accomplishment. It wasn’t just a barbecue; it was a monument to my own DIY skills (and stubbornness). It’s sturdy, it looks great, and it cooks like a dream. Now, I might not be a master bricklayer, but I’m definitely the master of my own backyard barbecue!
