Okay, let’s get this done. Here’s my blog post about building a brick BBQ, written in a casual, personal style, with lots of verbs and simple language:
So, I’ve always wanted a proper brick BBQ in my backyard. You know, the kind that looks like it’s been there forever and can handle a serious grilling session. I finally decided to just go for it. No more messing around with those flimsy metal things!
First, I spent a good few hours just staring at my backyard, trying to figure out the best spot. I wanted it close enough to the patio for easy access, but not so close that smoke would be billowing into the house every time I fired it up. I eventually picked a corner that seemed perfect.
Getting Started (and Getting Dirty)
Next up: the foundation. This is super important, because you don’t want your BBQ to start sinking or cracking after a few months. I dug out a square area, about a foot deep, and filled it with gravel. I tamped that gravel down really well – I mean, I jumped on it, I used a heavy tamper, the whole nine yards. Then, I poured in a layer of concrete and smoothed it out. I let that cure for a couple of days, just to be sure.
Then came the fun part (and the back-breaking part): laying the bricks! I bought a bunch of standard red bricks – nothing fancy, just the classic kind. I also got some mortar mix and a trowel. I’d never laid bricks before, so I watched a few YouTube videos to get the basic idea.
- I started with the bottom layer, spreading the mortar on the concrete and setting the bricks in place.
- I made sure to leave a small gap between each brick for the mortar.
- I kept checking with a level to make sure everything was straight. This was tricky, and I definitely messed up a few times and had to redo some sections.
- Slowly but surely, I built up the walls, layer by layer. I decided to go for a simple rectangular design – nothing too complicated for my first attempt.
I left gaps to create better airflow.
After each row, I applied plenty of mortar.
The Finishing Touches
Once the walls were up, I added a metal grill grate. I actually found an old one at a salvage yard and cleaned it up – it fit perfectly! I also built a small shelf on one side, for holding plates and utensils. And that was it!
I let the mortar dry for a few more days, then I fired up the BBQ for the first time. It worked like a charm! The bricks held the heat beautifully, and the food tasted amazing. I was so proud of myself – I actually built something that looked good and worked well. And honestly, if I can do it, anyone can. Just be prepared for some hard work and a bit of a learning curve!
