Okay, so I’ve always wanted a proper barbecue setup in my backyard. I mean, who doesn’t love a good cookout? I’ve been using one of those flimsy, portable grills for years, and it was definitely time for an upgrade. I decided to go all-in and build a brick barbecue. Let me tell you, it was a project, but totally worth it.
Planning and Prep
First things first, I had to figure out where to put this thing. I picked a spot in the yard that was far enough from the house and any trees, you know, for safety. Then, I spent a good chunk of time just staring at the space, imagining the finished product. I sketched out a rough design on a piece of paper – nothing fancy, just a basic rectangular shape with a fire pit and a grilling area.
Next up was gathering materials. I hit up the local hardware store and loaded up my truck with a bunch of bricks, some mortar mix, and a few metal grates for the cooking surface. I also grabbed some basic tools: a trowel, a level, a shovel, and a wheelbarrow. I felt like a real construction worker, even though I had absolutely no idea what I was doing.
Laying the Foundation
The first real step was digging a shallow foundation. I cleared the area of grass and dirt, making sure it was roughly level. Then, I poured a layer of gravel for drainage. This part was pretty straightforward, just a lot of shoveling and moving dirt around.
Then came the tricky part: laying the first course of bricks. I mixed up the mortar according to the instructions on the bag – it was like making a really thick, gritty cake batter. I spread a layer of mortar on the foundation and started placing the bricks, using the level to make sure they were straight. This was slow going, and I definitely messed up a few times, having to pull bricks up and re-lay them. My back was already starting to ache, and I was only a few bricks in!
Building it Up
Once the first layer was down, it got a little easier. I just kept adding layers of bricks, spreading mortar between each one, and checking the level every so often. I used a string line to help keep the walls straight – that was a tip I found online, and it actually worked pretty well.
I built up the walls to about waist height, leaving an opening at the front for the fire pit. Inside, I created a separate area for the charcoal using more bricks. It was starting to look like an actual barbecue!
The Finishing Touches
After the main structure was built, I added the metal grates. I found some heavy-duty ones that fit perfectly on top of the brick walls. I also added a few extra bricks around the edges to create a sort of countertop, which is handy for holding plates and grilling tools.
First Cookout!
Finally, after a few days of hard work, it was time for the inaugural cookout. I loaded up the fire pit with charcoal, got the fire going, and threw on some burgers and hot dogs. It was amazing! The food cooked evenly, and there was plenty of space for everything. Plus, it just felt so much more… legit than my old portable grill.
Sitting there, eating my burger, I felt a real sense of accomplishment. I built that! With my own two hands! It wasn’t perfect, by any means – some of the bricks were a little crooked, and the mortar was a bit messy in places – but it was mine. And it made a damn good burger.
So, if you’re thinking about building your own brick barbecue, I say go for it! It’s a lot of work, but it’s definitely doable, even for a complete novice like me. Just be prepared to get your hands dirty, and maybe invest in some good back pain relief cream.
