Okay, here’s my experience building a brick BBQ grill, shared in a casual, blog-style format:
So, I’ve always wanted a proper BBQ grill in my backyard. Not one of those flimsy metal ones, but a real, solid, permanent fixture. I figured, “Hey, I can build that myself!” And so the adventure began.
Getting Started
First, I sketched out a simple design. Nothing fancy, just a basic rectangular box with a space for the coals and a grill on top. I measured my available space and made sure the design would fit comfortably.
Then came the fun part: gathering materials. I opted for regular red bricks ’cause they’re cheap and look pretty good. Also I grabbed some mortar mix, a trowel, a level, a shovel, and some metal grates for the cooking surface.
Laying the Foundation
I dug a shallow pit, about 4 inches deep, where the grill was going to sit. I filled it with gravel for drainage and tamped it down real good to create a stable base. It’s like building a mini-patio, but for your BBQ.
Building the Walls
This is where it gets real. I mixed the mortar according to the instructions on the bag – it’s kinda like making cement pancakes. I started laying the bricks, one row at a time, applying mortar between each brick. The key is to keep everything level and straight. I used the level constantly, checking both horizontally and vertically. It is a bit time-consuming, but hey, no rush!
- Spread a layer of mortar.
- Place the brick.
- Tap it gently into place.
- Check the level.
- Repeat a million times.
I left openings at the bottom for air vents – gotta let that charcoal breathe! And I built up the walls to the height I wanted, making sure to stagger the joints for extra strength, it is like playing with giant LEGOs.
Adding the Finishing Touches
Once the walls were up and the mortar had dried for a couple of days (patience, young Padawan!), I placed the metal grates on top. One grate sits lower down for the charcoal, and the other sits higher up for the food. Easy peasy.
I also added a few extra bricks around the top edge to create a kind of “lip” – this helps keep the food from accidentally rolling off. You know, safety first, even when grilling.
The First Cookout!
Finally, the moment of truth! I loaded up the charcoal, lit it up, and let it burn down to hot embers. Then, I threw on some burgers and sausages, and… SUCCESS! It worked like a charm. The bricks held the heat beautifully, and the food cooked perfectly.
It wasn’t the prettiest grill in the world, but it was solid, functional, and built with my own two hands. And that, my friends, is a pretty darn good feeling. So, if I did this, I believe that you can do it, too!
