Okay, here is my blog post about building a BBQ pit with bricks.
I always wanted to have a nice place in my backyard to grill some meat for my family and friends. I saw some cool BBQ pit designs online but didn’t want to spend a lot of money. So, I decided to build my own using some simple bricks.
First, I cleared a spot in my backyard. I picked a flat area that was far enough from the house and trees. I made sure to check for any underground pipes or cables before I started digging. Then I marked a rectangular area for the pit base, it was around 4 feet by 3 feet. I dug out the area about 6 inches deep, making it relatively level.
Next, I needed a solid base. I poured a layer of gravel into the hole, about 2 inches thick. I used a hand tamper to pack it down, making it firm and even. Over the gravel, I added a layer of sand to help with drainage. I spread it out and leveled it with a rake.
Laying the Bricks
Now, it was time for the bricks. I chose regular red clay bricks from the local home improvement store. They were cheap and looked pretty decent. I started laying the bricks along the edge of the pit base, placing them tightly together. For the corners, I had to cut some bricks in half. I used a hammer and chisel, which was a bit tough, but it worked.
I built up the walls layer by layer, making sure each brick was level and straight. I checked the level frequently with a spirit level. I didn’t use any mortar or cement; I just stacked the bricks tightly. This made it easier and meant I could adjust things if needed. I went up about five layers, which was a good height for the pit.
For the top, I decided to leave some gaps between the bricks to let air flow in. This would help the fire burn better. I also left an opening on one side for adding charcoal and wood.
- Gathered the materials: bricks, gravel, sand, basic tools.
- Prepared the base: dug, leveled, added gravel and sand.
- Laid the bricks: stacked them up, no mortar, left gaps for air.
After I finished building, I let it sit for a day to make sure everything was stable. The next day, I started a small fire to test it out. It worked great! The bricks held up well, and the fire burned nicely because of the air gaps.
I’m really happy with how it turned out. It was a fun project, and now I have a cool BBQ pit that didn’t cost me a fortune. My first BBQ party was a big hit! Everyone loved the food, and I got a lot of compliments on the pit. It feels great to build something useful with your own hands. I might try making a seating area with some leftover bricks soon.
