Okay, here is a blog post about building a BBQ grill with bricks, written in a conversational and personal tone, just like the example you gave.
So, I’ve always wanted a real, solid BBQ pit in my backyard. You know, the kind that looks like it’s been there forever and could tell a thousand stories. Store-bought grills are okay, but they just don’t have that same vibe. Plus, they rust out faster than I eat ribs.
I finally decided to take the plunge and build one myself. I’m no bricklayer, but how hard could it be, right? Famous last words.
Gathering Supplies
First things first, I needed supplies. I made a list and went to the local building supply place. I got:
- Bricks: Lots of them. I ended up with way more than I needed, but better safe than sorry.
- Mortar mix: This is the stuff that holds the bricks together. It comes in bags, and you just add water.
- A trowel: This is that pointy tool bricklayers use. Felt pretty pro holding it, not gonna lie.
- A level: Gotta make sure things are straight, or at least straight-ish.
- Some metal grates: For the actual grilling part.
I loaded up my truck, feeling like a real DIY warrior. Got home, unloaded everything, and stared at the pile of bricks. “What have I done?” I thought.
The Build
I started by laying out the base. This was just a rectangle of bricks on the ground, no mortar yet. Just wanted to get a feel for the size and make sure it would fit in the space I had picked out. I followed an online guide for this part, as it seemed to have a better explanation than the other guides.
Next, I mixed the mortar. This was messier than I expected. It’s like making really thick, gritty pancake batter. I got it all over my gloves, my shoes, even my face somehow. It is not an easy task, you should be prepared before doing this!
Then came the actual bricklaying. I started at one corner and worked my way around, spreading mortar on each brick and tapping it into place with the trowel. It was slow going. I kept checking the level, trying to keep everything straight. My back started to ache, my hands got cramped, and I realized this was way harder than it looked on those YouTube videos I had watched.
After what felt like an eternity, I finally had the walls built up. They were a little wobbly in places, but hey, it was my first try. I decided to leave it for a few days to let the mortar dry completely.
The Finishing Touches
Once everything was solid, I put the metal grates in place. This was the easiest part. I just had to make sure they were level and secure.
Then, I built a small fire in the bottom to test it out. It worked! I grilled some burgers, and they tasted amazing, probably because I was so proud of myself. I even added the extra bricks around the pit to make it look nicer.
It’s not perfect, but it’s mine. It’s got character, and it’s a great conversation starter. Plus, the food tastes better when you’ve cooked it on something you built with your own two hands. Now, every time I fire it up, I remember the struggle, the sweat, and the satisfaction of building something from scratch. And it always reminds me of the good times I had with my friends and family members around it. If you’re thinking about building your own BBQ pit, I say go for it. Just be prepared for a challenge, and don’t be afraid to get a little dirty!
