Okay, here’s my attempt at a blog post about building a brick BBQ grill, written in a casual, personal style, and following all your instructions:
Alright, so I’ve always wanted a proper, solid BBQ grill in my backyard. Those flimsy metal ones just don’t cut it. I wanted something permanent, something I could be proud of. So, I decided to build a brick BBQ grill. It was a bigger project than I initially thought, but totally worth it.
Getting Started & Laying the Foundation
First things first, I picked a spot in the yard. I made sure it was away from anything flammable, like trees or the house, obviously. Then came the fun part – digging! I dug out a rectangular area, maybe about a foot deep. This was going to be the foundation, so it needed to be level and solid.
Next, I poured in some gravel. I got a bunch of bags from the home improvement store. I spread it out evenly and then used a hand tamper to really pack it down. This is important because you don’t want your grill settling and cracking later.
After the gravel, I mixed up some concrete. This was messy, but kind of satisfying. I used a wheelbarrow and a shovel, and just kept adding water until it was like thick oatmeal. I poured the concrete over the gravel, making sure it was level. I used a long piece of wood to screed it – basically, just dragging it across the top to make it smooth. Then, I let it cure for a couple of days. Patience is key here.
Building the Walls
Once the foundation was solid, it was time for the bricks! I laid out the first row without any mortar, just to get a feel for the size and spacing. I wanted to make sure I had enough bricks and that it looked right.
Then, I started mixing the mortar. This is like the glue that holds the bricks together. Again, it’s a messy process, but you get the hang of it. I applied mortar to the foundation and started laying the bricks, one by one. I used a trowel to spread the mortar and a level to make sure everything was straight. It’s like building with giant LEGOs, but way heavier.
- Tap the bricks gently with the trowel handle to settle them into the mortar.
- Keep checking the level – both horizontally and vertically.
- Scrape off any excess mortar that squeezes out.
I built up the walls layer by layer, staggering the joints like you see in a regular brick wall. This makes it stronger. I left spaces for the grill grates and the ash catcher. I also built in some little shelves on the sides – handy for holding BBQ tools and plates.
The Finishing Touches
After the walls were up, I let the mortar cure for another few days. I didn’t want to rush anything and risk it all falling apart.
Finally, I inserted the grill grates and the ash catcher. I had these custom-made at a metal shop, but you could probably find something that works at a BBQ supply store.
And that’s it! My very own brick BBQ grill. It took some time and effort, but it’s so much better than those store-bought ones. I’ve already used it a bunch of times, and it works like a charm. Plus, it looks awesome in the backyard. It’s become the perfect gathering area.
If you have any questions,please let me know. I will be more than happy to explain.
