Okay, so I’ve always wanted a proper barbecue setup in my backyard. I mean, who doesn’t love a good cookout? I’d been using one of those flimsy, store-bought grills for years, and it was finally on its last leg. Time for an upgrade! I decided to go all-in and build a brick barbecue grill. It seemed like a fun project, and I figured it would last a heck of a lot longer than the metal ones.
Planning and Prep
First things first, I needed a plan. I spent a good few hours online, looking at different designs and figuring out what would work best for my space. I wanted something simple, not too huge, but big enough to cook for a decent-sized group. I sketched out a basic design on some graph paper, figuring out the dimensions and how many bricks I’d need.
Next up, gathering materials. I made a trip to the local hardware store and loaded up my truck with bricks, mortar mix, some sand, and gravel. It was heavier than I expected! I also picked up a metal grate for the cooking surface and a few other bits and pieces like a metal ash tray.
Laying the Foundation
I started by marking out the area where the grill would go. I dug down about 6 inches and filled the space with a layer of gravel for drainage, then a layer of sand to make leveling easier. I made sure it was all nice and compact by tamping it down really well. This part was crucial – a solid foundation means a stable grill.
Building the Walls
This is where the real fun began! I mixed up the mortar according to the instructions on the bag – not too wet, not too dry, just like Goldilocks’ porridge. Then, I started laying the bricks, one row at a time. I used a level constantly to make sure everything was straight and even. It was slow going, but I got into a rhythm. Slap on some mortar, place a brick, tap it into place, check the level, repeat.
Tip from my experience: Make sure that you take it slow, I went to fast and had to do it all over.
I built up the walls to the height I wanted, leaving a space at the bottom for the ash tray and an opening at the top for the cooking grate. I also made sure to stagger the bricks in each row, like you see on most brick walls – it makes the whole structure stronger.
Finishing Touches
Once the mortar had dried for a couple of days, I placed the metal grate on top and slid the ash tray into its designated spot. And that was pretty much it! I cleaned up the area, let the whole thing cure for a week, just to be sure, and then… it was time to fire it up!
First Cookout!
I invited some friends over for the inaugural barbecue. I loaded up the grill with charcoal, got it nice and hot, and threw on some burgers, hot dogs, and veggies. It worked like a charm! The heat distribution was fantastic, and everything cooked evenly. Plus, it just felt good to be cooking on something I built with my own two hands.
This project was definitely a learning experience, but it was totally worth it. Now I’ve got a sturdy, awesome-looking brick barbecue grill that’ll last for years. And I can proudly say, “I built that!” If you’re thinking about tackling a similar project, I say go for it! Just be prepared for some hard work, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Happy grilling!
