Okay, so I’ve always wanted a proper BBQ pit in my backyard. You know, the kind you see in those fancy outdoor kitchen setups? I finally decided to take the plunge and build one myself, using bricks. It was a bit of a project, but totally worth it!
Getting Started
First, I spent a good chunk of time online, just looking at different designs. I wanted something simple, but not too basic. I eventually settled on a rectangular pit, about 3 feet wide and 4 feet long. I liked the idea of this.
Next up, I had to get the materials. I headed to the local hardware store and picked up a whole bunch of bricks – regular red ones, nothing fancy. I also grabbed some mortar mix, a trowel, a level, and a few other basic tools. Oh, and a good pair of gloves! I knew they would work well for this.
The Build
I started by marking out the area in my yard where the pit was going to go. I used some string and stakes to make sure everything was straight and square. Then, I dug out a shallow foundation, maybe 6 inches deep, and filled it with gravel for drainage. To prepare the bricks, I used the water to wash them.
Mixing the mortar was a bit messy, but I followed the instructions on the bag and it came out okay. It was like making a really thick, gritty pancake batter! I’m not gonna lie, my arms got a pretty good workout.
Then came the actual bricklaying. I started with the bottom layer, spreading a layer of mortar on the gravel, then setting the bricks in place. I used the level constantly to make sure everything was straight. It was slow going at first, but I gradually got the hang of it.
- Spread mortar.
- Place brick.
- Tap with trowel.
- Check level.
- Repeat.
I built up the walls layer by layer, staggering the joints like you’re supposed to. It took a couple of days, working in the afternoons after work. I’d put on some music, get in the zone, and just keep laying bricks.
Finishing Touches
Once the walls were up to the height I wanted (about 3 feet), I added a couple of metal grates – one for the charcoal and one for the food. I just found some old ones at a scrap yard and cleaned them up.
And that was pretty much it! I let the mortar cure for a few days, then I fired it up for the first time. It was awesome! The first thing I cooked was some burgers and hot dogs, and they tasted amazing.
It’s not perfect, and the brickwork is probably a bit wonky in places, but it’s mine, and I built it. There’s something really satisfying about that. The most important is I did it. Plus, now I’ve got the perfect spot for summer barbecues!
