Okay, here’s my blog post about building a brick grill.
So, I finally decided to tackle that brick grill project I’d been dreaming about. You know, the kind you see in those fancy backyard makeover shows? Yeah, that’s the one. I’ve always loved the idea of having a permanent grill setup, and store-bought ones never seemed to quite fit my style.
Getting Started
First things first, I needed a plan. I spent a good chunk of time just looking at pictures online, trying to figure out what I wanted. Did I want a simple, square box? Or something more elaborate with arches and maybe a little storage space? It was a tough choice.
I finally settled on a fairly straightforward design. Rectangular, with a slightly raised firebox. Nothing too crazy, but definitely something that would look good in my yard. I sketched it out on some graph paper, just a rough idea, really. Then, I got to work on a more detailed plan, complete with measurements. This is where I had to put my head back on. I measured the space in my backyard, figured out how big I wanted the grill to be, and started calculating how many bricks I’d need. Let me tell you, it was a lot more math than I expected.
Laying the Foundation
Next up, digging the foundation. This was probably the least fun part. Lots of shoveling, lots of dirt, and lots of making sure everything was level. I used some string and stakes to mark out the area, then got to digging. I dug down about six inches, and then filled it with a couple of inches of gravel for drainage. Then, I mixed up some concrete and poured it into the hole. I smoothed it out as best as I could and let it set for a couple of days.
Building the Walls
Now for the fun part – actually building the grill! I started laying bricks, one by one. I used mortar to hold them together, which was a whole new experience for me. It’s messy stuff, let me tell you. I had to work quickly before it dried, and I definitely made a few mistakes along the way. But hey, that’s part of the learning process, right?
I slowly built up the walls, row by row. It was slow going, but it was also really satisfying to see it taking shape. I made sure to check that everything was level as I went, using a spirit level. It took a few days to get all the walls up to the height I wanted.
The Finishing Touches
Once the walls were up, I added a metal grate for the charcoal to sit on. I also added a second grate higher up for cooking. Then, I let the whole thing cure for a week or so, just to make sure the mortar was completely dry.
- Start: Decided to build a brick grill.
- Plan: Researched designs, sketched plans, calculated materials.
- Foundation: Dug and poured a concrete foundation.
- Build: Laid bricks with mortar to create the walls.
- Finish: Added grates, let the mortar cure.
And that’s it! My very own, homemade brick grill. It’s not perfect, but I’m pretty darn proud of it. I’ve already cooked on it a few times, and let me tell you, the food tastes amazing. There’s just something special about cooking over a fire you built yourself.
If any of my pals are thinking about building their own brick grill, don’t be scared! It’s a lot of work, but it’s totally worth it in the end. Just make sure you do your research, have a good plan, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Good luck!
