Yesterday, my neighbor was grilling, and I noticed the awesome smell wafting over the fence. It got me thinking, I need a better setup for my own barbecues. My old grill is kinda rusty and falling apart. So, I decided to build a simple brick barbecue pit. Nothing fancy, just something functional.
Getting Started
First, I went to the local hardware store and grabbed a bunch of bricks. I didn’t really have a plan, so I just estimated how many I’d need. I also picked up some sand and gravel for the base. I already had a shovel and a level, so I was good to go on tools.
Building the Base
I cleared a spot in my backyard, trying to find a relatively level area. Then, I dug a shallow pit, maybe six inches deep, and a bit bigger than the size I wanted the barbecue to be. I dumped in the gravel first, then a layer of sand on top, making sure to pack it down tight. This was just to give the bricks a solid foundation, you know?
Laying the Bricks
Next, I started laying the bricks. I didn’t use any mortar or anything, just stacked them dry. It’s supposed to be temporary, after all. I arranged the first layer in a rectangle, checking with the level to see that is was ok. Then I just kept building up the walls, staggering the bricks like you’re supposed to.
I left a gap on one side for airflow – gotta have that for the fire, right? I also left the top open, obviously, so I can put the charcoal and food in.
Testing
- I have finished built the brick barbecue.
- I plan to get some charcoal, and maybe some burgers and hot dogs, and give this thing a try.
- I’m no expert builder, but it looks pretty sturdy.
It’s not the prettiest thing, but it should do the job. Plus, it was way cheaper than buying a new grill. Wish me luck on the first cookout!
