Today, I wanted to try something different, something that’s been on my mind for a while – building a BBQ grill using bricks. I’ve always loved the idea of having a custom-built grill in my backyard, and I figured, why not give it a shot? So, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work.
Getting Started
First things first, I needed to gather all the materials. I made a quick list: bricks, mortar, a trowel, a level, and some gravel for the foundation. I already had some old bricks lying around from a previous project, so that saved me a trip to the hardware store. I just needed to grab the rest of the supplies.
Building the Base
I started by clearing a spot in my backyard. Then, I laid down a layer of gravel to create a stable base. This was important to ensure the grill wouldn’t settle unevenly over time. After leveling the gravel, I began laying the first course of bricks. I mixed the mortar according to the instructions on the bag – it was a bit messy, but I got the hang of it after a while.
Laying the Bricks
With the first layer down, I continued building up the walls of the grill. I made sure to stagger the bricks for added strength, just like I’d seen in online tutorials. It was slow going, and I had to keep checking that everything was level. Every few layers, I’d step back and admire my handiwork. It was actually starting to look like a BBQ grill!
The Finishing Touches
Once the walls were the height I wanted, I needed to create a space for the charcoal and a cooking surface. I used some extra bricks to build a ledge inside the grill to hold the charcoal grate. For the cooking surface, I planned to use an old grill grate I had. I placed some bricks on the top to hold it.
- Gather materials: bricks, mortar, trowel, level, gravel.
- Prepare the foundation: clear the area, lay gravel, and level it.
- Lay the bricks: mix mortar, lay the first course, and build up the walls, staggering the bricks.
- Add charcoal and cooking surface supports: build a ledge for the charcoal grate and supports for the cooking grate.
The First Cookout
After letting the mortar dry for a couple of days, it was finally time for the inaugural cookout. I loaded up the grill with charcoal, lit it up, and waited for the coals to get nice and hot. I threw on some burgers and hot dogs, and they cooked up perfectly. There’s just something about the flavor of food cooked on a grill you built yourself that makes it taste even better.
It was a challenging project, but I’m really happy with how it turned out. Not only do I have a new BBQ grill, but I also have the satisfaction of knowing I built it with my own two hands. If you’re thinking about building your own brick BBQ grill, I say go for it! It’s a rewarding experience, and you’ll end up with a unique and functional addition to your backyard.
