I’ve always wanted a brick grill in my backyard. You know, the kind you see in those fancy outdoor kitchen setups. So, I finally decided to just go for it and build one myself. It was a bit of a project, but totally worth it in the end.
Gathering Supplies
First things first, I needed to get all the materials. I made a list and headed to the local hardware store. Here’s what I picked up:
- Bricks: Lots of them. I went with regular red clay bricks because they look classic and are pretty affordable.
- Mortar mix: This is the stuff that holds the bricks together. I got a few bags to make sure I wouldn’t run out mid-project.
- Sand: Used for the foundation and mixing with the mortar.
- Gravel: Also for the foundation, to help with drainage.
- Concrete blocks: To create a solid base for the grill.
- Grill grates: I mean, you can’t have a grill without these. I found some sturdy ones that fit the size I wanted.
- Tools: Trowel, level, measuring tape, rubber mallet, bucket for mixing mortar, and some safety glasses.
Prepping the Area
Next, I had to prepare the area where the grill would go. I picked a spot in my backyard that was far enough from the house and any trees. Safety first, right?
I marked out the area with some stakes and string. Then, I started digging. I made a shallow pit, about 6 inches deep, for the foundation. It wasn’t the most fun part, but it had to be done. After digging, I added a layer of gravel and tamped it down to make it nice and compact. Then, I put a layer of sand on top of the gravel and leveled it out.
Building the Base
With the foundation ready, it was time to start building. I laid down the concrete blocks to form a solid base. I made sure they were level and secure. This was going to be the foundation for the entire grill, so it had to be strong.
Laying the Bricks
Now for the fun part – laying the bricks! I mixed the mortar according to the instructions on the bag. It’s kind of like making a really thick, gritty paste. Then, I started laying the bricks on top of the concrete blocks.
I put a layer of mortar on the bottom and sides of each brick before placing it. I used the trowel to spread the mortar evenly and tapped each brick into place with the rubber mallet. I kept checking with the level to make sure everything was straight. It was slow going, but I wanted it to look good.
I built up the walls of the grill, leaving an opening in the front for access and a few gaps in the back for airflow. I also left spaces where the grill grates would sit. It was like a big, brick puzzle.
Adding the Grill Grates
Once the walls were high enough, I placed the grill grates into the spaces I had left for them. They fit perfectly, which was a relief. I had measured everything out beforehand, but you never really know until you get to that point.
Finishing Touches
After the main structure was done, I let the mortar cure for a few days. I wanted to make sure it was completely set before I used the grill. While I waited, I cleaned up any excess mortar and made sure everything looked neat.
Finally, the day came to fire up the grill. I added some charcoal, lit it up, and let it heat up. The first thing I grilled was some burgers. They cooked perfectly, and I have to say, they tasted even better knowing I had built the grill myself.
Building a brick outdoor grill was a bit of work, but it was totally worth it. There’s something really satisfying about cooking on something you built with your own hands. Plus, it looks pretty awesome in my backyard. If you’re thinking about doing something similar, I say go for it. Just be prepared for a bit of hard work, and make sure you measure twice (or three times) before you lay those bricks!
