Okay, folks, let’s talk about my recent adventure: building my very own brick BBQ grill! I’ve always wanted a permanent grill setup in my backyard, something that screams “I take my grilling seriously!” So, I finally took the plunge.
First things first, I planned it all out. No winging it here! I sketched out a simple rectangular design, nothing too fancy, just a basic box shape. I measured my backyard space to make sure it would fit nicely and leave enough room for folks to move around. Then, I figured out how many bricks I’d need. Let me tell you, there was some head-scratching involved, but I got there eventually.
Getting Started
Next up, I gathered all my materials. This meant a trip to the local hardware store for a mountain of bricks (seriously, they’re heavy!), some mortar mix, and some basic tools: a trowel, a level, a shovel, and a string line. I even borrowed a wheelbarrow from my neighbor, bless his heart. Saved me a lot of backache!
- Bricks (lots of ’em!)
- Mortar mix
- Trowel
- Level
- Shovel
- String line
- Wheelbarrow (borrowed)
The Build
I started by digging a shallow foundation. It didn’t have to be super deep, just enough to give the grill a solid base. I leveled the ground as best as I could, because a wonky grill is no good.
Then came the fun part (sort of): laying the bricks. I mixed the mortar according to the instructions on the bag – not too runny, not too stiff, just like Goldilocks’ porridge. I spread a layer of mortar on the foundation, placed the first brick, and tapped it gently with the trowel to set it. I used the level and string line to make sure everything was straight and true. It’s slow going, but super important!
Brick by brick, row by row, I built up the walls of the grill. I made sure to stagger the joints between the bricks, like you see on a regular brick wall. It gives it more strength, you know? It was kind of like playing with giant, heavy LEGOs. I can’t lie, my arms were feeling it by the end of each day!
Once the main structure was up, I left some gaps for the grill grates to rest on. I just eyeballed it, really, making sure there was enough space for airflow but not so much that the grates would fall through. I also built a little shelf at the bottom to store charcoal and stuff.
The Finish Line
After all the bricks were laid and the mortar had dried (which took a few days – patience is key!), I installed the grill grates. And that was it! My very own, handmade brick BBQ grill. It might not be perfect, a little rough around the edges, but it’s mine, and I built it!
I fired it up that very weekend, and let me tell you, those burgers tasted extra good knowing I cooked them on something I made with my own two hands. So, if you’re thinking about building your own grill, go for it! It’s a challenge, but it’s totally worth it.
