Okay, so I’ve always wanted a proper barbecue grill in my backyard. I mean, who doesn’t love a good BBQ? But those fancy store-bought ones? Way too expensive. Then I stumbled upon this idea of making one with bricks. Sounded simple enough, even for a DIY newbie like me. So, I decided to give it a shot and document the whole process, bumps and all.
Gathering Supplies
First things first, I needed the stuff. I hit up my local hardware store and grabbed:
- A ton of bricks. Like, way more than I thought I’d need. Better safe than sorry, right?
- Some sand.
- Gravel, for drainage.
- A metal grate, obviously, for the actual grilling.
- A few metal bars for extra support.
I also borrowed a shovel, a level, and a wheelbarrow from my neighbor, bless his heart.
Prepping the Area
Next up, I had to choose the perfect spot. I picked a relatively flat area in my backyard, away from any overhanging trees or anything that could catch fire. Safety first, people!
Then came the digging. I dug out a shallow rectangular pit, about an inch or two deep, to create a stable base for the grill. I made sure to remove any grass or roots in that area.
Laying the Foundation
This is where the sand and gravel came in. I poured a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pit for drainage, followed by a layer of sand to level things out. I used the level to, well, make sure it was level. It wasn’t perfect, but good enough for a first-timer.
Building the Walls
Now for the fun part – stacking bricks! I started laying the bricks around the perimeter of the pit, creating the walls of the grill. I didn’t use any mortar, I’m going for that rustic, dry-stack look. Plus, it’s easier to adjust or move later if I need to.
I made sure to stagger the bricks, like you see in those bricklaying videos, to make the structure stronger. Every few layers, I placed those metal bars across the width of the grill for added support, especially where the grate would sit.
Adding the Grate
Once the walls were high enough (about waist-high for me), I placed the metal grate on top of those support bars. I made sure it was secure and wouldn’t wobble around when I was cooking.
I also put in a second, smaller grate lower down, to hold the charcoal.
The First Cookout!
And that was it! My very own, handmade brick barbecue grill. It might not be the prettiest thing in the world, but it’s mine, and it works!
I fired it up with some charcoal, threw on some burgers and sausages, and invited the neighbors over for an inaugural cookout.
The food tasted amazing, partly because of the grill, partly because I was so proud of myself for actually building something with my own two hands. There were a few smoky moments, and I definitely learned a thing or two about airflow, but overall, it was a huge success.
So, if you’re thinking about building your own brick barbecue grill, I say go for it! It’s totally doable, even if you’re not a DIY expert. Just take it one step at a time, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and most importantly, have fun with it!
