Alright, let’s talk about how I built a barbecue pit with some bricks. I wanted something sturdy and simple, and I figured, why not try it myself? Here’s how it went down.
Planning it Out
First, I sketched out what I wanted the pit to look like. Nothing fancy, just a basic rectangular shape. I figured out how big I wanted it and made a note of the dimensions. Then I headed out to buy some bricks. I got regular bricks that could handle heat.
Getting the Stuff
Besides the bricks, I also picked up some mortar mix and sand, just like they do for brick houses. I didn’t know much about masonry, but I figured these were the basics. I grabbed a trowel, a level, and a bucket for mixing the mortar.
Laying the Foundation
I started by digging a shallow pit where I wanted my barbecue to be. I made sure the ground was level. Then I poured a layer of sand for a base. I don’t know if that was 100% necessary, but I saw some guys do it online.
Building the Walls
Next, I mixed the mortar according to the instructions on the bag—pretty much just adding water until it looked like thick paste. I started laying bricks, spreading mortar between them. I made sure to stagger the bricks for a stronger structure, like you see in walls. I used the level to check if each row was straight. It was a bit messy, but I got the hang of it.
- First Row: This was the trickiest, getting it level and straight.
- More Rows: I built up the walls, row by row, checking the level often.
Finishing Up
I built the walls up to the height I wanted, leaving some gaps at the bottom for air flow. I figured that was important for fire. When I was done with the walls, I let the whole thing sit for a few days to let the mortar cure. I didn’t want it falling apart when I started using it!
First Test Run
After a few days, I made a small fire in the pit to test it out. It worked like a charm! The bricks held up, and the fire burned well. I threw some burgers on a makeshift grill, and they cooked perfectly. Success!
It wasn’t perfect, a bit rough around the edges, but it’s my own DIY barbecue pit. It felt good to build something with my hands and see it work. If I can do it, anyone can. Just gotta be patient and not afraid to get your hands dirty.
