Alright, folks, let’s talk about the time I decided to get all handy and build a brick barbecue grill in my backyard. I’ve always loved the idea of having a proper BBQ setup, not just those flimsy metal things you buy at the store. So, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. This is how it went down.
Getting Started
First things first, I needed a plan. I ain’t no architect, so I sketched something rough on a piece of paper. It was basically a box with a hole for the coals and a grill on top. I wanted something sturdy, something that would last. After looking around, I figured out where I wanted this bad boy to sit in my yard. I made sure it wasn’t too close to the house or any trees – gotta think about safety, you know?
Gathering Supplies
Next up, I went and got all the stuff I needed. This meant a whole bunch of bricks, some mortar mix, sand, and gravel. Oh, and the grill grates themselves. I also borrowed a trowel and a level from my neighbor, old man Jenkins. He’s got every tool you can think of. I made sure to get some gloves too, ’cause I didn’t want to mess up my hands too much.
Laying the Foundation
I started by digging a shallow pit where the grill was gonna be. I made it a bit bigger than the base of the grill. Then, I poured in a layer of gravel and topped it with sand. I used the level to make sure it was all nice and even. This was gonna be the foundation, so it had to be solid.
Building the Walls
Now for the fun part – stacking bricks. I mixed the mortar according to the instructions on the bag. It was kinda like making a giant, messy cake. I started laying the bricks in rows, using the trowel to spread the mortar between them. I kept checking with the level to make sure the walls were straight. It was slow going, but I got into a rhythm. Each brick I put down felt like a little victory.
- First Row: This was the trickiest part. Getting the first row right was crucial.
- Building Up: After the first row, it got easier. I just kept adding rows, making sure to stagger the bricks like you see in walls.
- Leaving Space: I left an opening at the bottom for air to get to the coals and another one higher up for the grill grate.
Finishing Touches
Once the walls were the height I wanted, I let the mortar dry for a couple of days. I ain’t gonna lie; I was pretty proud of myself at this point. It actually looked like a barbecue grill! After it was dry, I placed the grill grates in the space I’d left for them. They fit perfectly.
The First Cookout
Finally, the moment of truth. I invited some friends over for the first cookout. We loaded up the grill with charcoal, got it burning, and threw on some burgers and hot dogs. The grill worked like a charm! The food cooked evenly, and it had that amazing smoky flavor you can only get from a real barbecue.
So, there you have it. That’s how I built my own brick barbecue grill. It was a lot of work, but totally worth it. Now I’ve got a killer grill that’s gonna last for years, and I made it with my own two hands. There’s nothing like the satisfaction of building something yourself, especially when you can cook some mean barbecue on it. If I can do it, anyone can. Just remember to take your time, double-check your work, and don’t be afraid to get a little dirty.
