Okay, here is my blog post about how I built a brick BBQ pit in my backyard.
I always wanted a nice brick BBQ pit in my backyard, so I finally made it happen. I’m no professional, so I did lots of searching on the internet, and here’s how it went down.
Get The Stuff
First, I got all the stuff I needed. I went to the local hardware store and picked up a bunch of bricks, some concrete, and some mortar. I also grabbed some gravel for the base and some sand to help level things out. Also, a metal grate for the cooking surface. I made sure to get some basic tools, too – a trowel, a level, a shovel, and a wheelbarrow.
Prep The Area
Next, I marked out where the pit was gonna go. I wanted a square shape, so I used some stakes and string to outline it. I dug out the area about 6 inches deep. This took some time and got me a bit sweaty, but it was crucial. Then, I dumped in a layer of gravel and made sure it was packed down tight. I used a hand tamper for this, which was a real workout. After that, I added a layer of sand and leveled it out.
Lay The First Bricks
I mixed up the mortar according to the instructions on the bag. It was like making a thick paste. I started laying the first row of bricks on the sand, making sure they were level. I used the trowel to spread the mortar on the bricks and tapped them into place with the handle. This part was pretty fun, but I had to keep checking the level to make sure everything was straight.
Build It Up
Once the first row was down, I just kept going, adding more rows. I staggered the bricks like you see on walls to make it stronger. I made sure to leave some gaps on the bottom row for air to get in. Between each row, I checked if they were level and made small adjustments with extra mortar or a tap from my hammer. This took some patience, but I got into a rhythm.
Add The Grate
After a few rows, I figured out where the metal grate would sit. I placed some bricks sideways to make a ledge for it to rest on. I made sure it was secure and wouldn’t move around when I’m cooking. This was a crucial step, so I took my time to get it right.
Finish It Off
I kept building up the walls until they were about waist-high. I wanted it tall enough so I wouldn’t have to bend over too much when cooking. Once the walls were done, I used some extra mortar to smooth out the edges and make it look a bit nicer. Then, I let the whole thing dry for a few days. This was the hardest part because I was itching to use it.
Fire It Up
Finally, the day came to test it out. I loaded it up with some charcoal, lit it up, and let it burn for a while to cure the mortar. The first cookout was a success! I grilled some burgers and hot dogs, and they tasted amazing. There’s nothing like food cooked over a real fire.
Building this BBQ pit was a lot of work, but it was totally worth it. Now, I have a great spot to grill and hang out with friends and family. If I can do it, you can too. Just take your time, follow the steps, and enjoy the process. Happy grilling!
