Okay, so I’ve always wanted a proper BBQ grill in my backyard, something more permanent than those flimsy metal ones. I decided to take matters into my own hands and build a brick BBQ grill. Let me tell you, it was a project, but totally worth it!
Planning and Prep
First things first, I spent some time sketching out what I wanted. Nothing fancy, just a basic rectangular shape. I looked up some designs online for inspiration, but mostly stuck to my simple plan. I also checked the local building codes, you know, to make sure I wasn’t breaking any rules.
Then came the fun part – gathering materials! I headed to the local hardware store and picked up:
- Bricks (duh!) – I chose standard red clay bricks.
- Mortar mix – This is the “glue” that holds the bricks together.
- A few metal grates for the cooking surface and the charcoal.
- Some sand and gravel for the foundation.
- Basic tools: trowel, level, shovel, measuring tape, a bucket for mixing mortar.
Building the Foundation
I dug a shallow pit where I wanted the grill, about 6 inches deep. I filled it with a layer of gravel, then a layer of sand, making sure to compact it all down really well. This gives the grill a solid base so it doesn’t shift or crack later on.
Laying the Bricks
This was the most time-consuming part. I mixed the mortar according to the instructions on the bag – not too watery, not too thick, just like Goldilocks’ porridge! Then, I started laying the bricks, one by one, spreading a layer of mortar on the bottom and sides of each brick before placing it.
I used the level constantly to make sure everything was straight and even. It’s super important to get the first layer right, because any mistakes here will get amplified as you build higher.
I left spaces for the charcoal grate and the cooking grate, making sure they would sit securely on the bricks. I also built a small opening at the bottom for airflow – gotta let the charcoal breathe!
Finishing Touches
After all the bricks were laid, I let the mortar dry for a few days. I used a damp sponge to clean off any excess mortar from the bricks, giving it a nice, clean look.
Once everything was dry, I placed the metal grates in their spots. And that was it! My very own, homemade brick BBQ grill.
The First BBQ!
Of course, I had to test it out right away! I loaded it up with charcoal, lit it up, and grilled some burgers and hot dogs. The grill worked perfectly, and the food tasted amazing – maybe it was just the satisfaction of cooking on something I built myself!
It was a lot of work, but seeing the finished product and enjoying that first BBQ made it all worthwhile. If you’re thinking about building your own, I say go for it! Just be prepared to get your hands dirty and be patient – it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
