Okay, guys, so I’ve always wanted a brick BBQ grill in my backyard. You know, the kind you see in movies, where the whole family gathers around for a summer cookout? Yeah, that’s the dream. So, I finally decided to take the plunge and build one myself. I’m no expert, but I’m pretty handy, and I figured, how hard could it be?
First things first, I needed a plan. I spent a few days looking at ideas, sketching out designs, and making lists of materials. I decided to keep it simple, nothing too fancy. Just a basic rectangular structure with a grill grate and a space for charcoal. Once I had a plan I was happy with, I started gathering my materials. I made a trip to the local hardware store and picked up a bunch of bricks, some concrete, and a few other bits and bobs. I also ordered a nice grill grate online. Make sure you got good bricks. I used firebricks ’cause those can handle the heat.
The next step was prepping the area. I chose a nice spot in my backyard, leveled the ground, and laid down a concrete foundation. This was probably the toughest part because I had to make sure everything was perfectly level. I used some wooden forms to keep the concrete in place while it dried. It was a bit of a mess, but I got it done.
Once the foundation was set, I started laying the bricks. Now, this was a new experience for me. I’ve never really worked with bricks before. I started by laying out the first level of bricks, using the cooking tray as a guide. I mixed up some mortar and started stacking them up, one by one. I had to keep checking the level and making sure everything was straight. It was slow going, but I was in no hurry.
Building the Walls
I built up the walls, layer by layer, leaving a space at the front for adding charcoal and a couple of gaps in the walls for airflow. I also left some bricks sticking out on the inside to support the grill grate. It was like putting together a giant, heavy puzzle. The higher I got, the more excited I became. I could actually see my BBQ grill taking shape!
After a few days of hard work, the walls were up. I added a final layer of bricks around the top to give it a finished look. Then, I let the whole thing dry for a few days. I was so antsy to use it but I wanted to ensure the structure was sturdy enough.
Finally, the moment of truth arrived. I placed the grill grate on the supports, added some charcoal, and lit it up. It worked like a charm! The first thing I cooked was some burgers, and they tasted amazing. There’s just something special about food cooked on a grill you built yourself.
- Get some decent bricks
- Make sure you prep the area good
- Lay the bricks out first before you mortar them
- Double check everything’s level as you go
- Just take your time with it
So, that’s my story of building a brick BBQ grill. It was a lot of work, but it was totally worth it. Now, I have a beautiful, functional grill in my backyard, and I can’t wait to host many BBQs for my friends and family. If I can do it, you can too! Just take your time, follow your plan, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Happy grilling!
