Man, building a brick BBQ pit was a real adventure, let me tell you! I’ve always been a big fan of grilling, and I’d been dreaming of having a permanent setup in my backyard for years. So, I finally decided to take the plunge and build one myself.
First off, I spent a good chunk of time just figuring out the size and design. I measured out the space in my yard where I wanted it to go and sketched up a few different ideas. I knew I needed it to be big enough for my grill set, which is about 700mm x 400mm. After some quick calculations, I figured I’d need around 100 to 120 standard bricks to make it happen.
Once I had a plan, I headed to the local hardware store and loaded up on bricks. I chose some nice, sturdy ones that I thought would look good and hold up well against the weather. Then came the fun part—laying the foundation. I dug out a shallow trench and filled it with a layer of gravel for drainage, then topped it with concrete. This was crucial to make sure the whole thing would be stable.
With the foundation set, I started stacking the bricks. I mixed up some mortar and carefully laid each brick, making sure to keep everything level and even. It was slow going, but seeing it take shape was super satisfying. I built the walls up course by course, leaving an opening in the front for the firebox and another one on top for the grill grates.
- Laying the Bricks: I took my time with this, making sure each brick was properly aligned and secured with mortar.
- Creating the Firebox: I left a space at the bottom front of the structure for the firebox. This is where the charcoal or wood would go.
- Adding the Grill Grates: I made sure to leave enough space at the top for the grill grates to sit comfortably.
After the main structure was up, I added a few finishing touches. I built a small chimney at the back to help with smoke ventilation. And I even added a little side shelf for extra prep space. It took a few weekends of work, but finally, my brick BBQ pit was complete!
Maintenance
Now, a big part of having a brick BBQ pit is keeping it in good shape. I usually give it a good cleaning after each heavy cooking session, or at least twice a week. I use a grill brick to scrub down the grates and the inside of the firebox. This helps to get rid of any built-up grease and grime. It’s also important to weatherproof the whole thing. Regular cleaning prevents rust and other damage, extending the life of my grill significantly. It’s a bit of work, but it’s totally worth it to keep my BBQ pit looking and working great.
Honestly, building this BBQ pit was one of the most rewarding DIY projects I’ve ever done. There’s nothing quite like firing it up and cooking a delicious meal for friends and family. It’s become the centerpiece of my backyard, and I know it’ll be there for many years of grilling to come!
