Okay, so I’ve always wanted a cool brick BBQ setup in my backyard, you know, for those awesome summer cookouts and stuff. I finally got around to building one, and let me tell you, it was quite the project, but totally worth it! I used a brick BBQ kit with bricks and thought I’d share my experience.
Getting Started
First things first, I did some window shopping for a good BBQ kit. I mean, “With the right tools and materials,” you can make anything happen, right? I grabbed a kit that came with all the metal parts like the grill and the charcoal tray, but it was up to me to supply the bricks.
Choosing the Bricks
Now, about those bricks. They say, “Any type of brick will suffice for the structure of a grill but firebrick is the most desirable to line the inside.” Makes sense. “Firebrick will withstand very high temperatures and is denser than most bricks allowing it to hold the heat.” I lined the inside with firebricks ’cause I wanted this thing to last and hold heat like a champ.
Figuring Out the Size
I had to figure out how big to make this thing. “Once you know how big your grill set is you can work out how many bricks you’ll need for the BBQ.” My grill set was around 700mm x 400mm, which is a pretty standard size. I did some quick math and started laying out the base. I figured out how many bricks I needed for each layer and started stacking.
Laying the Foundation
I started by digging a shallow pit and filling it with concrete for a solid foundation. Gotta make sure it’s level, or the whole thing will be wonky! Once the concrete dried, I started laying the first layer of bricks. I used a trowel to spread the mortar and started placing the bricks, making sure to leave space for the ash tray and the charcoal tray.
Building Up
Layer by layer, I built up the walls. I made sure to stagger the bricks like you see on buildings. This makes the structure stronger. I kept checking with a level to make sure everything was straight. “Follow along with us in this step-by-step guide so you can feel confident in building your very own brick barbecue,” they said. And I felt like a pro!
- First layer: Laid out the base, leaving space for the ash tray.
- Second layer: Started building up the walls, staggering the bricks.
- Third layer: Inserted the metal brackets for the charcoal tray.
- Fourth and fifth layers: Continued building up, making sure everything was level.
- Sixth layer: Placed the brackets for the grill.
Finishing Touches
After getting the main structure up, I added a couple more layers for the cooking area. I placed the grill on top and made sure it was secure. I also added a little side shelf with some extra bricks for a place to put my BBQ tools and sauces. It added a nice personal touch. This way when I use the open-flame to cook, it will retain more nutrients.
The First Cookout
Man, the first time I fired it up, it was awesome! The bricks held the heat really well, and the food cooked evenly. “Retains nutrients: When cooking using open-flame methods,” that’s what they say, and I think it’s true. Everyone loved the smoky flavor, and it felt great to enjoy the fruits of my labor. We had burgers, hot dogs, and even some grilled veggies. It all tasted amazing!
Building this brick BBQ was a fun project. It took some time and effort, but it was totally worth it. Now I have a killer spot for summer cookouts, and I can say I built it myself. If you’re thinking about it, just go for it! It’s a great addition to any backyard.
