Okay, here’s a blog post about building a simple brick BBQ, written in the style you described:
Alright, so the weather’s been getting nicer, and I’ve been itching to do some outdoor cooking. I figured, why not build a brick BBQ? It seemed like a fun project, and I could finally have a permanent spot for grilling in my backyard. I’m no expert, but I thought I’d share how I went about it.
Getting Started
First things first, I needed to gather some materials. I did a bit of research and found that I needed a bunch of bricks. The design I had in my mind was a simple rectangle, nothing too fancy. I found some regular clay bricks, about 200 of them, just to be safe. I also needed some mortar mix to stick them together. And, of course, I made sure I had the right tools, like a trowel, a level, and a good pair of gloves.
Laying the Foundation
I started by clearing a spot in my backyard. I wanted a flat, stable area for the BBQ. Then, I dug a shallow pit and filled it with some gravel for drainage. I made sure it was all level. Next, I started laying the first course of bricks. I mixed up the mortar according to the instructions on the bag, and spread a layer on the gravel. Then, I carefully placed the bricks, making sure they were level and aligned. This was the base, so it had to be solid.
Building the Walls
Once the first course was set, I started building up the walls. I applied mortar to the top of each brick and stacked the next course on top. I made sure to stagger the joints for added strength. I kept checking with my level to make sure the walls were straight and plumb. I left some gaps in the lower courses for airflow, which is important for the fire.
Adding the Grill
After a few courses, I needed to think about where the grill would sit. I laid some bricks sideways to create a ledge for the grill grate to rest on. I made sure it was at a comfortable height for cooking. I did the same a few courses higher to create a space for the charcoal.
Finishing Touches
I kept building until the walls were the height I wanted. For the top, I just laid some bricks flat to create a nice surface. I let the whole thing cure for a few days, as the mortar instructions suggested. Once it was dry, I was ready for a test run!
The First Cookout
Finally, the moment of truth! I placed a metal grill grate on the ledge I built, and I started a fire in the charcoal area. It took a bit to get going, but once it did, it was perfect. I threw some burgers and sausages on the grill, and they cooked up beautifully. The heat distribution was great, and the bricks held the heat nicely.
All in all, I’m pretty happy with how it turned out. It wasn’t too hard to build, and it’s a great addition to my backyard. Plus, it didn’t break the bank. I’d say the whole thing cost me around $500 for the materials, maybe a bit less. If you’re thinking about building your own brick BBQ, I say go for it! It’s a rewarding project, and you’ll have a great spot for outdoor cooking for years to come. Just make sure you follow some safety tips from somewhere reliable, you know, to avoid any accidents. Have fun with it!
