Okay, let’s get this done. Here’s my experience building a brick BBQ pit:
Man, I’ve always wanted a sweet BBQ pit in my backyard. You know, the kind you see in those fancy outdoor cooking shows? Well, I finally decided to just go for it and build one myself. It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be, but it definitely took some work.
First thing I did was to figure out where I wanted this thing. Picked a spot that was far enough from the house but still close to the patio. Safety first, right? Then I sketched out a rough idea of what I wanted it to look like, just a simple rectangular pit. I am not an engineer, just draw what I think is good enough.
Next up, gathering the materials. I headed to the local hardware store and loaded up on regular bricks. The guy at the store told me I need regular bricks and it would be fine. I trust him cause he looks like do this a lot. Oh, and grabbed some mortar mix, too. But make sure the mortar has a heat resistant properties above that of a regular mortar. Sakrete makes a high heat resistant one.
Now for the foundation. I dug a shallow pit, maybe about 6 inches deep, and made sure it was level. This is important, or your whole pit will be wonky. It’s going to be a solid foundation to fit the barbecue. Then I mixed up some concrete and poured it in. I let that set for a couple of days to make sure it was good and solid. You can use paving slabs instead of concrete to make a solid foundation. It’s easier.
Once the foundation was ready, I started laying bricks. I put down a layer of mortar, placed a brick, tapped it with the handle of my trowel, and kept going. I used a level to make sure each row was straight. It was kinda like playing with giant, heavy LEGOs. Row by row, my pit started to take shape.
My Simple Steps
- Decide the location and size of your pit.
- Draw a draft on paper.
- Gather tools and materials including bricks and mortar.
- Dig and pour the foundation.
- Lay bricks with mortar.
- Wait for it to dry.
After all the bricks were laid, I let the mortar cure for a few days. Then came the fun part – firing up the grill! I threw some charcoal in there, lit it up, and cooked up some burgers and hot dogs. They tasted amazing, probably because I was so proud of my handiwork.
Building a BBQ pit was a fun project. It took some time and effort, but it was totally worth it. Now I’ve got a killer spot to grill out with friends and family. If you’re thinking about building one, I say go for it! Just be prepared to get your hands dirty and have some fun. And make sure you have someone to share your BBQ with!
