Okay, here is my sharing about how to build a brick barbecue pit:
So, I’ve always wanted a cool spot in my backyard for grilling, and I figured, why not build a brick barbecue pit? It seemed like a fun project, and I was itching to get my hands dirty. Here’s how it went down.
Gathering My Stuff
First things first, I needed to gather all my materials. I made a list and hit up the local hardware store. I grabbed a bunch of bricks, some concrete mix, and a few wooden boards for making forms. I already had some basic tools like a shovel, trowel, and a level, so I was good to go on that front. Oh, and I made sure to get some gloves – didn’t want to mess up my hands too much.
Prepping the Area
Next up, I had to prep the area where the pit was going. I picked a nice, flat spot in my backyard and cleared out all the grass and dirt. I dug a shallow pit, maybe about six inches deep, and made sure it was level. This was going to be the foundation of my barbecue pit, so I wanted it to be solid.
Laying the Foundation
With the area prepped, I mixed up some concrete and poured it into the pit. I used the wooden boards to create a form around the edges to keep the concrete in place. Once the concrete was in, I smoothed it out with my trowel and let it set for a couple of days. Patience is key here – you don’t want to rush this part.
Building the Walls
Once the foundation was solid, it was time to start building the walls. I started laying bricks around the edge of the foundation, using a layer of mortar to hold them together. I made sure to stagger the bricks for extra strength – like those brick walls you see in old buildings. It was a bit slow going, but I took my time to make sure each brick was level and secure.
I built up the walls layer by layer, checking with my level every now and then to keep things straight. I decided to go about three feet high, which seemed like a good height for grilling. I also left a few gaps between the bricks on the bottom layer for airflow. You know, to keep the fire happy.
Adding the Grills
When my walls were set, I needed a spot for the charcoal and the food. So I added a couple of metal grates inside. One grate sits lower for the charcoal, and another sits on top for the food. I made sure to secure them with some extra bricks and mortar so they wouldn’t go anywhere.
Finishing Touches
After all the bricks were in place and the mortar was dry, I gave everything a good once-over. I filled in any gaps with extra mortar and smoothed out any rough edges. I wanted it to look nice and neat, you know? And of course, I cleaned up all my tools and the area around the pit.
First Cookout
Finally, the moment of truth – the first cookout! I loaded up the bottom grate with charcoal, got it lit, and let it get nice and ashy. Then I put some burgers and hot dogs on the top grate and got to grilling. It worked like a charm! The airflow was perfect, and the food cooked evenly. Plus, it just felt awesome to be grilling on something I built myself.
So yeah, that’s how I built my brick barbecue pit. It was a bit of work, but totally worth it. Now I’ve got a killer spot for summer cookouts, and I can proudly say, “I made that.” If you’re thinking about doing something similar, go for it! Just take your time, follow the steps, and enjoy the process. Happy grilling!
