Okay, so, I’ve always wanted a nice brick BBQ grill in my backyard, you know? Something sturdy, something that screams “I’m a serious griller.” So, a few weeks ago, I finally decided to take the plunge and build one myself. Let me tell you, it was a journey!
First, I spent hours online, looking at designs. I mean, there are tons of them, right? Finally, I settled on a simple, classic design. Nothing too fancy, just a good, solid, rectangular structure.
Next, I had to gather the materials. I figured I’d need a lot of bricks. Regular bricks would be okay for the outside. But for the inside, I needed firebricks to handle the high heat. I also got some heat-resistant mortar from a brand called Sakrete.
Then came the fun part – the foundation. I dug out a rectangular area in my backyard, making sure it was level. I poured some concrete into the hole. I made a basic deck platform to fit the BBQ grill. This was going to be the base of my grill, so it had to be super solid.
Once the foundation was set, I started laying the bricks. I mixed the mortar according to the instructions – not too wet, not too dry, just right. Row by row, I built up the walls of the grill, constantly checking if everything was level and plumb.
- Digging the foundation – that was a workout!
- Mixing the mortar – got to get the consistency right.
- Laying the bricks – slow and steady wins the race.
The firebricks went inside, forming the firebox. These bricks are denser, which means they hold heat better. I made sure to leave some space for the grill grates.
After a few days of work, the main structure was done. I added some finishing touches, like a little countertop area next to the grill. I also cleaned up any excess mortar, giving the whole thing a nice, neat look. It took some work for sure, but I was really happy with how it was turning out.
The First Cookout
Finally, the moment of truth! I let the mortar cure for a few days, then I fired up the grill for the first time. I threw some burgers and hot dogs on the grates, and they cooked up perfectly. The heat distribution was even, and the flavor was amazing.
Now, I use my brick BBQ grill all the time. It’s become the centerpiece of my backyard, and I love hosting cookouts for my friends and family. It’s not just a grill; it’s a testament to the fact that you can build pretty much anything if you put your mind to it! Building this thing myself was such a rewarding experience. If I can do it, you can too!
