This summer why not build your own outdoor brick BBQ and enjoy knowing that you’ve created it with your own hands? You’ll save yourself hundreds of dollars as well – we take a look at what’s involved.
Step 1. Choose a site
Choosing your BBQ site is all important. The ideal site should be flattish, have wind protection and set away from bushes and shrubs. You’ll also want it to be reasonably near your kitchen so you don’t have to make a big trek with food.
Step 2. Laying the foundations
Mark out the area of the BBQ using four corner pegs and a string line, we suggest a rectangle of approx. 1400mm x 900mm. Double check that the opposite sides are equal in length and that the diagonal distances match. Dig out the rectangle to 10 cm deep and insert edging boards and pegs ensuring all is level. Lay some steel mesh for reinforcement and then pour on ready mix cement. Level it off with a piece of timber, using a levelling tool to make sure it’s all the same height. Leave this to dry for a week, covering with a plastic sheet, then take out edging boards.
Step 3. Lay the bricks
Next you’ll need some bricks. It’s best to source these second hand to save yourself money. Flat wide bricks are good because you can layer them up and put cement in between each layer to make it secure. (If you don’t want a permanent fixture in your backyard then forgo Step 1 and Step 2 and cementing in between each layer).
Using a builder’s square, test that each corner is square. To keep the structure even, mark with a string line and pegs. Keep laying bricks until you reach the height you want, and then start laying a brick surround to contain the coal or wood. You may want to consider using a tray to keep the fuel contained and the area easier to keep clean.
Step 4. Mounting the grill
Keep building up the surround area, one to two layers of bricks higher than than the fuel, so you can mount the grill, then build a further one to two layers of brick above the grill to provide an enclosure for the cooking space.
Step 5. Firing it up
All that remains now is to start the fire, and pop on your meat of choice once the flames have settled and the heat is consistent. You can always adjust the positioning of the grill if the food is too far away from the heat.
For more information visit Adventure Rob and Bunnings.