How To Build An Outdoor Brick Bbq Pit

Building an outdoor brick BBQ pit is a great way to add value to your home and enjoy delicious grilled food all year round. While it may seem like a daunting task, it's actually quite simple if you follow these step-by-step instructions.

Materials You'll Need:

Firebricks
Mortar
Concrete blocks
Gravel
Rebar
Fire pit grate
Chimney
Level
Measuring tape
Trowel
Hammer
Safety glasses

Step 1: Choose a Location

The first step is to choose a suitable location for your BBQ pit. It should be in a well-ventilated area away from any trees or buildings. Make sure the ground is level and well-drained.

Step 2: Excavate the Area

Once you've chosen a location, you need to excavate the area. The size of the excavation will depend on the size of your BBQ pit. However, it's generally a good idea to make it at least 2 feet deep and 3 feet wide.

Step 3: Lay the Gravel Base

Once the area has been excavated, you need to lay a gravel base. This will help to drain water away from the BBQ pit and prevent the ground from freezing underneath it.

Step 4: Build the Concrete Block Base

The next step is to build the concrete block base. This will provide a solid foundation for your BBQ pit. Start by laying a course of concrete blocks around the perimeter of the excavation. Then, fill in the center with more concrete blocks.

Step 5: Build the Firebox

The firebox is the heart of the BBQ pit. It's where the fire will burn and the food will be cooked. To build the firebox, you need to line the inside of the concrete block base with firebricks. Make sure the firebricks are laid in a staggered pattern and that the joints are mortared.

Step 6: Install the Fire Pit Grate

Once the firebox is complete, you need to install the fire pit grate. This will support the food while it's cooking. Make sure the grate is level and that it's positioned correctly over the fire.

Step 7: Build the Chimney

The chimney is essential for venting smoke and heat away from the BBQ pit. To build the chimney, you need to stack firebricks on top of the firebox. Make sure the bricks are laid in a staggered pattern and that the joints are mortared.

Step 8: Finish the BBQ Pit

Once the chimney is complete, you can finish the BBQ pit by adding a cap to the top and mortaring the joints between the bricks. You can also add a grill or other accessories to customize your BBQ pit.

Tips:

When laying the firebricks, make sure to use a high-temperature mortar.
Reinforce the firebox with rebar to prevent it from cracking.
Allow the mortar to dry completely before using the BBQ pit.
Never leave a fire unattended.
Clean the BBQ pit regularly to prevent grease buildup.

Building an outdoor brick BBQ pit is a rewarding project that can be enjoyed by the whole family. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can create a beautiful and functional BBQ pit that will last for years to come.