Introduction

Nothing beats the satisfaction of enjoying grilled meals with friends and family in your backyard. Building an outdoor barbeque yourself not only saves money, but it also adds a unique personalized touch to your outdoor space. Follow these steps to build your own outdoor barbeque and get ready to host unforgettable gatherings.

Materials and Tools Needed

– Concrete blocks

– Mortar mix

– Metal grill grates

– Gravel

– Bricks

– Shovel

– Measuring tape

– Bucket or wheelbarrow for mixing mortar

– Trowel

– Mason’s hammer

– Level

– Brick jointer

Step 1: Plan and Prepare the Area

Choose a suitable location for your outdoor barbeque, ideally on a flat surface away from flammable materials, such as plants or wooden structures. Consider the wind direction when choosing the area, as you don’t want smoke blowing into your house or patio.

Step 2: Create the Foundation

Dig a trench about 6 inches deep and fill it with gravel, creating a solid base for the concrete blocks. Compact the gravel by pressing it down evenly to prevent potential shifting of the blocks. Ensure that the trench dimensions match the planned size of your barbeque.

Step 3: Lay the First Course of Concrete Blocks

Prepare the mortar mix according to the package instructions. Start laying concrete blocks in the trench, applying a generous layer of mortar under each block using a trowel. Check each block for levelness and adjust as needed. Continue laying blocks until the foundation course is complete and let it dry overnight.

Step 4: Build the Barbeque Walls

Build up courses of concrete blocks, applying mortar between each layer and on each side. Stagger each layer so that it overlaps with the one below it to strengthen your structure. Ensure that each level is straight and even by using a level. Leave open spaces on either side of the bottom layer for ventilation.

Step 5: Add Bricks for the Cooking Surface

Lay another layer of mortar and position bricks so that they form a flat surface for the further layers. Ensure that this layer is straight and level as it will serve as the base for the grill grates.

Step 6: Install Grill Grates

Place metal grill grates across the bricks to create your cooking surface. You may need to cut them to size using a mason’s hammer if they don’t fit perfectly.

Step 7: Finish Your Barbeque

Once your structure is complete, use a brick jointer to smooth out the mortar joints and give your barbeque a polished appearance. Allow the mortar to cure for several days before using it. This ensures that it’s strong enough to support the heat from your grill.

Conclusion

With just a few materials and some elbow grease, you can build an outdoor barbeque that will be perfect for gatherings around good food with friends and family. Enjoy the satisfaction that comes from crafting a functional and attractive addition to your backyard!