BBQ’s are a perfect addition to any garden in the summer and they provide a great occasion to catch up with friends. This project will guide you on how to make a simple and sturdy brick BBQ.
| FAIRPORT KIT | ||
| Tool List | Pointing tool | Wire brush |
| Fairport Mixzr | Metal brick ties | Safety Equipment |
| Barbecue grill set | Trowel | Dust mask |
| Mortar | Bolster chisel | Safety goggles |
| Bricks | Bucket Trowel | Gloves |
| Spirit level | Shovel | |
Step-By-Step With Fairport
Before you Begin
First of all, decide where you would like to build your barbecue. It is important to consider:
1. Location from house – it should be a safe distance away, but it should be close enough to fetch supplies.
2. Comfortable distance away from seating area and combustible items such as fences, sheds and trees.
Building the Barbecue
1. You need a strong base to build your BBQ on. See our guide on How to Build a Patio here, but bear in mind this patio should be made flat instead of sloped.
2. You will need to determine the size of the base you want and this will help establish the number of bricks required for the project. This can be done by mocking up the three sides around the BBQ cooking tray.
3. Make sure the height and width is right for you – BBQ’s are usually 7-9 bricks high, but it’s up to you. Also, if you want to add a warming rack above the cooking tray, the BBQ will need to be made higher.
4. Once you have made your mortar (with sand and cement) you are ready to start building.
5. Place the first layer or of bricks around the barbecue tray to make sure it will be built to the right size. Also, make sure the width is the right size to fit the cooking grill and coal tray in.
6. Once you have built your first layer, use a spirit level to make sure it is level and add a layer of mortar.
TIP: A full length spirit level can be used for this or smaller levels can be balanced on a flat surface such as a piece of wood.
7. Place a metal brick tie over the join between the middle and back walls as this will help support the wall.
8. When building your layers, stagger the joints at each layer, making sure that they are half a brick apart as this will give the wall more strength. Use a pointing tool to fill in the corners and gaps as you build.
9.Every couple of layers, use a spirit level to make sure the brickwork is still straight.
10. Once you are on your last few layers create a ledge for the tray by turning bricks sideways in the left and middle walls. Make sure this is the right height for you.
11. You should wait at least 2 days before using the BBQ and make sure it is covered to if it is forecasted to rain.
TIP: A wire brush can also be used to clean the metalwork after usage.
Now you can enjoy your barbecue!
