How to Build a BBQ Pit Using Bricks or Cinder Blocks
Build your own barbecue pit with fireproof bricks or blocks to have a fun cooking and recreational area in your yard. There are several steps to make this basic barbecue pit, but the overall project will be done in less than one day. Larger bricks or blocks take less time to assemble than small paving bricks. Choose the style that fits best into your landscape design. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Shovel
- Rake
- Metal fire-ring insert
- Fireproof bricks or blocks
- Spade
- Rubber mallet
- Gravel
- Masonry adhesive
Instructions
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1
Dig out sod or vegetative growth from the area where you are building the fire pit. Smooth the ground with a rake, and then set the metal fire-ring insert in the desired location. Trace around the outside of the ring with the edge of a shovel or mark the ground with chalk 1 to 2 inches from the metal ring.
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2
Remove the fire-ring and set a ring of brick or blocks around the outside of the marked ring. Push the bricks or blocks snugly together to get an accurate fit. The last block may require cutting to fit snugly in the space.
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3
Mark the outside edge of the bricks or blocks with a chalk line or by cutting into the soil with a sharp spade. Remove the bricks or blocks from the ring. You now have an inside and outside marking for the fire ring.
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4
Dig a 12-inch-deep trench between the two ring markings, using a sharp spade. Square the bottom of the trench the best you can. Fit the blocks or bricks into the trench in the same pattern as you did on the ground to verify that the trench is the correct size. Pound the blocks with a rubber mallet if you have trouble making them fit. Remove additional soil, if needed.
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5
Remove 6 inches of soil from the center of the ring and discard. Remove the blocks or bricks from the trench and set them outside the ring. Pour about 2 inches of gravel into the trench and stomp it with your foot.
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6
Fit the first layer of bricks back into the trench. Fit a second layer on top of the first, making sure the second layer of bricks or blocks overlaps the seams on the first layer. Cut the last block to make it fit, if needed. Remove the second layer of bricks or blocks; set the bricks or blocks next to the edge of the trench.
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7
Apply a masonry adhesive to about four blocks or bricks and install the second layer on top of the adhesive. Work three to four blocks at a time, as the adhesive dries quickly, until the second layer is complete.
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8
Repeat this process with each layer until the brick or block ring is at least 24 inches tall.
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9
Fit the metal fire-ring insert inside the brick or block ring and pound the edge with a rubber mallet to push the bottom edge about 1 inch into the soil. Fill any space between the insert and brick ring with gravel. Pour about 6 inches of gravel into the open area of the metal insert and stomp it with your foot to compact.
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10
Lay a metal barbecue cooking grate over the top of the brick ring so it rests on all edges.
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Tips & Warnings
Measure the width of the blocks and calculate the approximate number needed to make a ring that is a minimum of 3-feet-wide and about 2-feet-tall. Purchase five to 10 extra blocks or bricks, and keep the receipt to return them if you do not use them.
Choose blocks or bricks that are heat-resistant.
Purchase the metal insert and cooking grate at a camping supply store.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
