Plans for Making a Square Barbeque Pit

Build a barbecue pit in the backyard according to city ordinances.

A square barbecue pit provides an area to barbecue and also an area to enjoy a fire. The pit is also a practical location to burn leaves and sticks or limbs that have fallen in the yard. Decide on the dimensions of the barbecue pit and what type of liner to use before beginning the project. The process to build a square barbecue pit is not difficult but is labor intensive. Make sure to check with the city for any local rules or regulations on building barbecue pits within the city limits.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Marker spray paint
• Shovel
• Gravel or river rock
• Large rocks or firebrick
• Mortar
• Cement trowel
• Level

Instructions

1. Measure the dimensions for a barbecue pit in the desired location. Mark the area using marker spray paint. Marker spray paint is a special paint designed for marking areas on the ground. Minimal dimensions for a square barbecue pit is 4-by-4 feet.

2. Use a shovel and dig out the ground inside the marked area. Dig the pit to the desired depth. Make sure the sides are straight to provide easy placement of the pit liner. Minimal depth of a barbecue pit is 2 feet.

3. Place 2 to 4 inches of gravel or river rock in the bottom of the pit to form the bed.

4. Mix the mortar. Build the liner or walls of the barbecue pit with large stone or firebrick. Set the first row of stone placing mortar between the stones to hold them together. Use a cement trowel to apply the mortar to the edge of the firebrick. Remove any excess mortar with the edge of the cement trowel.

5. Spread a layer of mortar over one side of the first layer. Place mortar on the edge of the firebrick and set into place on the spread mortar. Repeat the process to make the second layer. Use a level periodically to make sure the layer is level. Remove extra mortar from the surface of the firebrick with the edge of the cement trowel. Tap any uneven firebrick into the spread mortar to level. Repeat the process until the line is complete. Let the liner dry for 24 to 48 hours.

6. Backfill the void area between the liner wall and the surrounding ground. Use black dirt and/or gravel.

7. Lay a ring of large stone or brick around the circumference of the barbecue pit. The above-ground ring will mark the area to help avoid accidents. Wait a minimum of one week after building the barbecue pit before using to allow the mortar sufficient time to harden.

Tips & Warnings

• Build a wall around the barbecue pit at least 1 1/2-feet tall. This will help prevent accidents, especially for small children. The wall will also help contain the sparks or embers from the fire. This helps to prevent unwanted fires.

References

• Gary's BBQ Pit: Build Your Own BBQ Pit
• Mother Earth News: Backyard Barbecue Pit