Homemade Brick Grills
Barbecuing is one event that seems to make everyone happy. Being outdoors and the smell of burning charcoal or wood is invigorating and creates anticipation of the upcoming feast. Not all barbecues are created equally though. Smaller portable grills, while functional, may not be large enough for your family. If you need a larger grill and don't mind a more rustic look, consider building your own brick grill. All you need to know is how to lay down brick. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Place the metal grill on the floor in the exact spot you want your brick grill to be built. Trace the grill with chalk. This will serve as your marker to build around.
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2
Mix the mortar according to the directions on the back of the bag (the directions will indicate the correct water-to-mortar ratio). Use a shovel and a wheelbarrow to mix.
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3
Slather a layer of mortar around the sides and the back of the chalk outline with a trowel. Do not put down any mortar on the front side of the grill. No brick will be placed here and will be left open.
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4
Lay down bricks in pairs while alternating the direction they are placed as you move around the edges of the chalk outline. For example, grab two bricks and lay them down so their long side is facing you. Next, lay down two bricks with their short ends facing you. Continue alternative the bricks' direction as you move along the outer edge. Continue until you've completed a full "U" shape. Use the mortar to adhere each brick to each other.
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5
Slather a layer of mortar on top of the row of bricks you just laid and begin the brick laying process again using the same technique outlined in Step 4. This time, begin by facing the bricks in the opposite direction than the bricks directly below. For example, if the bottom row begins with two bricks with the long side facing you, begin with two short sides facing you. Continue this process until you complete the "U" shape.
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Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until the grill is a comfortable height for you. This is usually at least eight rows of bricks.
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7
Let the mortar dry according to the directions on the back of the mortar mix bag. Drying usually takes a few hours.
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Place the metal grill on top. You're now ready to use your very own homemade brick barbeque.
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Tips & Warnings
You can build a temporary brick fire pit if you're looking for something easier. All you need to do is lay down brick in a circular fashion, at least several rows high while ensuring that there are no spaces between the bricks. Place your fuel (i.e. charcoal, wood, and so forth) inside the pit and place a metal grill on top. No mortar is necessary for this project. Simply dismantle all the bricks when you're done.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit meat on grill image by gajatz from Fotolia.com
