Home
How to
DIY
How to build a brick barbecue

❚ All products chosen independently by our writers. We may receive commission via affiliate links. See affiliates FAQs.

How to build a brick barbecue

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Saturday, 9 March 2019 at 11:03 am

Find out how to make a brick barbecue that will last for many years with the help of our step-by-step guide.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecAt Its BestyesyesyesTo Doyesyesyesyesyes**yes

Save

You can't beat the taste of food cooked on an open fire. There's no need to rush to the garden centre to buy an expensive barbecue, though - set aside one day and you can have your own stylish brick barbie for a fraction of the cost of a shop-bought one.

Once you've built your barbecue, why not turn to your hand to building a raised bed or a wooden planter?

Find out how to build a brick barbecue in easy steps.

Our brick barbecue shopping list

You might already have what you need to get started on making your brick barbecue. If you don't, we've done the hard work for you with our handy shopping list.

You Will Need

Barbecue grill set
Bricks
Brick setts
Sand
Cement
Spirit level
Shovel
Trowel
Paving slab
Length of hosepipe

Total time: 1 day

Step 1

Laying out the barbecue bricks

Lay out the first level of bricks for the barbecue using the cooking tray as a guide. Keep as many bricks whole as possible to reduce the need to cut the bricks.

Step 2

Spreading the layer of mortar

Mix five parts sand to one part cement, adding enough water to get a stiff consistency. Check the level of the site before spreading the first layer of mortar, compensating for any changes by adding more mortar.

Step 3

Marking out the edge of the barbecue

Use a spirit level to mark the outer edge of the barbecue in the cement. This provides a straight guideline for laying the first course of bricks. When the first layer of bricks is laid, check the level again, making sure that the corners are at right angles.

Step 4

Inserting a metal tie

Insert a metal tie into the mortar to join the inner wall to the longer wall, giving the finished structure added strength.

Step 5

Laying the bricks

Inserting a metal tie

Start laying the extra courses of bricks, starting at the corners. Stagger the vertical joints alternately to the width of a half brick.

Step 6

Checking the corners are vertically straight

Use a spirit level to check that each of the barbecue's corners are vertically straight. Check from all angles to ensure the finished structure is square.

Step 7

Checking the sides are even

When five courses are complete at each corner, use a length of wood and the spirit level to check that the two sides are even.

Step 8

Building up the walls

Build up walls to seven courses. On the left-hand and inner wall, turn the bricks side-on to create a ledge for the charcoal tray. Create a flush edge by using a half brick at the outer edge. After another three courses add another course side-on to support the grill tray.

Step 9

Using a hosepipe to neaten the joints

To give a more professional finish to the exterior of the barbecue, take a length of hosepipe and draw it along each of the joints. Create a neat edge by adding a final course of brick setts then, when this is finished, check all the levels again.

Step 10

Adding a cement slab to make a work surface

For a handy barbecue work surface, cement a large paving slab on top of the walls.

Choose your grill height

To ensure the barbecue's grill is not too low or too high for you, work out the most practical and comfortable height before you start building.

Don't miss out this Winter

Enjoy expert advice on what to plant and grow this winter, and how to prepare your plot for the year ahead. Enjoy, 6 months for just £31.99

Subscribe now

Great gardening savings - straight to your inbox

Sign up to the BBC Gardeners’ World offers newsletter for exclusive deals, seasonal savings, and early access to special promotions.