How to Build a Brick BBQ with Chimney (Step-by-Step Guide)

How to Build a Brick BBQ with Chimney

Summer is coming, and what could be better than spending a warm afternoon grilling out with friends and family? If you’re looking for a way to up your grilling game, consider building your own brick BBQ with chimney. A brick BBQ is a great way to show off your DIY skills, and it’s also a more affordable option than buying a pre-made grill.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of building a brick BBQ with chimney. We’ll provide detailed instructions and tips, so you can be confident in your ability to complete the project. So what are you waiting for? Get started on your own brick BBQ today!

Step Materials Instructions
1
  • 800 bricks
  • Mortar
  • Chimney bricks
  • Chimney cap
  • Grate
  • Ash dump
  • Drip pan
  • Firewood
  1. Lay out the foundation of your barbecue in brick.
  2. Build the walls of your barbecue, leaving a space for the chimney.
  3. Install the chimney bricks and cap.
  4. Install the grate, ash dump, and drip pan.
  5. Fill the barbecue with firewood and light it.
2
  • Safety goggles
  • Gloves
  • Work boots
  • Hammer
  • Level
  • Brick trowel
  • Mortar hoe
  • Shovel
  1. Wear safety goggles, gloves, and work boots.
  2. Level the foundation of your barbecue.
  3. Use a hammer and brick trowel to lay the bricks.
  4. Use a mortar hoe to spread the mortar.
  5. Use a shovel to fill the drip pan with water.
3
  • Patience
  • Strength
  • Skill
  1. Be patient as you build your barbecue.
  2. Use your strength to lift and move the bricks.
  3. Use your skill to lay the bricks evenly and level.

A brick BBQ with chimney is a great way to add a touch of rustic charm to your backyard. It’s also a very efficient way to cook food, as the chimney helps to draw smoke away from the food, resulting in a more evenly cooked meal.

This guide will walk you through the steps of building a brick BBQ with chimney. We’ll provide detailed instructions on how to choose the right materials, lay out the bricks, and construct the chimney.

By following these steps, you can build a beautiful and functional brick BBQ that will be the envy of your neighbors.

Materials and Tools

The following materials are required to build a brick BBQ with chimney:

  • Bricks
  • Mortar
  • Chimney pipe
  • Firebox
  • Smokestack
  • Lintel
  • Door
  • Grate
  • Tools

Bricks

The type of bricks you use will depend on the look you’re going for. You can use standard red bricks, or you can opt for more decorative bricks, such as reclaimed bricks or face bricks.

Mortar

Mortar is used to hold the bricks together. You can use a pre-mixed mortar, or you can mix your own mortar using sand and Portland cement.

Chimney pipe

The chimney pipe is the flue that carries smoke away from the firebox. You can purchase a pre-made chimney pipe, or you can build your own using clay tiles.

Firebox

The firebox is the area where the fire is built. It should be made of firebricks, which are specially designed to withstand high temperatures.

Smokestack

The smokestack is the vertical portion of the chimney that extends above the roof. It helps to draw smoke away from the firebox and prevents it from blowing back into the house.

Lintel

The lintel is the horizontal beam that supports the weight of the bricks above the firebox. It should be made of a strong material, such as steel or concrete.

Door

The door is used to access the firebox. It should be made of a heat-resistant material, such as metal or ceramic.

Grate

The grate is the metal grid that sits in the firebox and supports the food. It should be made of a material that can withstand high temperatures.

Tools

The following tools are required to build a brick BBQ with chimney:

  • Brick trowel
  • Mason’s hammer
  • Level
  • Tape measure
  • Chalk line
  • Shovel
  • Wheelbarrow
  • Saw
  • Drill
  • Sander
  • Safety glasses
  • Gloves

Steps

The following steps will walk you through the process of building a brick BBQ with chimney:

1. Choose a location for your BBQ. The ideal location for a BBQ is in a well-ventilated area, away from overhanging trees or other structures that could catch fire.
2. Prepare the site. Remove any vegetation or debris from the area where you will be building the BBQ. Level the ground and dig a trench for the foundation.
3. Lay the foundation. The foundation should be at least 12 inches deep and 6 inches wide. It should be made of concrete or compacted gravel.
4. Build the firebox. The firebox is the area where the fire will be built. It should be made of firebricks and should be at least 3 feet wide and 2 feet deep.
5. Build the chimney. The chimney should be at least 4 feet tall and should be made of a fire-resistant material, such as clay tiles.
6. Install the lintel. The lintel is the horizontal beam that supports the weight of the bricks above the firebox. It should be made of a strong material, such as steel or concrete.
7. Install the door. The door is used to access the firebox. It should be made of a heat-resistant material, such as metal or ceramic.
8. Install the grate. The grate is the metal grid that sits in the firebox and supports the food. It should be made of a material that can withstand high temperatures.
9. Finish the BBQ. You can finish the BBQ by adding a sealant to the bricks to protect them from the elements. You can also add a decorative trim or other embellishments to personalize the BBQ.

Building a brick BBQ with chimney is a relatively straightforward project that can be completed in a few days. By following these steps, you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor cooking

Lay the Foundation

The first step in building a brick BBQ with chimney is to lay the foundation. This will ensure that the BBQ is stable and will not tip over. The foundation should be at least 12 inches thick and made of concrete.

To lay the foundation, first dig a trench that is 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide. The trench should be long enough to accommodate the length of the BBQ.

Once the trench is dug, place a layer of gravel in the bottom. The gravel will help to drain water away from the foundation and prevent it from becoming saturated.

Next, mix concrete according to the package directions. Pour the concrete into the trench and level it with a trowel.

Allow the concrete to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Build the Firebox

The firebox is the heart of the BBQ. It is where the wood will be burned to create heat. The firebox should be made of firebricks.

To build the firebox, first lay a row of firebricks on the foundation. The firebricks should be laid in a staggered pattern so that they interlock.

Once the first row of firebricks is laid, add another row of firebricks on top of it. Continue adding rows of firebricks until the firebox is the desired height.

The firebox should be at least 12 inches deep and 24 inches wide. The height of the firebox will depend on the size of the BBQ.

Once the firebox is built, it is time to add the chimney.

Build the Chimney

The chimney is necessary to vent the smoke from the firebox. The chimney should be made of clay bricks.

To build the chimney, first lay a row of clay bricks on the firebox. The clay bricks should be laid in a staggered pattern so that they interlock.

Once the first row of clay bricks is laid, add another row of clay bricks on top of it. Continue adding rows of clay bricks until the chimney is the desired height.

The chimney should be at least 3 feet tall. The height of the chimney will depend on the size of the BBQ.

Once the chimney is built, it is time to attach the BBQ grill.

Attach the BBQ Grill

The BBQ grill is the top part of the BBQ. It is where the food will be cooked. The BBQ grill should be made of stainless steel.

To attach the BBQ grill, first place it on top of the firebox. The BBQ grill should be centered on the firebox.

Once the BBQ grill is in place, secure it with screws.

The BBQ grill should be at least 12 inches wide and 24 inches deep. The size of the BBQ grill will depend on the size of the BBQ.

Once the BBQ grill is attached, it is time to fire up the BBQ and cook some delicious food!

How to Build a Brick BBQ with Chimney?

Q: What are the materials I need to build a brick BBQ with chimney?

A: You will need the following materials:

  • Bricks (about 1,000)
  • Mortar
  • Concrete
  • Rebar
  • Asphalt shingles
  • A metal firebox
  • A chimney pipe
  • A spark arrestor
  • A door for the firebox
  • A grill grate
  • A chimney cap

Q: What are the steps involved in building a brick BBQ with chimney?

A: The steps involved in building a brick BBQ with chimney are as follows:

1. Dig a foundation. The foundation should be about 12 inches deep and 12 inches wider than the footprint of the BBQ.
2. Pour concrete in the foundation. The concrete should be about 4 inches thick.
3. Install rebar in the concrete. The rebar should be about 1 inch in diameter and spaced about 12 inches apart.
4. Build the firebox. The firebox should be made of firebricks. It should be about 3 feet wide, 2 feet deep, and 3 feet high.
5. Install the metal firebox. The metal firebox should be placed inside the firebrick firebox. It should be about 2 feet wide, 1 foot deep, and 2 feet high.
6. Build the chimney. The chimney should be made of bricks. It should be about 4 feet tall and 12 inches in diameter.
7. Install the chimney pipe. The chimney pipe should be placed inside the chimney. It should be about 3 feet long and 6 inches in diameter.
8. Install the spark arrestor. The spark arrestor should be placed at the top of the chimney. It will help to prevent sparks from escaping the chimney.
9. Install the door for the firebox. The door for the firebox should be made of metal. It should be about 2 feet wide and 1 foot high.
10. Install the grill grate. The grill grate should be made of metal. It should be about 2 feet wide and 1 foot deep.
11. Install the chimney cap. The chimney cap should be made of metal. It will help to protect the chimney from the elements.

Q: What are some tips for building a brick BBQ with chimney?

A: Here are some tips for building a brick BBQ with chimney:

  • Use a level to make sure that the foundation is level.
  • Use a plumb bob to make sure that the chimney is plumb.
  • Use a saw to cut the bricks to the correct size.
  • Use mortar to hold the bricks together.
  • Allow the mortar to dry completely before using the BBQ.

Q: What are some common problems with brick BBQs with chimneys?

A: Some common problems with brick BBQs with chimneys include:

  • The chimney may not be plumb.
  • The chimney may leak.
  • The firebox may not be deep enough.
  • The grill grate may not be the right size.

Q: How can I troubleshoot problems with my brick BBQ with chimney?

A: If you are having problems with your brick BBQ with chimney, here are some things you can do to troubleshoot the problem:

  • Check to make sure that the chimney is plumb.
  • Check to make sure that the chimney is not leaking.
  • Check to make sure that the firebox is deep enough.
  • Check to make sure that the grill grate is the right size.

If you are still having problems, you may need to contact a professional for help.

In this comprehensive guide, we have discussed how to build a brick BBQ with chimney. We started by discussing the materials and tools you will need. Then, we walked you through the steps of building the base, the firebox, the chimney, and the cooking grate. We also provided tips on how to make your BBQ look and function its best. By following these steps, you can build a beautiful and functional brick BBQ that will be the envy of your friends and family.

Here are some key takeaways from this guide:

  • When choosing a location for your BBQ, make sure it is level and has good drainage.
  • The base of your BBQ should be at least 8 inches thick and made of solid materials.
  • The firebox should be at least 2 feet wide and 3 feet deep.
  • The chimney should be at least 3 feet tall and should extend at least 1 foot above the highest point of your BBQ.
  • The cooking grate should be made of a material that is heat resistant and easy to clean.
  • Be sure to follow all safety precautions when building your BBQ.

With a little planning and effort, you can build a brick BBQ that will provide you with years of enjoyment.

Author Profile

Kelsey Hammons
Kelsey Hammons
I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

Similar Posts