Complete Guide to Building a Brick BBQ Grill at Home

Brick BBQ grills are becoming a common choice for home outdoor cooking.

It is built to last, handles high heat well, and keeps a clean, classic style year after year. A lot of people choose a DIY brick BBQ for its main benefits: simple grilling, better heat control, and a space that naturally pulls people together.

The guide below explains how to build a brick BBQ grill at home.

Prepare the Ground

A brick BBQ needs a stable, non-shifting base. Rushing ground work leads to cracks and a lopsided grill later, so take time here.

1. Choose a Flat Spot

   

   A well-maintained, flat lawn bordered by a wooden fence, surrounded by lush greenery, showcasing a serene outdoor space

Pick an area with solid soil, good drainage, and open airflow. Stay a safe distance from fences, sheds, and anything that can burn.

2. Mark the Footprint

Use stakes and string to outline the BBQ size. A common starter size for a backyard build is about 150 to 180 cm wide and 60 to 75 cm deep. Mark a rectangle a bit larger than the final grill so there is room for clean edges.

3. Check Level and Slope

Lay a long, straight board on the ground and set a spirit level on top. If the spot slopes, plan to dig deeper on the high side so the base ends up flat.

3. Dig Out the Base Area

   

   A freshly dug rectangular hole in a lawn, prepared as a base area for a new project, surrounded by lush green grass and bordered by a wooden fence.

Remove grass and topsoil. Dig down about 15 to 20 cm for a small to medium BBQ. Go deeper if the soil feels soft or sandy. Keep the bottom as even as possible.

4. Compact the Soil

Tap the bottom firmly using a hand tamper or a heavy flat tool. A tight, packed surface prevents settling.

5. Add a Gravel Layer

Pour in 5 to 8 cm of crushed gravel. Rake it level, then tamp again. Gravel helps drainage and keeps the concrete from cracking in wet seasons.

6. Build a Simple Form

   

   A freshly constructed wooden frame is set on a lush green lawn, outlining a newly prepared garden bed, ready for planting.

Use straight planks to create a wooden frame around the dug area. Screw or nail the planks so the form holds shape. Check the level on all sides.

7. Recheck Dimensions and Level

Measure diagonals from corner to corner. Matching diagonals means the form is square. Adjust before pouring concrete.

A neatly constructed concrete base is set in a well-maintained lawn, bordered by a wooden fence.

After the groundwork is done, the site is ready for a concrete base that can carry the weight of the brick grill without shifting.

Build the Base and Firebox

Concrete base is done, so brickwork comes next. Lower courses form the support, while the center section becomes the firebox.

Since the firebox faces direct flame, the brick choice and spacing need a bit more care.

1. Dry Lay the First Course

   Place bricks on the slab without mortar to confirm the layout. Leave a clear center space for the firebox. Aim for straight lines and even spacing. Adjust now, before any mortar goes down.

   
   

2. Mix Mortar and Set the First Course

   

   Laying the foundation for a new project, the first course of brickwork is set on a concrete base within a neatly maintained garden space.

   Spread a 1 to 2 cm bed of mortar, then set bricks back into position. Press each brick down and tap lightly with a rubber mallet. Check the level every few bricks. A clean first row keeps later rows aligned.

   
   

3. Build Base Walls to Firebox Height

   Add courses with staggered joints, meaning each brick sits centered over the seam below. Keep mortar joints consistent. Scrape off excess mortar from faces as work goes on, so cleanup stays easy.

   
   

4. Form the Firebox Area

   Firebox sits in the center. Build two parallel inner walls to frame it, leaving a gap wide enough for charcoal and airflow. For a typical backyard BBQ, a firebox width of around 60 to 70 cm works well.

   
   

5. Use Heat Safe Brick Inside the Firebox

   Line the inner firebox walls with fire bricks or refractory bricks. Standard clay bricks often crack under repeated high heat. Set fire bricks with refractory mortar, or any high-heat mortar rated for fireplaces.

   
   

6. Leave Airflow Gaps

   Add small openings low on the firebox walls, one on each side or front. A gap about half a brick wide every couple of courses lets oxygen feed the fire. Without airflow, charcoal burns weakly, and smoke builds fast.

   
   

7. Keep Walls Plumb and Square

   Use a level vertically on the corners after each course. Check front and side faces with a straight edge. Correct drift early by adjusting mortar thickness, not by forcing bricks later.

   
   

8. Stop at Grill Support Height

Build until the firebox walls reach the level where grill supports will sit, usually 30 to 40 cm above the slab.

Leave the top course flat and clean, since the metal supports rest there.

Install Grill Supports and Cooking Surface

When you finish the firebox walls, the next step is to add the parts that make the BBQ usable. Supports need to sit level and handle heat, since the grill grate will rest there every time cooking starts.

1. Decide Grill Height

   Stand next to the building and picture where your hands will work comfortably. Most backyard brick BBQ grills place the cooking surface about 85 to 95 cm from the ground. Mark that height on both inner walls.

   
   

2. Mark Support Points

   Measure and mark at least two levels for the grill grate. The lower level gives stronger heat for searing, the upper level works for slower cooking. Common spacing between levels: 8 to 12 cm.

   
   

3. Set Metal Supports Into Joints

   

   A neatly constructed brick barbecue grill with a metal grate, supported by sturdy metal elements, set on a concrete base amidst a well-maintained lawn

   Use L-angle iron, steel bars, or thick grill brackets. While laying the course at support height, leave small gaps in mortar joints so metal can slide in. Metal should extend at least 10 to 15 cm into each wall for strength.

   
   

4. Check Level Before Mortar Sets

   Put a level on top of both supports. Adjust with a bit more mortar under the metal end if needed. A tilted support makes food slide and creates uneven heat zones.

   
   

5. Place the Grill Grate

   

   A sturdy brick outdoor grill stands ready for barbecue season, featuring a durable metal grate, set against a lush green lawn and enclosed by a wooden fence

   Once the supports are locked in place, set a heavy-duty grill grate on top. Cast iron or thick stainless steel lasts longest. Grate should sit stably with no rocking. If movement shows up, add a second bar under the center.

   
   

6. Add a Simple Cooking Base Option

   If the plan includes a solid cooking plate or pizza stone zone, set a second pair of supports slightly higher or to one side. Leave a small air gap around stones or plates so heat can circulate and bricks stay safe.

   
   

After supports are in, the cooking surface is ready.

Finish the Top and Let the Brickwork Cure

The brick body and grill grate are in place. Finishing work locks everything together and sets the BBQ up for long life.

Curing time matters as much as mortar work, so do not rush the first fire.

1. Level the Final Course

   

   A newly constructed brick grill area, ensuring stability with a level placed on top, set against a neatly maintained lawn and wooden fence backdrop.

   Lay the top row of bricks slowly, checking level front to back and side to side. Adjust with mortar, not pressure on bricks. A flat top keeps the grill area stable and makes later decorating easier.

   
   

2. Tool the Joints Cleanly

   When the mortar starts to firm up, run a jointing tool or the back of a spoon along seams. Aim for a smooth, slightly recessed joint. Clean joints shed water better and make brick faces look sharper.

   
   

3. Brush Off Mortar Haze

   After joints are set but before the mortar fully cures, use a stiff dry brush to remove residue from brick faces. Avoid wet brushing at this stage, since water can smear mortar into pores.

   
   

4. Cover and Protect for Early Cure

   

   A brick barbecue grill is safeguarded with a protective cover, set against a backdrop of lush green grass and a wooden fence

   Lightly cover the BBQ with plastic or a tarp if rain is expected. Leave air gaps so moisture does not get trapped. Protection on the first day prevents mortar washout.

   
   

5. Let Mortar Cure Fully

   Give brickwork at least 48 to 72 hours before any heat. In colder or damp weather, wait longer, up to a week. Mortar reaches strength slowly, and early firing can cause cracks.

   
   

6. Do a Gentle First Burn

1. Start with a small charcoal fire for 30 to 40 minutes. Heat should rise gradually, not fast. Let everything cool fully afterward. A second light burn the next day finishes the heat break in.

   
   

After curing and test burns, the BBQ is ready for regular cooking.

Add Style with Real Thin Brick

After the mortar cures and the first test fire goes well, the BBQ can get a finish that feels less like a basic build and more like a designed outdoor feature.

Real Thin Brick products fit that job neatly. Thin brick gives the texture and color depth of full brick without adding weight or bulk, so it works as an exterior wrap while standard brick keeps doing the structural work.

A grill station sits out in the sun, rain, smoke, and grease. Thin brick is made for outdoor use, and installation follows the same method tile installers already know: thinset mortar, pressed in place, then grouted.

Pieces stay slim, which helps keep edges crisp and prevents the BBQ from looking bulky.

How to Choose the Right Thin Brick

Start with the setting. Look at patio stone, house exterior, garden walls, and outdoor furniture. Thin brick should feel like a natural extension of that palette.

For a backyard BBQ with a classic, warm vibe, the Antique Thin Brick Collection usually fits best.

Weathered faces and soft, tumbled edges give that rustic feel that matches fire and smoke naturally.

For a more rugged, farmhouse, or cabin style yard, the Rustic Thin Brick Collection tends to be the right pick.

Texture runs stronger, so even a simple grill shape ends up with depth and character.

Texture and variation matter a lot in a grill zone. A BBQ face will catch grease, smoke, and ash over time. Brick with natural movement hides marks better than perfectly smooth surfaces.

Styles in the Antique line, like Georgetown, Ballard, or Fremont, give a balanced, timeworn look without feeling too rough.

When a bolder surface feels right, Rustic options such as Ravenna Rustic bring a heavier texture and a more dramatic finish.

Color choice drives the whole mood. Traditional reds and red browns stay safe for nearly any backyard, so Antique mixes like Magnolia or Snoqualmie work well when the goal is a clean, classic grill corner.

Blended packs add visual movement and keep the BBQ from looking flat or boxy. Dark charcoal or deep brown fits best when nearby elements already run dark, like black metal pergolas, slate pavers, or darker patio furniture.

Rustic dark blends handle that look simple.

Order a small sample set to make sure about your choice.

A quick dry lay against the brick body shows right away whether a mix feels too bright, too dark, or exactly right.

The last step is practicality. Choose thin brick rated for exterior use and pair it with outdoor thinset, grout, and a breathable sealer.

Another popular idea our customers choose: Thin Brick Fireplace

Final Thoughts

Brick BBQ hits that sweet spot between useful and good-looking. Brick, fire, smoke, and a cold drink nearby can change a backyard faster than any fancy furniture set.

So, fire it up, throw on something good, and enjoy the kind of backyard spot that keeps everyone hanging around.