How to build a brick barbecue

If you're looking for a DIY garden project to see you through the summer, then why not think about constructing your own barbecue? After all, there's no better way to enjoy the warmer months of the year than by gathering friends and family together for a spot of al fresco dining.

Building a barbecue might be easier than you think - and not to mention you'll have a sense of pride seeing it put to good use!

Establish the foundations

The size of your barbecue will depend on a variety of factors, with the main ones being the area it's being constructed in and how many people you imagine cooking for. Once you've made this decision, it's time to put down those first all-important bricks.

Before cementing them to the ground, take a look at the template you've created. Will it be sufficient enough to cook food on? Can you fit the cooking tray on it?

Once you're happy, mix your concrete and place the bricks on top. It's a good idea to carry out some floor sanding or levelling if you're worried it might not quite be flat enough.

Lay the courses

Once the first layer is down, it's time to build on it with your other bricks. This is where a spirit level will come in useful, so you can rest assured your barbecue will be as straight as possible.

It's also important to make sure all your corners remain at right angles, otherwise this could jeopardise the integrity of the structure. Laying the courses slowly is important as this will give you the best possible chance of avoiding problems early on.

You'll find it's not too easy to start changing the bricks once they're in place, so exercising some caution as you carry out the construction is the best course of action.

Create a ledge

Don't forget to install a ledge for your barbecue tray. Calculate how many rows of bricks you need to put in place before you reach this level.

Remember that the tray will need to not only balance between the two ledges, but it must also be at the right height. You don't want to be straining up or down to cook your food, so take some measurements before you get started.

You might also want to install a concrete ledge on one side, which can be especially handy as a work surface once food has been cooked.