First, let’s start by discussing the supplies needed to build your brick BBQ. Of course, you’ll need bricks, mortar and a chimney kit – but the exact number of each will depend on the size of your BBQ. You must also purchase other materials such as rebar and grating. Additionally, you should invest in safety gear like heavy-duty gloves and eye protection.
Once you have all your materials, it’s time to start building! First, plan out where you want your BBQ and mark off that spot. Next, lay down edging to create the perimeter of your structure.
Then begin laying down the brick foundation for both the barbecue and chimney base. Be sure not to skimp on the mortar here – it’s what holds everything together and provides an airtight seal. Following that, build up the sides with more bricks before layering on a final layer of gravel for drainage purposes.
As always, double check all measurements throughout each step to ensure accuracy in construction. Afterward, you can add the pipes for ventilation according to instructions on any chimney kit you purchased – this is what will keep smoke levels low when cooking on your new brick BBQ with chimney!
Overview of a Brick BBQ with Chimney
One of the most popular outdoor cooking appliances is the brick barbecue with chimney. This type of grill is perfect for cooking large cuts of meat, as well as vegetables and fruits. The key to a successful brick barbecue is to have a good foundation.
The most important part of the foundation is the footing, which should be made of concrete or stone. The bricks should be laid on top of the footing in a course pattern, using mortar to secure them in place.
Once the bricks are in place, it’s time to build the firebox. This is where the charcoal or wood will be placed to create the heat for cooking. The firebox should be made of fire-resistant materials, such as concrete block or stone. It’s important to make sure that the firebox is large enough to accommodate all of the fuel that you’ll be using.
Once the firebox is complete, it’s time to attach the chimney. The chimney should be made of stainless steel or another non-combustible material. It should extend at least 2 feet above the roofline of the grill so that exhaust fumes can safely escape.
Now that your grill is built, it’s time to start cooking! Place your food on the grates and let it cook evenly on all sides. Use a brush or spatula to turn foods over as needed. When your food is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill and enjoy!
Benefits of Building Your Own BBQ with Chimney

One of the benefits of building your own brick BBQ with a chimney is that it can save you money. If you were to purchase a pre-made BBQ, it would likely cost more than if you built it yourself.
Another benefit is that you have complete control over the design and size of your BBQ. You can make it as big or small as you want, and you can add features like a built-in smoker or rotisserie.
Another benefit of building your own brick BBQ is that it allows you to customize the flavor of your food. By using different types of wood in the smoker, you can infuse your food with different flavors. This is something that you cannot do with a pre-made BBQ.
Building your own BBQ is a great way to get outdoors and be creative. It can be a fun project to do with family or friends, and at the end, you’ll have a beautiful and functional addition to your backyard.
Materials Needed to Build a Brick BBQ and Chimney
A brick BBQ with a chimney is a great addition to any home, and can be built relatively easily with the right materials. Here are the materials you’ll need to build your own brick BBQ and chimney:
Bricks
You’ll need enough bricks to build the base of the barbecue pit and the chimney. Choose bricks that are durable and heat-resistant.
Mortar
Mortar is used to hold the bricks together. Make sure to get a high-quality mortar that can withstand high temperatures.
Fire Brick
Fire brick is necessary for lining the inside of the barbecue pit. This type of brick can withstand high temperatures and will help protect your other bricks from damage.
Sand
Sand is used to fill in any gaps between the bricks. This helps prevent heat from escaping and keeps your barbecue pit insulated.
Step by Step Instructions for Building a Brick BBQ with Chimney
Assuming you have all the necessary materials, building a brick BBQ with a chimney is not a difficult task.

Here are step-by-step instructions for building a brick BBQ with Chimney:
- Decide on the dimensions of your BBQ and mark out the area where it will be built.
- Lay down a layer of bricks at the bottom of the marked area, using mortar to adhere them together.
- Create the main body of the BBQ by stacking bricks on top of each other, again using mortar to adhere them together. Make sure to leave an opening at the front for adding charcoal and meat later on.
- To build the chimney, stack bricks vertically in a circular shape, tapering them slightly as you go up. Once you reach the desired height, finish off with a capstone at the top.
- Leave your BBQ to dry and set for 24 hours before use.
Tips and Tricks for Building A Brick BBQ
Get the right tools
You’ll need a trowel, level, tape measure, and bricks. Make sure you have enough bricks to complete your project.
Plan your BBQ
Take some time to sketch out what you want your BBQ to look like. This will help you determine how many bricks you’ll need and where to place them.
Lay the foundation
Using your level and tape measure, create a level surface for your BBQ. Then, using your trowel, start laying the first layer of bricks.
Create the chimney
After you’ve laid the foundation and first layer of bricks, it’s time to start on the chimney. This is one of the most important parts of your BBQ so make sure it’s done correctly.
Finish up
Once the chimney is built, finish up your BBQ by adding the final layer of bricks and any other finishing touches (like a grill or smoker).
Alternatives to A DIY Brick BBQ with Chimney
If you’re not up for a DIY project, there are plenty of alternatives to a brick BBQ with a chimney. You can purchase a pre-made BBQ pit, which will likely be made of bricks, or you can opt for a portable BBQ grill. There are also many different types of materials that can be used to build a BBQ, such as stone, concrete, or metal.
Another option would be to purchase a prefabricated chimney and then build the BBQ around it. This could be either brick or non-brick, depending on your preference. You can also opt for an outdoor stove that features a built-in chimney, or even a fire pit with a chimney that you can use to cook with.
Finally, you could always go with a classic charcoal grill or smoker. These are typically simple to use and require less maintenance than brick units.
FAQs
Can you use normal bricks to build BBQ?
Brick barbecues are not only durable and long lasting, but they also provide excellent heat retention. This means that you can cook your food more evenly, with less chance of burning. If you’re thinking about building a brick BBQ, you may be wondering if you can use regular bricks. The answer is yes, you can use regular bricks to build a BBQ, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, regular bricks are not as heat resistant as specially made barbecue bricks. This means that they may not withstand the high temperatures needed for cooking meat.
Second, regular bricks are not always the same size, which can make it difficult to get a consistent cook on your food. And finally, regular bricks may not have the right finish for a barbecue – they may be too porous, which can cause soot and smoke to build up on them over time.
How to build brick BBQ?
If you love entertaining in your backyard, then a brick BBQ is the perfect addition! Not only will it add visual interest to your space, but it will also make grilling up dinner a breeze. With a few supplies and some simple instructions, you can easily build your own brick BBQ with a chimney.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bricks ( enough to build the desired size of BBQ)
- Mortar
- Trowel
- Level
- Chimney kit
- Optional: Outdoor grill insert
Instructions:
- Start by planning out the size and shape of your BBQ. Then, lay out the bricks on the ground in that same pattern. If you’re using an outdoor grill insert, be sure to factor that into your design.
- Once you have the bricks laid out, it’s time to start building! Begin by mixing up some mortar according to the directions on the package. Then, use a trowel to apply mortar to the first layer of bricks. Once those are in place, continue adding more layers of bricks and mortar until your BBQ is the desired height. Be sure to use a level after each layer to ensure that your BBQ is nice and even.
Is a brick BBQ worth it?
A brick BBQ is definitely worth the investment! Not only will it last longer than a traditional grill, but it also adds a touch of class and elegance to your outdoor cooking space. Plus, building a brick BBQ is a fun do-it-yourself project that the whole family can enjoy. Here are some tips on how to build a brick BBQ with chimney:
- Decide on the size and shape of your BBQ. Will it be a freestanding unit or built into an existing structure? How many people do you plan on feeding? These factors will determine the number of bricks you’ll need.
- Choose the perfect location for your BBQ. Make sure it’s close to your house so you can easily access wood for the fire and water for cleanup.
- Prepare the area by clearing away any debris and leveling the ground. Then, mark out the perimeter of your BBQ with string or chalk so you know where to lay the bricks.
- Begin laying bricks in a level course, using mortar to adhere them together as you go. If you’re building a freestanding unit, be sure to include footings to support the weight of the bricks and grill.
- Once all the bricks are in place, let the mortar cure for 24 hours before adding the chimney top. The chimney top prevents sparks from escaping and also provides ventilation for your fire.
How many bricks are needed to build a BBQ?
You will need about 120 bricks to build a BBQ. If you’re using a brick chimney, you’ll need an additional 30 bricks.
What is the best size for a built-in BBQ?
When it comes to size, the best built-in BBQs are those that are at least 18 inches wide and 30 inches long. Anything smaller than that will not give you enough space to cook, and anything larger will be too difficult to manage. The ideal size for a built-in BBQ is one that is 24 inches wide and 36 inches long. This will give you plenty of space to cook without being too unwieldy.
Conclusion
Building a brick BBQ with a chimney is a great do-it-yourself project which allows you to add a unique cooking area to your outdoor space. It may be labor intensive, but the resulting product can make for an excellent place to entertain and enjoy quality time with friends and family. Using good quality materials and following our instructions will ensure that your brick BBQ is strong and secure, making it safe for everyone who uses it. With the right steps, you’ll have a beautiful DIY brick BBQ in no time!