How We Built Our Recycled Brick BBQ Area (And Why You’ll Want One Too!)
Alright, let’s talk summer. You know what’s better than a store-bought BBQ plonked on the patio? A custom, character-packed recycled brick BBQ area you built yourself. Seriously, it’s the ultimate backyard flex. Plus, using second hand bricks means we’re saving cash, saving the planet (a bit!), and getting that gorgeous, weathered charm new bricks just can’t fake. Trust us, after helping countless folks across Australia – from Sydney to Perth to Brisbane – source materials at The Brick Pit, we’ve seen how transformative these projects can be. Ready to ditch the flimsy and build something solid? Let’s get into it.
Why Recycled Bricks Are Our BBQ’s Best Friend
Honestly, why wouldn’t you choose recycled bricks? Old used bricks bring instant history and warmth. Think rich, earthy red bricks, textured sandstock bricks, or sturdy paving bricks – each one tells a story. New bricks? They look… well, new. And kinda sterile for a rustic BBQ setup, IMO. Recycled options are often tougher too, having already survived decades of Aussie weather. Bonus: you’re keeping usable materials out of landfill, avoiding the whole headache of brick disposal. Win-win. FYI, sourcing quality reclaimed bricks is easier than you think – more on that soon 🙂
Planning Your BBQ Masterpiece: Less Guesswork, More Sizzle
Before we grab the trowel, let’s plan. Rushing in leads to wonky walls and cold sausages. Nobody wants that.
H3: Location, Location, Grilling!
Pick a spot that’s level, well-drained, and not too close to the house (smoke alarms hate ambitious BBQ chefs). Consider wind direction too – unless you enjoy smoked eyeballs. Is there a natural gathering spot? Near existing seating? Think about utilities too – do you need gas or power nearby? And hey, check local council rules. Better safe than sorry.
H3: Designing Your Dream Grill Zone
Sketch it out! Simple rectangle? L-shape with prep space? Include features like a retaining wall if your yard slopes, or brick edging to define the space and stop gravel escaping. How much space do you really need? We reckon at least 1.5m x 1m for a basic grill plus elbow room. Want storage underneath? Factor that in.
H3: Crunching the Numbers: What You’ll Need
Time for math (don’t panic, it’s easy!). Measure your planned area. For a simple BBQ base (approx 1.5m x 1m x 0.5m high), you’ll need roughly:
| Material | Quantity Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Recycled Bricks | 150-200 | Opt for dense, solid bricks. Avoid crumbling ones! |
| Foundation Sand | 10-12 bags (20kg) | For levelling & bedding. Sharp sand is best. |
| Cement | 4-5 bags (20kg) | For mortar mix. Grab extra for small jobs. |
| Gravel | 8-10 bags (20kg) | Base drainage layer. 10-20mm aggregate works. |
| BBQ Grill Unit | 1 | Choose BEFORE building to fit the cavity perfectly! |
| Concrete Slabs | 2-4 (or pavers) | For the base under the BBQ. Must be heat-resistant. |
Pro Tip: Always get 10% extra bricks. Chips, breaks, and “oops” moments happen. Trust us.
Gathering Your Gear: Tools & Materials Sorted
Okay, tools first. You probably own half this stuff:
- Essential Tools: Shovel, spirit level, tape measure, brick trowel, wheelbarrow (for mixing), rubber mallet, string line & pegs, safety glasses, gloves.
- Materials: Recycled bricks (obviously!), sharp sand, cement, gravel, concrete base slabs/pavers, BBQ grill unit, mortar mix (or make your own: 4 parts sand, 1 part cement).
Where to find those perfect recycled bricks? This is where The Brick Pit shines. Forget generic “near me” searches that lead to overpriced new stock. Places like The Brick Pit specialize in quality reclaimed bricks – the kind with real character. Whether you’re after classic red bricks in Brisbane, rustic sandstock near Perth, or paving bricks for edging in Sydney, they’ve got curated loads. They handle the cleaning and sorting, saving you hours sifting through rubble piles. Plus, they often help with brick disposal if you have old ones lying around – handy! Finding your nearest or closest supplier of quality seconds is key. Why waste time driving all over Australia when experts have done the legwork?
Building Your BBQ Base: Step-by-Step Sizzle
Let’s get dirty! Follow these steps for a rock-solid foundation:
- Mark & Dig: Outline your area with string and pegs. Dig down about 15-20cm deep across the whole footprint. Ensure it’s LEVEL!
- Gravel Base: Fill the hole with 10cm of gravel. Compact it down hard with your boots or a tamper. This stops sinking and aids drainage.
- Sand Bed: Add a 5cm layer of sharp sand. Level it meticulously with a straight board. This is your final level for the bricks – take your time!
- Lay the Base Course: Start laying your first course of recycled bricks on the sand bed. Use your rubber mallet to tap them level and snug. Check constantly with your spirit level! This course is critical – get it right. Use your string lines as guides.
- Build Up: Mix your mortar (follow bag instructions or use 4 sand : 1 cement). Lay a mortar bed on the first course. Butter the end of each brick (add mortar to the end) before placing the next. Stagger the joints (like brickwork should). Build up to your desired height (usually 3-5 courses for a standard BBQ base). Check level and plumb every course. Clean excess mortar with your trowel as you go.
- Install the Grill: Once the brickwork is set (24-48 hours), carefully place your concrete slabs/pavers inside the brick enclosure where the BBQ unit will sit. Then, lower your BBQ grill unit onto these slabs. Ensure it’s level and secure.
- Finishing Touches: Fill any gaps around the BBQ unit with heat-resistant mortar or fire cement. You can cap the top brick course with pavers or slate for a smooth prep surface. Consider pointing the mortar joints neatly for a polished look.
Beyond the Base: Retaining Walls & Edging for Extra Wow
Got a slope? A simple retaining wall built with more recycled bricks can level your BBQ zone and look amazing. Need definition? Brick edging around the area or bordering a path keeps everything tidy and adds serious style. The techniques are similar to the BBQ base – solid foundation, careful laying. The Brick Pit often has specific paving bricks or thinner bricks perfect for edging projects. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Oops-Proofing Your Build: Avoid These Classic Blunders
We’ve seen some things… Learn from others’ mistakes!
- Skipping the Level Check: A wonky base means a wobbly BBQ and spilled beers. Check level relentlessly!
- Ignoring Drainage: No gravel base? Hello, water pooling and frost heave in winter. Don’t skip it!
- Using Crumbling Bricks: Not all old used bricks are equal. Avoid any that flake or crumble easily – they won’t last. The Brick Pit sorts this for you, which is a massive time-saver.
- Forgetting the Grill Unit: Measure your BBQ before building the cavity. A 2cm gap is easier to fill than rebuilding the whole thing. :/
- Rushing the Mortar: Mortar needs time to cure. Don’t load up your BBQ or whack it hard for at least 48-72 hours. Patience, grasshopper!
The Brick Pit: Why They’re Our Go-To for Recycled Bricks in Oz
Look, sourcing quality recycled bricks yourself can feel like a treasure hunt where X marks a pile of broken rubble. That’s why we lean on specialists like The Brick Pit. They operate across Australia, sourcing, cleaning, and sorting the best second hand bricks and reclaimed bricks. Need specific sandstock bricks in Sydney? Hunting for distinctive red bricks near Perth? Looking for the closest supplier of character-filled pavers in Brisbane? They take the hassle out of it. Their expertise means you get bricks ready for building, not hours of cleaning. Plus, they understand projects like BBQs, retaining walls, and brick edging. Got questions about quantities or suitability? Give them a bell! Seriously, connecting with a knowledgeable local supplier like The Brick Pit makes the whole project smoother and way more enjoyable. Tell them we sent you 😉
FAQs: Your Burning BBQ Questions Answered
-
Q: Are recycled bricks strong enough for a BBQ?
A: Absolutely! Quality reclaimed bricks are often denser and harder than new ones, having already endured years of weathering. Just avoid any that are badly cracked, spalled (flaking), or overly soft. Reputable suppliers like The Brick Pit weed these out. -
Q: How do I clean recycled bricks before using them?
A: A stiff brush to remove loose dirt and mortar bits is usually sufficient. Avoid high-pressure washers – they can damage old mortar and the brick surface. Suppliers often pre-clean them, saving you the job. Check when you buy! -
Q: Can I build the BBQ straight onto soil?
A: Nope! This is a recipe for sinking and cracking. Always dig down, lay a compacted gravel base, then a sand bed. This provides stability and drainage, crucial for a long-lasting structure. Skipping this step is the fastest way to ruin your hard work.
Let’s Get Grilling on Your Own Brick Masterpiece
So, there you have it! Building a recycled brick BBQ area isn’t just DIY; it’s crafting the heart of your summer entertaining space. It’s surprisingly achievable, incredibly rewarding, and gives you serious bragging rights. Those old used bricks have history, and now they’ll be part of your story – hosting legendary Aussie barbies for years to come. Ready to find your perfect bricks? Get in touch with the crew at The Brick Pit – they’ll help you source the good stuff nearby. Then grab your trowel, fire up the enthusiasm, and get building. Your best summer backyard starts now. Happy grilling!
