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Getabuilder Team 125 posts	Original message: posted 19-Mar-08 BUILD A BRICK BARBECUE SKILL LEVEL Building a barbecue is a relatively easy project, requiring a minimum amount of skill and DIY knowledge. SAFETY FIRST The main safety factors are the dangers of using sand and cement as this contains lime and can cause burns or irritation to the skin and eyes. It is important that you always wear goggles and gloves when handling cement and when cutting bricks. TO COMPLETE THIS PROJECT YOU WILL NEED... • Bolster Chisel • Brick Laying Mortar • Brick Laying Trowel • Bricks • Circular Saw • Club Hammer • Coping Stones or Hard Engineering bricks • Goggles • Gloves • Long Spirit Level • Mortar Plasticiser • Ready Mixed Cement • Shovel • Spade • Supporting Brackets • String Line • Watering Can 1. BUILDING THE BASE Begin by digging a small trench, approximately 12 inches wide by 9 inches deep, make it in the shape that you want your barbecue. Compact the bottom of the trench by stamping it down before filling it in with cement; you will need to use coarse cement, this can be bought ready-mixed so all you have to do is add water. Mix the cement on a board measuring at least 3 feet square. Pour the dry concrete mix in the centre of the board making a hole in the top like a volcano. Pour water from a watering can into the centre of the heap. Using a shovel, scoop dry mix from the base of the heap and add it to the centre until it is full. Make another hole in the top and repeat the process until the mixture is thoroughly wet and a uniform colour. Using the shovel with the face towards you chop into the pile, as if you were slicing it, to eliminate air pockets and ensure an even mix. Shovel the concrete mix into the trench and tamp it down using the edge of a small board. Check it is reasonably level and leave for a couple of days to harden. Put some sacking or similar material over the top to protect it from frost or direct sunlight. If you are building your barbecue on top of a patio you should not need to construct a base, simply build onto it. You must however, check that it is level. 2. BRICKLAYING When the concrete has hardened start by mixing up the mortar for bricklaying. This can be done in a similar way as used for mixing the concrete. Adding mortar plasticiser will give a smoother mortar, making it easier to use. Use the mortar to lay a row of bricks on top of your foundation , buttering the bottom and edges of each brick. Constantly check, using a spirit level, that the horizontal and vertical surfaces are level. Start with the corners of the barbecue structure, building them up at first, by three or four bricks before attempting to build up between them. Use a string line stretched across the two corners to ensure that they line up with each other. You will need to build brackets into the second and third row of bricks from the top of the barbecue. The lower set will hold the fuel tray, while the upper set will support the grill - it is important that you place the brackets ensuring the tray and grill sit comfortably on them, making sure they are level. After you have completed every third row you should smooth the mortar between the bricks to give a flush and pleasant appearance - this is called pointing. Dry lay a few rows at first to make sure you are happy with the shape and position before committing yourself to proper bricklaying. Point the vertical joints before starting the horizontal ones, lightly brushing any mortar off the surface of the bricks. When you have reached the desired height you may want to cap the barbecue wall with either coping stones or hard engineering bricks in order to give a more durable finish. You should leave the barbecue for at least 48 hours to harden before using it. 3 3. LIGHTING A CHARCOAL BARBECUE Lighting a barbecue looks easy, but the reality is somewhat different. However don't be disillusioned, all it takes is practice, patience and our easy to follow step-by-step guide. Stage 1 • To help light the barbecue, arrange some firelighters in the base of it. • Arrange the coal over the top, to a depth of 7.5cm. • Carefully light the firelighters with long matches or a taper. • Leave the barbecue to warm up for a while so that the heat is evenly spread. Stage 2 • Once burning strongly spread the hot coals out evenly over the base of the barbecue using tongs. • When the coals begin to turn into a grey/white ash, the barbecue is the right temperature to start your cooking. Stage 3 • Place a well oiled grid over the coals ready for cooking. • To add more coal, carefully place it around the edges of the barbecue with tongs. 4. GOLDEN BARBECUE RULES The Seven Golden Rules For Barbecue Bliss 1. Never light or encourage a dying fire with oil, petrol, paraffin or any flammable fluids. 2. Make sure the barbecue is on level ground, away from over-hanging trees, bushes, fences or buildings. 3. If the wind is strong, carefully make sure the barbecue is in a more sheltered position to prevent the smoke from entering your home. 4. If you experience problems lighting the barbecue remove the coals with tongs and place in a metal container - not plastic, and try to light once more. 5. Keep children and animals away from the barbecue and any other hot surfaces, as well as any sharp utensils you may be using. 6. Ensure that the coals are cold and have stopped smoking once you have finished cooking. 7. Never leave the barbecue unattended.
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