Brick Barbecue

Tools:

two mixing tubs
trowel
tuck-pointed trowel
joint tool
wood block
small sledgehammer
brick hammer
level
hoe
safety glasses
mortar
bricks
hardware for grill

1. Check the brick base of the grill to make sure it's level. If areas are uneven, you can tap them into place as long as the mortar is not set. Use a small sledgehammer and a block of wood to tap bricks down (figure A).

2. Once it's all level, install angled aluminum pieces on either side of your opening and embed them in the mortar (figure B).

3. Place the next row of bricks over the aluminum pieces, creating an aluminum shelf for the coal tray and grill to rest on. Use the tuck-pointed trowel to tool out the mortar joints (figure C).

4. Keep the bricks coming and build the rest of the grill according to plan.

5. Place an iron structural member across the front of the opening to support the row of bricks across the front of the grill (figure D).

6. Set another row of bricks around the perimeter, then set special metal braces in place that will eventually hold trays for your coals (figure E). Lay down another row of bricks and then check for level (figure F).

7. Next build a surround or backsplash the width of one brick. Use a joint tool to create nice, rounded joints in your mortar (figure G).

8. Once the grill is complete, come out every other day for about a week and spray the grill with a light misting of water. This will allow the mortar to cure slowly, resulting in a stronger structure.

9. When it's all ready to do, drop in a coal tray and grill and load it up with some tasty ribs (figure H).