The beauty of using cinder blocks and steel fire boxes is that they are easy to install, you can use them for multiple applications, it gives you the opportunity to create any kind of outdoor grill that you want. The list below will explain everything about building an outdoor BBQ grill with cinder blocks. This DIY project can be done in just a few hours time although it’s better if you already have all the required materials ready. Cinder blocks are a great building material because they can be used over and over again. They are heavy, providing stability, and they look great.
While there are many options for your outdoor cooking needs, sometimes you just want to build your own grill. If you’re like me, you want a large charcoal grill big enough to cook whatever this season throws at you. That’s why I decided to create my own outdoor grill using cinder blocks and custom-cut steel for the grates that run across the top of the cooking surface. In this guide, I’ll explain how I started from scratch to build my own backyard barbecue paradise.
First you need to purchase the required materials and tools.
First, you need to purchase the required materials and tools. You will need:
- Cinder blocks (of varying sizes)
- Concrete mix
- A trowel or other mixing tool
- A masonry saw (for cutting out the grill’s shape)
- A drill/driver with a concrete-cutting drill bit and extension cord (if necessary)
- An auto level or laser level
Next you need to create a concrete foundation.
Once you’ve created your design and have the bricks, it’s time to create your foundation. This is where things get a little bit tricky. You’ll need to make sure the brick structure is level, square and deep enough for the grill surface you choose.
A good rule of thumb is that if this will be an outdoor grill, it should be built at least one foot above ground level with walls that extend six inches underground to prevent water from seeping into the bottom of your cinder block grill. It also needs to be at least four feet wide by four feet deep so there’s room for both sides of a large BBQ as well as plenty of space in between them (even if you’re only cooking for yourself!).
Once the foundation is ready, you can begin building your grill.
Once you have the foundation ready, it’s time to build the grill itself. The first step is to lay out all of your cinder blocks and start stacking them one on top of another. Make sure that each block has plenty of room between it and its neighbor; this will keep your grill from getting too hot or burning anything you put on top of it. Once all of your blocks are stacked, fill in any gaps with smaller pieces that can be easily removed later when they’re covered in food grilling away. You’ll also want to cover the bottom row (the one closest to where people will be standing) with a layer of sandpaper so it doesn’t scratch anyone who sits down at their table.
Now all that’s left is to add your grill grates, or cooktop.
Now that you’ve got the basic grill shape down, it’s time to add some details.
If you want to add a cooking surface, grate or rack and fire box are good options. If your grill doesn’t have one already, consider adding a thermometer as well. You can also set up a drip pan underneath the grate for easy cleanup, or use an old coffee can as a chimney for your firebox (you will need to notch out space for this).
This is a very simple do-it-yourself project anyone can do with a little time and patience.
This is a very simple do-it-yourself project anyone can do with a little time and patience. You’ll need the following materials:
- 2x4s
- Cinder blocks
- Sandpaper or an orbital sander (optional)
Final words
This project is a great way to get started with a backyard bbq, and it’s an easy one to do on your own. With just a few materials, you’ll be able to transform any space into the perfect spot for grilling out. You can also expand this project by adding more blocks if you want even more surface area for cooking or maybe even some side tables. The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating your own outdoor grill with cinder blocks.
