How to Build a Barbecue Pit

Barbecue pits have been favorite family gathering places for many years. Today they are more popular than ever.

One method for building a bbq pit is to dig a hole and line it with bricks and mortar. To do this, you would need to dig a hole about 10 inches deep and you will want to measure the grill you plan to use to determine how big across to make it. When measuring, you need to leave room for the depth of your bricks then add another inch and a half. You will be lining the bottom with a layer of brick and mortar. Lay the bricks side by side in a fanned out pattern. Fill all the cracks with plenty of mortar, pack it in and smooth it over with a trowel. Then, wipe the tops of the bricks for a cleaner look. Allow the base of the pit to set up overnight before you begin doing the sides. This gives you a good solid foundation to work from.

The next day you want to begin working on the sides. Spread a good amount of mortar around the interio parameter of the barbecue pit. Next line one layer of bricks upright around the interior sides of the pit. Be sure that the bricks are set well into the mortar. Patch the cracks with more mortar in between the bricks and clean it up with your trowel. Let that set up until it is stiff enough to put another stack of bricks on top of it. Repeat this process with the next layer making sure to offset the bricks from the first row. Next you will be using half bricks to repeat the process but this time insert four large metal U brackets laying flat into mortar before you lay the bricks. These will be the braces for your grill to your bbq pit so be sure to have the grill handy so you can test it for a good fit. Once your barbecue pit is finished, layer the bottom with lava rocks to help maintain consistently even heat distribution when cooking with it.

A barbecue pit made this way will serve your family well for many years. It is always advisable to keep pets and small children away from a barbecue pit when you are using it. You should also put the bbq pit out with water after using it because coals will often be hot for several hours after you are finished cooking.

Try making your own home made BBQ sauce. It is fun and you can lots of variety to it when you make it yourself. There is a good collection of home made barbecue sauce recipes at Ribs BBQ Grill blog.

Sources
Saute Masters Ribs BBQ Grill BBQ blog http://www.ribsbbqgrill.com/bbqblog/