Outdoor Brick Barbecue DIY Guide: Build a Wood-Fired Backyard Grill

Complete Guide + DIY Build for a Stunning Backyard Cooking Station

An outdoor brick barbecue like the one shown in the image is more than a grill. It is a permanent outdoor feature that combines cooking, design, and lifestyle. Built from solid brick, fueled by natural wood fire, and often placed near a pool or garden seating area, this type of barbecue becomes the true heart of the backyard.

This article is designed to be fully suitable for posting on a blog or website. It includes a clear structure with H1, H2, and H3 titles, detailed explanations, and a complete DIY guide explaining how to build a similar brick barbecue step by step, including tools and materials needed.

Why Outdoor Brick Barbecues Are So Popular

Outdoor living spaces are no longer optional. They are extensions of the home. A brick barbecue offers something that portable grills cannot: permanence, beauty, and deep connection to fire-based cooking.

Benefits of a Brick Barbecue

Long-lasting structure
Brick withstands heat, rain, sun, and cold far better than metal grills. Once built, it can last for decades.

Better heat control
Brick absorbs and radiates heat slowly, creating stable cooking temperatures ideal for grilling and slow cooking.

Authentic wood-fired flavor
Cooking over wood embers enhances food with rich, smoky aromas impossible to replicate with gas or electric grills.

Visual impact
A brick barbecue instantly elevates the look of a garden and increases property value.

Key Design Features Shown in the Image

This barbecue design is both functional and visually balanced.

Open Wood-Fired Grill Area

The main grill sits directly above glowing embers, perfect for meats, vegetables, and fish. The open design allows precise heat control by adjusting wood placement.

Side Firebox for Pots and Slow Cooking

A secondary fire opening supports pots or kettles, ideal for soups, stews, sauces, or traditional dishes cooked slowly over fire.

Built-In Wood Storage

Logs stored beneath the structure stay dry and accessible. This also enhances the rustic aesthetic.

Tool Hooks and Prep Space

Hanging utensils and flat surfaces keep everything organized and efficient while cooking.

Poolside Placement

Positioning near a pool creates a relaxed, resort-like atmosphere perfect for entertaining.

What You Can Cook on a Brick Barbecue

This setup is extremely versatile and supports many cooking styles.

Grilled meats like steak, ribs, chicken, and sausages
Vegetables such as corn, zucchini, peppers, and eggplant
Slow-cooked stews and beans using cast iron pots
Pizza and flatbreads with a stone and high heat
Outdoor breakfasts like grilled bread or eggs in pans

DIY: How to Build a Brick Barbecue Like This

Building a brick barbecue is a rewarding project if planned carefully. Below is a simplified but complete DIY guide suitable for home builders.

Tools Needed

Shovel
Spirit level
Measuring tape
Masonry trowel
Rubber mallet
Brick saw or angle grinder with masonry blade
Bucket for mortar
Wheelbarrow
Protective gloves and goggles

Materials Needed

Fire-resistant bricks
Heat-resistant mortar (refractory mortar)
Concrete blocks (optional for base)
Grill grate (steel or cast iron)
Metal support bars or angles
Concrete mix (for foundation)
Firewood storage dividers (optional)

Step-by-Step DIY Guide

Step 1: Choose the Location

Select a flat, well-ventilated area away from flammable materials. Ensure it complies with local building and fire regulations. Poolside placement is ideal if space allows.

Step 2: Prepare the Foundation

Dig a shallow foundation area about 15–20 cm deep. Pour concrete and level it carefully. Allow it to cure for at least 48 hours. A solid foundation is essential for stability.

Step 3: Build the Base and Wood Storage

Lay the first rows of bricks or concrete blocks to form the base. Leave open sections underneath for wood storage. Use a spirit level frequently to keep everything straight.

Step 4: Construct the Firebox

Build the central fire chamber using fire-resistant bricks and refractory mortar. This is where the wood will burn, so accuracy and proper materials are crucial.

Step 5: Install Grill Supports

Embed metal bars or angles into the brickwork at the desired height to support the grill grate. This allows heat control and easy removal for cleaning.

Step 6: Build the Side Fire Area

On one side, create a smaller fire opening suitable for pots or kettles. This area should also use fire-resistant bricks.

Step 7: Add the Work Surface

Continue building upward to form side ledges or prep surfaces. These can be finished with brick, stone, or heat-resistant tiles.

Step 8: Final Curing and First Fire

Allow the structure to cure for several days before lighting a small initial fire. This prevents cracks and ensures mortar sets properly.

Safety Tips When Building and Using

Always use fire-rated materials
Do not rush curing time
Keep water or sand nearby during use
Never use treated or painted wood
Supervise fire at all times

Design Tips to Improve Functionality

Add a pizza stone or dome for baking
Include outdoor lighting for evening cooking
Install a nearby seating area
Use natural stone paths around the barbecue
Integrate plants and hedges for a seamless look

Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Use

Remove ashes regularly
Clean grill grates after each use
Inspect mortar joints annually
Cover the barbecue during long periods of non-use
Store wood in a dry, ventilated area

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Benefits

Uses renewable firewood
No electricity or gas required
Long lifespan reduces waste
Encourages outdoor, low-energy living

Why a Brick Barbecue Adds Property Value

A permanent outdoor cooking structure is highly attractive to buyers.

Creates a premium outdoor living space
Signals durability and craftsmanship
Enhances lifestyle appeal
Increases overall garden usability

Conclusion: A Timeless Outdoor Investment

An outdoor brick barbecue like the one shown is not just a cooking tool. It is a lifestyle upgrade. It brings people together, enhances food flavor, and transforms a simple garden into a warm, social, and functional outdoor space.

With proper planning, quality materials, and patience, you can build a barbecue that lasts for decades and becomes the centerpiece of unforgettable meals and memories.

Fire, brick, food, and nature—combined into one timeless backyard feature.