How to Build an Ornate Brick Barbecue

Mark the area where your barbecue will sit. You will need to flatten the ground, press it firm and add concrete if you do not already have a concrete location to build upon.

Determine which direction your barbecue will face and mark the exact middle of the cement area, creating a line facing toward the direction of the open side of the barbecue.

Level the concrete area and mark the first level of bricks with the masonry string. Use the square edge to refine the angles on the corners to make sure they are 90 degrees.

Make a dry fit of the entire barbecue before setting any part in cement. Knowing how it should look when completed will help you stay within your pattern and guidelines.

Mix the cement compound until it is a firm but muddy consistency. Lay the first course of bricks, following the masonry line. Continue up to the third course and then insert the runners for the metal barbecue grills. The runners will still be made from brick, but you must set the bricks crossways so they extend from the wall.

Lay five bricks crossways, or measure the depth of your metal barbecue grills to determine how many bricks should extend from the wall. Continue up for two courses and repeat the same process. Add an additional two courses and repeat once more, until you have four levels of cross-laid bricks extending out.

Lay the remaining courses of bricks --- usually about four --- until you reach your desired height. You can use bull-nose bricks or decorative bricks around the top edges to create an ornate look or a unique design that suits your preference.