How to Build a Brick Grill Station

Foundation

• 1

  Select a location to install the grill station. Measure out a 3-by-6-foot rectangle. Use a flat bladed shovel to dig the ground inside the rectangle down 4-inches.

• 2

  Use a hand-tamp to press the dirt down inside the rectangle. Make sure to keep the ground inside the dug out space level as you work.

• 3

  Shovel a 2-inch layer of gravel into the dug out rectangle to help with drainage. Spread a 1-inch layer of sand on top of the gravel.

• 4

  Place a patio paver in one corner of the rectangle. Gently tap it in place with a rubber mallet until it is level. Repeat to install more pavers to cover the entire patio area. Put some sand on the pavers. Use a push broom to sweep the sand into the gaps between the pavers. This will prevent the pavers from shifting around.

Grill

• 5

  Use a piece chalk to draw a straight line around the two short sides and the back of the paver base. Draw another straight line straight across the middle the the paver width wise. These lines are your guides for laying the patio.

• 6

  Mix a batch of bricklaying mortar following package instructions. Use a trowel to spread a 4-inch wide by 1/2-inch thick layer of mortar along the chalk lines. Run a furrow through the mortar. Place a brick on top of the mortar at one corner of the rectangle. Place a second brick next to it, leaving no space. Use the handle of the trowel to tap the bricks into place. Continue installing bricks in this manner. Turn the corner brick on a right angle so that the joint is smooth.

• 7

  Spread a 1/2-inch layer of mortar on top of the first row of bricks. Begin laying a second row of bricks on top of the first, beginning with a half brick. Continue installing the second row with hole bricks. This will create staggered joints making the grill sturdier and more cleanly constructed.

• 8

  Lay four more rows of bricks on top of the second. Alternate the first brick in each row between a half-size brick and a whole brick.. Spread a layer of mortar on top of the sixth row of bricks. Place the steel sheet on top of the sixth row to fit perfectly over the bricks.

• 9

  Draw a 3-by-3-foot square on one side of the sheet of metal using chalk. You will continue to build the grill up on this side, and the other side will be the work station.

• 10

  Spread a layer of mortar across the sides and back of the square, leaving the front open. Install a row of bricks, beginning with a whole brick and alternating. Install 3 more rows of bricks, again alternating, using a half or whole brick to begin.

• 11

  Place the grill panel on top of the 10th row of bricks. Spread mortar around the outside of the panel, then lay three more rows of bricks across the back and sides. These rows will provide a wind shield to protect the cooking area.

• 12

  Allow the mortar to dry for two or three days before using grill. Clean excess mortar from the sides of the bricks. To use the grill, place charcoal on the part of the metal sheet that is under the grill panel. The other half of the steel sheet is the workstation for the grill.