We all love the taste, smells and atmosphere of a summer barbeque, and there are a huge variety of gas and charcoal powered models available to choose from. However, these can tend to be quite expensive, and you will also have the worry of where to store them during the winter months. One solution however, is to build a permanent brick barbeque.

A built-in BBQ needs a flat, stable surface, such as a concrete base or paved area. However, even firmed earth will suffice. It will need to be sited in a sheltered position away from fire hazards such as overhanging branches or wooden structures. It is also useful to have room for a foldaway table or a trolley nearby on which to put food and utensils.

Before building a permanent barbecue, you might consider to constructing a temporary version first to ensure that it is a comfortable height and it is in the right position. You can do this by putting together a structure of dry laid bricks.

1. Materials

• charcoal tray
• grilling tray
• supporting brackets
• approximately 125 bricks (the exact number will depend on the height and shape of the barbecue)
• cement
• cement trowel

2. Dimensions

Decide on a comfortable working height for the barbecue, for most people this will be about 75 cm, but you may want to position yours higher or lower, depending on the height of the cook. Assuming you are using bricks 65 mm thick, you will need about 11 courses of bricks for a barbecue about 75 cm high.

3. Laying the Bricks

Lay the first course of bricks, either in semi-circular shape or three sides of a square. You should use about 12 bricks. The bricks can be mortared into place (see our article on laying bricks for more information), or they may be laid dry. In this case, you should leave 1-2 cm gaps between each brick to provide good air circulation.

Continue the second course of bricks, placing the centre of a brick on top of the gaps in the first course (a staggered bond); this will produce a more stable structure.

Continue until you have seven courses of bricks.

4. Adding the Charcoal Tray and Grill

Place brackets on top of the seventh course of bricks - this will hold the charcoal tray. Build another two courses on top, then add the brackets for the grill. It is important that you make sure the brackets are level, and that the grill and charcoal tray sit comfortably on them without wobbling.

5. Finishing Off

Continue with 2 more courses after you have placed the grill tray, these will act as an edge to contain the food, and to shelter it from any draughts.