A fire pit is an attractive and functional addition to almost any back yard. For many people, a backyard get-together isn't complete without a fire pit to huddle around as the night begins to cool. A fire pit makes not only an excellent gathering spot but also an excellent method to cook when a cooking grill is placed above its flames. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Select or build a grilling surface. Many stores that sell grills also sell grilling accessories, including grill surfaces. Choose a sturdy grill plate of a durable metal, such as an aluminum alloy or stainless steel. Grill slats should be spaced regularly and have strong welds.
2. Decide on the shelf support layout. The shelf supports should be set in a minimum of three points around the grill for optimum balance. For three supports, imagine the fire pit is a clock, and plan to place the supports at 4, 8 and 12. For four supports, use 3, 6, 9 and 12.
3. Lay the base for the grill support. Lay down two bricks horizontally, end to end, in the first corner. Use a level to make sure the brick installation is correct. Alternate the pattern between brick/brick and half-brick/brick/half brick as you build the grill support upward. Build the support up until it is level with the usual height of the flames. Repeat on the other corners to build up all your grill supports. Use mortar to secure bricks together if you desire a permanent grilling shelf around the fire pit. Stop laying bricks when you get to the point where your grill rack will go.
4. Create grill shelves on the exterior walls. While the rest of the current brick level will use full bricks, use a half brick near each of the corners of the grill. In the open space, use a full brick (turned inward) to form four shelf brackets. Build a level of bricks on top of the shelf layer to stabilize the brick used as a shelf. Create additional shelves farther up the walls for alternate grilling heights.
5. Finish the grill supports. Lay at least two additional levels of brick beyond the final grill shelf level, finishing on a brick/brick pattern. If mortar was used, allow it to dry according to package instructions.
6. Place the grill surface on the grill shelf at your desired grilling height.
Tags: brick brick, grill shelf, grill support, grill supports, half brick, your grill