Building a Brick Barbecue: Complete Guide

Building a brick barbecue works out when three things are settled before the first brick is laid: a well-considered location in relation to the wind, the house and the neighbours; a stable, frost-proof foundation; and a firebox built from refractory materials. The rest, the worktop, the wood storage and the finishing touches, is decided afterwards according to how you will use it. This guide covers these steps in order, with the points that matter in French-speaking Switzerland.

Choosing the location for the barbecue

This is the hardest decision to correct afterwards. A brick barbecue cannot be moved, so it is worth taking the time to observe the garden.

• The prevailing wind. Notice where the wind comes from at the times when you eat outdoors. Smoke should drift away from the terrace, open windows and neighbours, not towards them.
• Distance from the house. Keep a reasonable distance from facades, woodwork, blinds and eaves. Sparks and radiant heat damage anything that is too close.
• Trees and planting. No branch should overhang the firebox, and dry hedges or neighbouring conifers should be kept at a distance.
• The neighbours. Smoke and smells travel further than you might expect, especially with a wood fire. A boundary close by calls for caution.
• Access from the kitchen. You will make many trips back and forth with dishes, plates and utensils. A short, paved path with no awkward steps makes the whole thing far more pleasant.
• The ground. Level, well-drained ground that does not hold water in winter makes the foundation easier.

Mark out the layout on the ground with stakes and string, then test it over a few real meals before committing.

Wood, charcoal or gas barbecue

The choice of fuel determines the design of the firebox, any chimney and the worktop.

For a wood or charcoal barbecue, the masonry is conventional and needs no major technical installation. For gas, the gas supply and appliances must be fitted to professional standards: that part is a job for a qualified installer, never a DIY task.

The foundation and the masonry

A stable base

A brick barbecue is heavy. It needs a concrete slab or footing, laid on a well-compacted, level sub-base. In our region, frost is a real issue: ground that swells in winter will crack poorly founded masonry. The foundation must therefore be designed with frost and water drainage in mind, which depends on the nature of the ground.

The materials

• Firebricks for the firebox and combustion chamber. They withstand high temperatures without splitting, which ordinary bricks and standard concrete do not.
• Refractory mortar for the joints in the heated area.
• Natural stone, facing bricks or concrete for the outer cladding, chosen to match the house and the terrace.
• Metal grill and trays in suitable steel, height-adjustable if possible, to control the cooking.
• Worktop in natural stone, concrete or slabs that are heat-resistant and easy to clean.

The steps, in order

1. Mark out and excavate the site, then compact the base.
2. Pour the slab or footing and let it harden completely.
3. Build the plinth and load-bearing walls, checking plumb and level on every course.
4. Build the firebox with the firebricks, separated from the outer cladding by an expansion joint designed for heat.
5. Install the grill, the supports and, where relevant, the hood and flue.
6. Fit the worktop and the finishing touches.
7. Leave to dry, then raise the temperature very gradually over the first fires, using small blazes.

This gradual build-up limits cracking: new masonry still contains moisture, which has to escape slowly.

Worktop, storage and shelter

A brick barbecue is mainly valued because it makes cooking outdoors comfortable. A few features make a big difference to how it is used:

• A worktop on either side of the firebox for setting down dishes, marinades and cooked meat. It should be at a good height, neither too low nor too high.
• Storage for wood or charcoal, dry and ventilated, for example a niche built into the plinth. It saves carrying logs from a distant shed.
• Storage for utensils, protected from the rain.
• Lighting if you eat in the evening, with a compliant electrical installation carried out by a professional.
• A water point nearby, useful for cleaning and for emergencies.

If you want to cook in all weathers, a cover is possible, but it must be done properly. A shelter or pergola must stay at a safe distance from the firebox and hood, using materials suited to being near heat. A wooden roof placed right above the flames is a real hazard. Think about the space as a whole too: linking to a timber or stone terrace lets you move from the meal to the cooking without leaving a stable surface. On this theme, our guide to paving slab terraces will help you choose the surface that surrounds the barbecue.

Neighbours, regulations and drought

A barbecue is shared with the neighbourhood. A few precautions avoid friction:

• Smoke and noise. Use well-dried wood, light the fire without unsuitable products and avoid late evenings when the wind is unfavourable.
• Municipal regulations. Open-air fires are governed by rules that vary from one municipality and canton to another. Ask your municipality before building: some fixed structures may also require you to find out about local requirements.
• Fire bans during drought. These can be imposed when the fire risk is high, which happens regularly in Valais. They may cover wood fires and sometimes other appliances too: check the official notices from your municipality or canton before lighting.
• Everyday safety. Keep something to put the fire out close at hand, never leave a fire unattended and only cover it with materials once the embers are completely out.

Upkeep: ash and winter protection

A well-built brick barbecue lasts a long time, provided it is looked after.

• Ash is removed once cold, into a metal container, as it can stay hot for a long time. Wait until it has cooled completely before throwing it away.
• The grill is brushed after each use, while it is still warm.
• Surfaces are cleaned with water and a brush. Avoid harsh products on natural stone.
• Frost. In autumn, check the joints and cracks, because water that seeps in freezes and splits the masonry. Cover the firebox with a ventilated tarpaulin or a protective slab, and empty the flue.
• In spring, inspect the whole structure, repair any damaged joints and light a first moderate fire.

By region: lakeside, plain, mountains

The climate affects the choice of site as much as the materials.

• Lake Geneva and the other lakes. The climate is mild and lake breezes can shift during the day: observe the wind at several times. Around Vevey, sloping gardens often need a small retaining wall to create a stable platform.
• Plateau and plain. Around Yverdon-les-Bains, flat plots make the foundation easier, but soil moisture and winter frost call for good drainage beneath the slab.
• Valais. Around Sion, the dry, sunny climate makes the outdoors a living space for much of the year, but summer fire risks mean fire bans must be followed closely.
• Jura heights and Prealps. Harsh winters, snow and freeze-thaw cycles call for a careful foundation, frost-resistant materials and systematic winter protection. The wind is also often stronger there.

Doing it yourself or handing it over

A DIYer comfortable with masonry can build a small barbecue alone: laying the courses of bricks, fitting the finishes, upkeep. The decisive steps are more delicate, however: a foundation suited to the ground, a properly expanded refractory firebox, flue and hood, gas or electrical connection. A design error is paid for later in cracks, poorly extracted smoke or fire risk.

For a more ambitious project, with a worktop, storage, a terrace and lighting, it is better to call on a landscape design professional. SOS Jardin passes your request to a gardener-landscaper in your area, who will contact you and prepare a free, no-obligation quote: you can request a quote by describing your project.

Frequently asked questions

Can a brick barbecue be built anywhere in the garden?

No. The location must take account of the wind, the distance from the house, trees and neighbours. You also need to check your municipality’s rules before starting. A preliminary enquiry to the municipal administration avoids unpleasant surprises.

Which brick should be used for the firebox?

Use firebricks, designed to withstand the heat of the fire without splitting. Ordinary bricks and standard concrete do not stand up to these temperatures over time. The mortar in the firebox must also be refractory.

Does a brick barbecue withstand frost?

Yes, if it is well built: a foundation designed for frost, good water drainage and joints in good condition. It is still wise to cover it in winter and check for cracks every autumn, because water freezing in a crack makes it larger.

Can you light a fire during a drought?

Not always. Municipalities and cantons may ban open-air fires when the fire risk is high, which happens regularly in Valais. Check the official notices before lighting, even in a fixed barbecue.

Do you need a professional for a gas barbecue?

For the gas connection, yes. The installation must be carried out to the proper standards by a qualified installer. The masonry surrounding the appliance can, however, be built separately, with the necessary openings and ventilation.