BBQ pits typically cost thousands of dollars, which is why I’ve only dreamed of owning one. So when I saw the video below, I was shocked to find out that I could build an old-time Southern BBQ pit for less than 250 bucks! And while most DIY projects involve countless hours and skills that require months of practice, this BBQ pit is easier to assemble than an Ikea bookshelf. It only takes about 30 minutes to put together (not including beer breaks), and it’s also portable, so you can put it in the back of your truck and barbeque anywhere.
Your new BBQ pit starts at your local building supplies store. All you need are these supplies:
48 cinder blocks
2 pieces of 4 ft x 4 ft 16-gauge sheet metal
1 piece of 2 ft x 4 ft 16-gauge sheet metal
1 piece of 4 ft x 80 in expanded metal
Once you’ve got everything gathered, you’re ready to start. Follow the directions below and enjoy your new BBQ!
Lay 14 cinderblocks on sand, gravel, or dirt. (You can also build your BBQ pit on grass if you love BBQ more than your lawn.)
Once you’ve got the base evened out, remove two blocks from one end. This opening is where you’ll fill the pit with wood or charcoal. After you remove the blocks, add a second layer.
Now that you’ve got your second layer done, it’s time to lay down the grill.
With the grill in place, lay down your third layer of blocks.
After you’re done with the third level, you’ve got 16 inches of space below the grate and eight inches above it. If you’re just going to cook briskets or pork butts, you can skip the top level and put the sheet metal on top of the pit now. But if you want to be able to cook whole hogs, add one more level so there’s space for the smoke to curl up over the pig.
With the walls built, it’s time to cover the pit with the two 4 ft x 4 ft pieces of sheet metal.
The metal sheets will come out over the sides of the pit so you can slide them to the side and check on your meat.
Finally, slip the 2 ft x 4 ft piece of sheet metal over the front opening and you’re done!
Check out the full directions here:
Share this article with anyone you know with a taste for BBQ! Who knows, they may make this BBQ pit and invite you over for some brisket!
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