Upgrading your backyard with a custom concrete fire pit shows your personality and elevates your outdoor living space. It’s also a great investment that increases your property value.
Custom Concrete BBQ Pits is the best construction material for BBQ grills because of its durability and resistance to heat. It’s also fireproof.
There are several factors to consider when choosing a location for your barbecue pit. The amount of space you have available will determine how large a grill you can install and whether you want it to be built-in or freestanding. Larger models can accommodate more people at once but may also require a bigger propane tank or more wood pellets to fuel the fire.
My dad used to make these concrete semicircular BBQ firepits out of those 8-inch long, square, poured landscaping bricks that they sell at home improvement stores for making decorative “freeform” curved dirt retainers. He used regular concrete blocks instead of cinderblocks because it was cheaper.
Adding a barbecue pit to the backyard allows homeowners to entertain guests while creating a comfortable space to unwind. With the right materials, contractors can build a backyard barbecue that will last years and make a statement about the homeowner’s style. Custom concrete BBQ pits are made from fire-resistant concrete and can withstand extreme weather for an extended period. They are sturdy enough to hold the hottest grills without melting or shifting. Compared to paver fire pits, a concrete pit can withstand much more heat and is safer for families with young children.
Before beginning construction, homeowners should decide how to use their barbecue pit. Some people use it as an outdoor kitchen with a large work surface with sinks, refrigerators, ovens, and grills. Others prefer to keep the cooking area separate from the rest of the backyard and use a barbecue pit as a focal point for socializing with friends or family.
Homeowners should also consider whether they want their barbecue pit flush with or above the ground. Building a pit flush with the ground is easier to develop and maintain but may require more work to fit into an existing backyard design. A pit above ground is more complex but can be more easily integrated into a current landscape.
Once the location has been determined, homeowners should identify utility lines to dig safely without interfering with important services. They should also check with local authorities to ensure they have the proper permits before constructing a barbecue pit.
The next thing to consider is the type of cooking that will be done. Most barbecues rely on controlled heating methods like conduction and radiant heating, while others use an open flame to cook. Homeowners should also think about how they plan to power their pit. A barbecue can be powered by charcoal in an LP cylinder, propane gas from a line connected to the house, or electricity.
Choosing the right materials for your Custom Concrete BBQ Pits will help you get a lasting finished product. Our region experiences warm summers and freezing winters, so the material you choose must be strong enough to withstand these elements for years. Concrete is a perfect choice, as it’s extremely durable and fireproof. It can also be molded to your specific style, allowing you to create an outdoor kitchen that will look amazing for years.
The type of fuel you choose for your BBQ grill is another important decision. A charcoal grill will give your food a distinctive smoky flavor, while a gas grill is more convenient and easy to use. You can also opt for a combination barbecue grill, which allows you to use charcoal or gas.
In addition to choosing the type of fuel you’ll use, you’ll also want to consider the size of your grill. Many options are available, from a simple brick barbecue to a large built-in BBQ with much cooking space.
Once you’ve determined the type and size of your barbecue, you can start working up concept drawings. Then, you can choose the colors and designs to make your backyard barbecue stand out.
Add cabinets or drawers to your Custom Concrete BBQ Pits for added storage. This way, you can store your utensils, a paper towel rod, a trash can, and more in one convenient location. This way, you’ll spend less time hauling items and more time relaxing with a Tom Collins in hand.
Whether you want to create a backyard BBQ pit for entertaining or simply for relaxing and enjoying nature, Rochester Hills Concrete can design and build the perfect custom concrete fire pit that will be the focal point of your space. We can also help you select the fuel type – charcoal or gas – that is best for you and your family. A barbecue pit designed to meet your needs will bring out the Masterchef in you.
We can run gas lines to your BBQ island if you plan on using a propane tank. Depending on your preferences, we can install an L-shaped counter or a workstation layout that allows you to reach appliances more easily and interact with guests more comfortably. If you plan on using a wood smoker, we can also run the necessary piping from the hood to your pit so that you can smoke meat at your home.
A concrete fire pit is an eye-catching addition to any outdoor living space and adds value to your property. A well-constructed concrete fire pit can increase the value of your home by up to 40%!
To install your backyard BBQ pit, we will start by clearing the area where you plan on building it. We will then dig down to a depth of at least 6 inches and remove any grass or other vegetation. Once this is done, we will prepare the area by spreading a layer of gravel at least 2 inches thick. This will help keep the dirt and ash out of your BBQ island, which is important because fat and meat drippings can attract insects and mice.
After laying the gravel, we will pour a thick concrete layer over it. This layer will serve as the base of your barbecue pit and will support your propane tanks if you use them, and your smoker if you plan on smoking meat. Then, we will install any necessary electrical wiring for lighting and powering your grill and other appliances if you plan on installing them in your new backyard BBQ pit. Concrete stone facing can be installed over a variety of substrates such as poured walls, concrete block, cinder block, wood frame, or ICFs. Installation procedures vary depending on the surface to be covered and whether a mortar joint will be used or not.
If you’re using mortar joints, begin by determining how much stone you will need to cover the wall (length x height). In addition, calculate the square footage needed for corner stones by multiplying the number of corners in your project by the length of each corner. Typically, corner stones are installed first followed by the flats.
Before installing, prepare the stone by sweeping the back side to remove any dirt and dust that may have built up. You can use a dry, stiff brush or a broom. If necessary, you can also lightly sand the surface with 120-grit sandpaper. If you’re using mortar joints, a mason’s chisel can be helpful to cut the edges of the stone and to make minor alternations.
When ready to install, lay out the stone pieces on the ground to check for sizing and colors, how they will be placed and if any trimming is needed. You can trim stone with a saw or masonry blade, but it is generally not recommended as this can change the appearance of the product. If you do need to cut stone, try to keep joint widths the same. This will help maintain a more natural appearance and minimize the visual distraction of long, unbroken joints.
Using the trowel, spread a thin coat of mortar on the back of the stone, or “back butter” it, approximately a half inch thick. This is important because it creates a bond between the stone and the mortar. Often, this step is neglected, even by seasoned installers. The key is to make sure the entire back of the stone is coated with mortar, even if you will not be seeing it.