Picture this: the sun is setting, the smell of sizzling meat drifts through the backyard, and friends are gathered around a sturdy, stylish brick braai. A brick braai isn’t just a cooking spot—it’s the heart of South African outdoor living, built to last, resist heat, and handle everything from boerewors to braaibroodjies.

With a little know-how and the right materials, any homeowner can build a brick braai that stands proud for years. From choosing the perfect bricks and mixing mortar to selecting tools and accessories, this guide walks you through everything you need. BUCO supplies high-quality bricks, cement, grids, and all the essentials, helping you turn your backyard into the ultimate outdoor entertaining haven - without a hitch. 

Read on.

Bricks are highly resistant to high cooking temperatures, making them ideal for braais. Using fire bricks in the inner cooking area ensures heat retention and prevents cracking, giving your braai a long lifespan.

Brick braais are versatile and can be adapted to fit any outdoor space, from small patios to large garden entertainment zones. Their modular nature allows for creative layouts, extra prep surfaces, and storage niches.

A brick built-in braai becomes a permanent feature that elevates your patio or garden. Well-designed braais enhance aesthetics and functionality, increasing enjoyment and property appeal.

Choose face bricks or clay bricks for outer walls and fire bricks for the inner cooking area to withstand high heat. Fire bricks are essential for protecting the structure against thermal stress. Browse BUCO’s brick selection for quality options.

Use a strong cement and sand mixture for binding bricks. In high-heat zones, a specialised heat-resistant mortar ensures longevity. BUCO offers a variety of cement and building materials suitable for all paving and braai projects.

Select stainless steel or adjustable grids to suit your cooking style, along with sturdy support brackets for safety and stability.

Required for holding the braai grid and coal tray securely in place.

A level, compacted foundation is critical to prevent tilting and ensure long-term stability.

Include a chimney flue for smoke control, built-in shelves for utensils or firewood, and side prep areas to enhance functionality.

Brick trowel, spirit level, rubber mallet, builder’s line, and tape measure are must-haves to ensure accurate alignment and a professional finish.

Gloves, masks, and safety glasses protect you during cutting, mixing, and laying bricks.

Pick an open space away from structures with good ventilation to ensure safe operation.

Create a compacted base using concrete or paving to support the braai’s weight.

Align the first layer perfectly; this is critical for the stability of the entire structure.

Construct walls to standard braai height (900–1 000 mm). Reinforce the inner cooking area with fire bricks for heat protection.

These hold the braai grid and coal tray safely.

Optional but recommended for covered outdoor areas to direct smoke away from seating spaces.

Smooth mortar joints, add shelves, fit the grid, and allow sufficient curing time before first use.

Optimised layouts for limited spaces, providing full functionality without overwhelming the area.

Perfect for entertainers, with additional surfaces for prep, serving, and wood storage.

Face bricks offer a natural, low-maintenance finish that blends seamlessly with gardens and patios.

Explore BUCO’s plaster and face bricks for inspiration.

Prevent buildup that can affect airflow and heat efficiency.

Regular inspections maintain structural integrity and prevent hazards.

Stick to natural cleaning methods to preserve brick and mortar quality.

This guide equips homeowners with the knowledge and confidence to plan, build, and enjoy a durable outdoor brick braai using quality materials available at BUCO.

Estimates vary based on size: small braais may require around 200–300 bricks, medium builds 400–500, and large entertaining braais 600 or more.

Yes. Fire bricks extend durability, resist high temperatures, and protect the structure from heat damage.

Absolutely. With basic tools, careful planning, and proper guidance, homeowners can create functional and attractive braais.

Allow at least 7–10 days for the mortar and cement to cure before lighting a fire to ensure stability and safety.