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How to widen brick BBQ structure?

I need to widen my existing brick BBQ structure by 2cm either side to accommodate my new Webber Q BBQ. Can you please provide advice as to how I can go about cutting off/out the 2cm required from either side of the support brickwork so that the Webber Q will fit into the space and what tools will be required to complete the job.

Thank you for any assistance or advice which can be provided.

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Comments

EricL

Hello @Euroka

Thanks for sharing your question about adjusting your brick BBQ. Cutting the bricks is definitely possible and you can use either the Full Boar 125mm Segmented Rim Diamond Blade or the Kango 125mm Turbo Diamond Saw Blade in combination with a grinding tool. I also suggest using a cold chisel to chip off the brick for those areas where the grinder can't reach.

However, I would like to propose the idea of removing the bricks on the left-hand side of the BBQ in order to give you adequate space for the new BBQ. I suggest supporting the concrete benchtop with a Carinya 250 x 200mm Zinc Plated Heavy Duty Angle Bracket at the bottom. This in theory would save you time in cutting the bricks.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 @Nailbag and @AlanM52 for their recommendations.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/59655#Comment_59655

Good Evening @Euroka

🙂 You are asking a hard question for sure. Something has to give to make the space you require. I would NOT modify a purchased BBQ as it can add safety issues to the BBQ.

My thoughts headed almost the same way that @EricL suggested. I would remove the bricks on the left of the existing BBQ and also the concrete slab that it supports. Then I would replace the concrete top with a timber top. I know you didnt want to change anything, I just dont see a way to gain 4cm extra without removing some of the brick work.

Removing the brick work to the base of the existing BBQ I would use a pound hammer (baby sledge hammer) and a cold chisel if needed. Tapping along the last brick row next to the base level of the existing BBQ (once removed) should loosen it so it can be removed. I am hoping that the bricks holding the BBQ are stand alone and not joined into the rear wall. You could have a look at the rear and determine how the whol BBQ has been built. If it is joined to the wall then I would remove that left hand side brick by brick and any of the linkage bricks into the rear wall I would use the cold chisel to halve.

Note - Remember to Use safety goggles and also thick gloves when breaking up the wall.

Dave

Nailbag

Hi @Euroka

Unfortunately there is no easy method here. You will not get enough depth of cut with a diamond blade of any size other than to trim the stone top. The bricks on one side will need to be removed. As @Dave-1 suggested, I would remove the left side bricks as they are already missing one. Then re-lay off-set the 2cm you need.

Personally from past experience I would replace the top with timber. No species will have an extended lifespan and be less durable of masonry. I would consider 20mm+ tiles or go to a local stone benchtop company and grab a couple of cheap off-cuts, and get them to cut to size. Thats how I have restored a few past BBQ kitchens.

Nailbag

Euroka

Hi Dave,

Thank you for your response and advice which is very much appreciated. Both you and EricL have given me some great advice which I will implement.

Regards,

Euroka

AlanM52

Hi @Euroka,

Are the slabs simply sitting on the bricks... I suspect they are.

If that's the case I suggest the following.

Remove the left slab.

The 1/2 brick cavity is for the gas connection.

That first top brick is sitting on a steel lintel plate.

Remove the two rows of bricks.

And relay to the left with the bottom row also sitting on a lintel that is supported with the bracket that @EricL suggested.

Cheers

Euroka

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/59680#Comment_59680

Hi AlanM52,

Thanks for your reply to my issue and your advice on how to adjust the bricks to fit the new BBQ. There seems to be a consensus from yourself and all others in the best way to solve my issue and I’m going to move along those lines.

I greatly appreciate that you have given up your time to assist me in solving this problem.

Regards,

Euroka

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/59668#Comment_59668

Hi Nailbag,

I greatly appreciate that you have given up your time to assist me in solving this problem.

Regards,

Euroka

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