• Brick grills can be incorporated into patio walls and improved with additional shelves.grill image by Dron from Fotolia.com
  
  For homeowners planning on a brick or paver patio, a brick barbecue is often an attractive option, especially in climates where the patio can be used frequently as a place to entertain and cook. When homeowners are ready to plan and build their own brick grill, they should try to place it in a convenient location and include amenities that will make grilling and serving food easier.
  
  

Avoid Full Sunlight

• When you plan your grill, position it in a place that is not subject to full sunlight. This will help not only with visibility, but with the durability and lifespan of the grill. The sunlight and inner heat of the firebox can quickly degrade the brick. Partial shade is best for this type of grill. Ideally, try to find a spot where adjacent serving tables can be easily set up as needed.
  
  

Customize Height

• The height of the grill should depend on your height. Do not simply follow someone else's instructions when building the grill walls up. Measure and find the height that will work for you. The most common height (for the grill itself, not the surrounding walls) is about 30 inches, but experiment before you make a final choice.
  
  

Include a Shelf

• Many brick grill plans include protective outer walls and useful grill sections, but not an extra shelf or two. These shelves are extremely useful when bringing out dishes or serving food, which is why all commercial grills have them. So include a shelf or two, possibly at different levels. You can fashion them out of sturdy brick rows, or use a patio slab.
  
  

Build Into a Wall

• If you have a brick patio, consider creating a brick wall and simply building the brick grill into the wall itself. This creates an excellent patio effect, and access to the firebox and drainage can be built in behind the wall for added convenience and improved appearance. You can easily blend the grill into the landscape and add extras with just a little more work.
  
  

Make a Grill Station

• If you have a commercial grill and do not feel like parting with it, consider making a grill station. These are brick enclosures design to let you slide your commercial grill in and out of, combining the convenience of your old grill with the stateliness of a brick grill.