Smokehouse Build

First, I'd like to thank everyone that's posts on this web site for all the great ideas, inspiration and answers to questions.

This is all your fault. 

Now, my skills when it comes to using power tools and handy work is minimal.  Not so much when it comes to computers and geeky stuff.  So, I unlisted the help of my close friend Drew aka "Uncle Drew".  He's got the tools and much more experience using them than myself.


Went shopping for T&G and I was kind of shocked at how much it was at my local HD & Lowes.  I found a builders surplus outfit and was able to save $.35/LF.  Uncle Drew also found some trimming he needed for a project for really cheap.

Stainless steel fasteners...Let's just say you don't buy these things at HD or Lowes unless you want to pay a super premium price. I got lucky again and found a small fastener shop near my house.  Got 400 stainless steel deck screws for $32 plus free bits.  Also picked up the propane burner from Northern Tool, some grills from Outdoor Cooking (replacement grills for an electric smoker) and some super smooth rolling casters with breaks for only $6 ea. from Blue Collar Supply.


The coolest part of gathering the materials is when they ask, "Whatcha building?"  I reply, "A meat smoker!"  Then we both smile and end up chatting about it for a few minutes.

Here's some more pics...















The above pic is me saying they should make "left-handed" drills.  Sorry no picture of everyone laughing at me. 

My hand kept hitting the fwd/reverse button on the drill but didn't when I help it in my right hand which is totally uncoordinated.

Well, we got the sides and back panels finished.  Fired up the grill for some sausages and drank more beer.  This morning, I woke up sore.     I need to get out from behind my desk more!!

I'll post more when we continue the build.  Thanks again to everyone. 

When it comes to lining the burner area, Drew has some of this hardie backer left over from his outdoor bbq project.

...and we;re almost done.  The last picture doesn't show the dowel rack installed at the top and the floor register we installed on the bottom door.  I didn't like the vent I had purchased for the top, so I am getting different ones along with latches and handles tomorrow.

Poker chip for the latches to hit.


Rear vent installed


Checking the smoke during the curing process


First butt in smoker


Wife's first ribs - turned out great


Looking forward to more smoking.  Doing a fatty and ABTs this weekend for the first time.

Hagisan, morning ... that is one really nice smoke house and H&LL for stout....   How did you get it to hold up that brick and mortar chimney ???  Just kidding....  the picture looks like it's supporting it....     Dave

That looks great! I too did a double take with the chimney in the background! 

Thumbs Up Thumbs Up

what was the hottest temp you reached for the pork butt? Curious as to how high of a temperature you can reach with a pine interior.