One of the best and tastiest ways to conserve meat is to smoke it. The meat is delicious, and if you keep it in a cool, dry place, it can last up to a year and sometimes even longer. Here’s how to build a smokehouse in your backyard.

The system used is pretty simple. You make a fire, and the smoke goes through a long tube or pipe. The smoke will then cool down and reach the meat at the appropriate temperature (85 degrees to 125 degrees Fahrenheit).

Why Building a Smokehouse?

You ever think about building a smokehouse? It’s one of the best things I’ve added to my homestead. You can preserve meat, fish, even cheese, and the flavor you get—nothing beats that smoky goodness.

Plus, it keeps your food longer without relying on a freezer, which means less energy use and more space.

It’s not too expensive to build one yourself, and you know exactly what’s going into your food—no weird preservatives. Whether you’ve got a big harvest to save or just want amazing smoked meals, a smokehouse is totally worth it.

There is no parts list just basic measurements and what you have on hand to build. 

Step-by-Step Guide:

Dig the groove. The fire pit will be built downward so that the smoke can go upward.


A pipe should be laid out between the holes so that the smoke can travel to the meat. Try to stay away from metal as it could rust decorate and even collapse over time. 

Cement was put in the first hole to create a floor. You can use regular concrete for this. 

The fire pit was built using bricks and cement. It will get hot regular concrete for the bricks can crack and split with heat. For the bricks be sure to use refractory cement / mortar.



A cast iron door was installed in front of the fire pit.

You will have to remove the ashes with a small garden shovel over time. 
You need to use the right kind of wood, preferably hard wood, to build the top structure for the smokehouse. Ideally, the trees used to construct the smokehouse should be cherry, pear, apple, or apricot.





A space for the horn has been carved out and for the wires used to hang the meat on.


The finished product:


Dirt was put around and over the pipe, and wood pallets were used as steps.



Here are the meats being smoked.


The best types of wood for smoking meats are hickory, red oak, mesquite, cherry wood, and apple-wood. This smokehouse can be your next weekend project.




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