Anyone here ever build their own BBQ?

Yes and it looks just like a shallow hole in the ground with rocks
around it.

What about burner?

Two used paper plates to start, mesquite wood to burn.

What metal would you use for this?

I had four grates, gave away two so far, prob'ly never need the
fourth, made from 3/16" steel rods. I got them off somebody's
homemade and abandoned rabbit hutch.

Alvin in AZ
ps- what's going on now is nothing more than the 50's commercialism
on steroids.
pps- does your housewife wear a smile and an apron while she cleans
her kitchen?
ppps- those guys in Rio Linda California don't got nuthin on me
except maybe greener weeds?