Pizza is a beloved food worldwide, and one of the best ways to enjoy it is by cooking it in an outdoor pizza oven. Outdoor pizza ovens are a great addition to any backyard, providing a fun and unique way to entertain guests and cook delicious homemade pizzas.
Building an outdoor pizza oven may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools, materials, and a little bit of patience, it’s entirely possible to construct one yourself. In this article, we’ll go through the steps to build your own outdoor pizza oven.
Step 1: Gather Materials and Tools
Before you begin building your outdoor pizza oven, you’ll need to gather the necessary materials and tools. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
Materials:
- Firebrick (at least 200)
- High-temperature mortar
- Concrete mix
- Sand
- Clay or Vermiculite Insulation
- Steel rebar
- Metal door (optional)
Tools:
- Shovel
- Wheelbarrow
- Trowel
- Level
- Measuring tape
- Masonry saw
- Masonry hammer
Step 2: Build a Base
The first step in building your outdoor pizza oven is to build a sturdy base. This can be done using concrete blocks, bricks, or even stones. Make sure the base is level and measures about 4-5 feet in diameter.
Step 3: Create a Form
Next, you’ll need to create a form using steel rebar and wire mesh. This form will serve as the foundation for the pizza oven dome. You can use a large beach ball or other spherical object as a guide to shape the form.
Step 4: Lay the Firebrick
Now it’s time to lay the firebrick. Start at the base of the form and work your way up, using high-temperature mortar to adhere the bricks together. Make sure to leave a small gap between each brick for ventilation.
Step 5: Add Insulation
After laying the firebrick, add a layer of insulation using either clay or vermiculite. This insulation layer will help keep the oven hot and prevent heat loss.
Step 6: Create the Dome
To create the dome, start by laying the first row of firebricks perpendicular to the base layer. From there, lay each subsequent layer at an angle, using the previous layer as a guide. Continue building the dome until you reach the top.
Step 7: Install the Door (optional)
If you want to install a door on your outdoor pizza oven, now is the time to do so. You can use a metal door or create one using firebrick.
Step 8: Finish the Oven
Finally, finish the oven by adding a layer of high-temperature mortar over the entire surface of the dome. This will help protect the oven from the elements and prolong its lifespan.
Congratulations! You’ve now built your own outdoor pizza oven. Now it’s time to fire it up and start cooking delicious homemade pizzas. Remember to always exercise caution when using your pizza oven, and never leave it unattended while in use.