Embarking on a DIY project to build a brick oven outside can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only will you have a functional, beautiful addition to your outdoor space, but you'll also gain a new skill and a sense of accomplishment. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, from planning to cooking your first pizza, ensuring you create a durable, efficient oven that's perfect for outdoor entertaining.
Before you start, consider the size and style of your oven. A common size is around 36 inches in diameter, which can accommodate a standard pizza stone. As for style, you might prefer a traditional domed shape, a contemporary design, or something in between. Once you've decided, gather your materials and tools, and let's get started!
Gathering Materials and Tools
To build your brick oven, you'll need a variety of materials and tools. Here's a list to help you prepare:
Materials: Bricks (fire bricks recommended), mortar, sand, gravel, concrete, rebar, brick ties, refractory cement, pizza stone, insulation, and a door and chimney kit.
Tools: Tape measure, level, shovel, wheelbarrow, trowel, brick saw or wet saw, safety glasses, work gloves, and a brickie's hammer.
Preparing the Site
Choose a level, dry area for your oven, preferably near a water source and away from flammable materials. Clear the site and lay out a base using gravel and sand, ensuring it's well-compacted and level.
Next, build a simple form for your oven's base using concrete. Mix your concrete according to the package instructions, pour it into the form, and smooth the top with a trowel. Allow it to cure for at least 72 hours before proceeding.
Building the Oven's Base
Once the concrete base is cured, you can begin laying bricks. Start by spreading a layer of refractory cement on the base, ensuring it's even and covers the entire surface. This will help insulate the oven and protect the concrete from heat.
Lay your first course of bricks, using a level to ensure they're even and aligned. Apply mortar to the ends of the bricks as you lay them, using a trowel to create a concave shape in the center to help with heat retention. Continue laying bricks, staggering the joints for added strength, until you reach the desired height for your oven's base.
Constructing the Oven's Dome
Now that the base is complete, it's time to start building the dome-shaped interior. This will provide the optimal environment for cooking with radiant heat.
Begin by laying bricks in a circular pattern, using a string and a pencil to mark the desired diameter. Apply mortar to the ends of the bricks and lay them in a staggered pattern, ensuring the joints are filled. Continue laying bricks, gradually reducing the diameter to form the dome shape.
Creating the Arch
To create the arch, you'll need to build a temporary form using bricks and mortar. Lay bricks in an inverted U-shape, using a level to ensure they're even and aligned. Allow the mortar to set slightly before carefully removing the inner bricks, leaving the arch in place.
Lay bricks along the sides of the arch, using mortar to secure them. Continue laying bricks in a circular pattern, following the curve of the arch. As you build upwards, use a brickie's hammer to tap the bricks into place, ensuring they're even and aligned.
Finishing Touches
Once you've reached the desired height for your oven's dome, allow the mortar to cure for at least 24 hours. Then, apply a layer of refractory cement to the interior, ensuring it's even and covers the entire surface. This will help insulate the oven and protect the bricks from heat.
Next, install the door and chimney kit, following the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure the chimney is properly vented to prevent smoke from entering your outdoor space. Finally, allow the refractory cement to cure for at least 72 hours before using your oven.
Now that your brick oven is complete, it's time to season it and start cooking! To season the oven, build a small fire inside and allow it to burn for several hours, gradually increasing the temperature. This will help cure the bricks and create a protective layer on the interior. Once the oven is seasoned, you're ready to cook your first pizza or try out other delicious recipes. Enjoy your new outdoor cooking space!