How To Build An Outdoor Brick Oven

How to Build an Outdoor Brick Oven

Experience the joy of creating your own wood-fired pizzas or sourdough delights in the comfort of your backyard with an outdoor brick oven. Building one may seem daunting, but with the right planning and materials, it's a rewarding project that will elevate your outdoor cooking game.

Materials You'll Need:

Bricks (fire bricks for the interior, common bricks for the exterior)
Mortar mix (fire clay for the interior, standard mortar for the exterior)
Sand
Gravel
Rebar
Insulation (optional)
Chimney cap
Pizza stone (optional)

Step 1: Design and Preparation

Plan the size and shape of your oven based on your cooking needs. Excavate the area for the foundation and pour a concrete slab. Allow it to cure before proceeding.

Step 2: Building the Base

Lay a layer of gravel on the concrete slab for drainage, followed by a layer of sand. Arrange the fire bricks in a circular pattern for the oven floor, using fire clay mortar for bonding.

Step 3: Constructing the Walls

Begin laying the exterior bricks around the oven floor, using standard mortar. Create a slightly domed shape by angling the bricks inward as you work upwards. Reinforce the walls with rebar to enhance stability.

Step 4: Forming the Dome

To achieve the iconic dome shape, cut bricks into trapezoidal wedges and bond them together using fire clay mortar. Start from the center and work outwards, carefully supporting the dome as you progress.

Step 5: Insulation and Finishing

For optimal heat retention, consider adding a layer of insulation material inside the dome. Finally, finish the exterior with a layer of common bricks and standard mortar to complete the overall structure.

Step 6: Curing

Allow the oven to dry and cure for several days to weeks before using it for the first time. This allows the mortar to set properly and the oven to reach its full potential.

Step 7: First Fire

Gradually start heating the oven by building a small fire inside. Slowly increase the temperature over several hours to prevent cracking. Once the oven reaches the desired cooking temperature, you can start enjoying your homemade delights.

Tips:

Use a pizza stone for even heat distribution on the cooking surface.
Protect the oven from the elements with a cover or weather-resistant coating.
Involve friends or family for a fun and collaborative building experience.

With care and attention to detail, you can create a stunning and functional outdoor brick oven that will provide endless moments of culinary joy and ambiance.