Introduction
Having a pizza oven in your backyard can take your outdoor cooking to the next level. Freshly baked pizza with a crispy crust and melty cheese right in your own yard – it doesn’t get much better than that!
A DIY outdoor pizza oven may seem intimidating, but with the right materials and a bit of time, you can build your own oven from scratch. There are also pre-fab kits available to make the project easier. This guide will walk you through the basics of how to make a pizza oven for outdoor use, including tips for choosing the right design, required materials, and step-by-step building instructions. With the help of this article, you’ll be serving up homemade pizzas from your backyard oven in no time.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Pizza Oven Design
When deciding how to build your outdoor pizza oven, you first need to settle on a design. Here are some of the most popular options:
Wood Fired Brick Oven
This traditional style pizza oven is made from brick and lined with firebricks. Wood is used to fuel the fire that cooks the pizza. Brick ovens can take some time to build but produce excellent results. They are the most authentic option.
Stone Oven
Stone outdoor pizza ovens are also wood-fired and lined with firebricks or stone. They heat up quickly and cook pizza evenly. Stone is easier to work with than brick if you are building your own oven.
Clay Oven
Clay ovens made from clay-cob are a popular DIY choice because clay is an extremely affordable material. These ovens retain heat very well. The downside is they require more maintenance.
Propane Oven
For a simpler backyard oven, consider a propane-fueled model. They heat up quickly, are easier to build, and you can control the temperature. You lose some of the authenticity of wood-firing though.
Multi-Fuel Oven
Opt for versatility with a multi-fuel pizza oven that allows you to use wood, gas, or even electricity depending on your needs. This gives you flexibility.
Once you decide on the type of oven, you can start planning out the materials and tools you’ll need.
Required Materials and Tools
To build a backyard pizza oven, you will need the following materials and tools:
Materials
- Bricks or clay – For brick oven construction
- Firebricks – To line the floor and dome
- Stone or cast concrete – For a stone oven
- Sand – For binding bricks or clay
- Mortar – To adhere bricks/stones
- Insulation – Vermiculite, perlite, etc for dome
- Plywood or cement backerboard – For floor and base
- Angle iron or rebar – Interior structure
- Concrete blocks – Foundation
- Stainless steel – For chimney and venting
Tools
- Trowel for bricklaying
- Level tool
- Tape measure
- Shovel for mixing mortar
- Wheelbarrow for transporting
- Safety gear – Gloves, goggles, mask
- Drill for mixing mortar
- Chisel for shaping materials
- Saw for cutting materials
- Spirit level to check flat surfaces
Having these supplies on hand before starting will make the construction process go smoothly. You may also want to purchase a prefabricated pizza oven kit that comes with all the materials included.
How to Build a Brick Pizza Oven
Constructing a brick pizza oven is the most traditional DIY outdoor oven option. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to build one:
Step 1: Create the Base
Build a base from concrete blocks or bricks to create the foundation for your oven. Make sure it is flat, level, and well supported. The base should be a few inches wider than your oven on all sides.
Step 2: Build the Oven Floor
Use concrete, bricks, or stone to create the oven floor. Angle the floor slightly downwards from back to front so juices will run out the front vent. Insulate the floor with perlite or vermiculite.
Step 3: Install the Door Arch
Measure and cut bricks or stones to create the arched opening for your pizza oven door. Build a wooden support structure to frame the arch until it holds.
Step 4: Build the Oven Dome
Begin stacking bricks in a circular pattern to form the domed ceiling of the oven. Create ventilation holes through the top layers of bricks. Each layer should slope slightly inward.
Step 5: Insulate the Dome
Fill the oven dome with insulation like perlite or vermiculite to trap heat. Pack it in between the bricks.
Step 6: Install Chimney
Place stainless steel pipes through the top vent to create a chimney to release smoke and regulate air flow.
Step 7: Apply Mortar
Mix mortar and apply it between all bricks and stones to seal gaps. Smooth the interior with a wet sponge for an even surface.
Step 8: Allow to Dry
Let the mortar fully cure for several days before firing up your oven for the first time. Slowly cure the oven when first using it.
And that’s it – you now have your own backyard brick pizza oven! Time to start making pizza.
How to Build a DIY Stone Pizza Oven
For a more natural, rustic look, you can build your outdoor pizza oven from stone. Here is how:
Choose Oven Stones
Look for pizza oven stones or fire bricks. Soapstone, river rock and granite also work well. The thicker the better to retain heat.
Create the Base
Build a cinderblock or brick base as your foundation. Dig and fill with gravel for excellent stability.
Install the Oven Floor
Place your stones tightly together on the base. Angle down slightly towards the front.
Build the Oven Opening
Arrange cut stones to create an arched opening as your oven door. Use thick stone for structural integrity.
Construct the Dome
Stack stones in a circular pattern, sloping inwards with each layer to form the dome shape.
Insulate the Dome
Pack vermiculite or perlite into the gaps between stones to hold heat inside the oven dome.
Install the Chimney
Fit a venting pipe through the top layers of stone to release smoke and regulate air flow.
Seal with Mortar
Mix mortar and apply between all stones, sealing gaps and providing stability. Let cure before using.
Using a Pizza Oven Kit
For simpler construction, consider using a pre-fabricated pizza oven kit. Here’s how:
Choose Your Kit
Select a high-quality stainless steel or ceramic kit that matches your size needs and budget. Consider fuel type.
Build the Foundation
Create a flat, stable concrete, stone or paver base a few inches wider than the kit diameter.
Assemble the Base
Follow kit instructions to connect the base pieces, legs, and floor together ensuring they are level.
Install the Oven Dome
Attach the dome pieces according to the directions. Make sure to add insulation first if required.
Add Features
Install chimney venting, thermometers, or other accessories using the instructions provided.
Cure the Oven
Heat up the oven slowly following the kit guidelines to fully cure materials before cooking.
With a quality pizza oven kit, you’ll be making homemade pizzas with ease while saving time on construction.
Choosing the Right Placement
Once built, you need to determine the best placement in your backyard for your pizza oven. Here are some placement tips:
- Pick a spot at least three feet from any buildings, trees or fences for fire safety.
- Find a level area that won’t pose a tripping hazard.
- Ensure adequate ventilation and air flow around the oven.
- Place near an entertainment area for convenience.
- Install on a non-flammable base like bricks or concrete.
- Protect from elements by placing under an awning or pergola.
- Position near your home’s gas or electrical lines if using a gas or electric oven.
- Ensure you have enough space around the oven for prep areas.
Maintaining Your Outdoor Pizza Oven
To keep your backyard pizza oven in top shape:
- Inspect for damage after storms or bad weather. Repair issues immediately.
- Check mortar or bricks/stones for deterioration annually and re-seal if needed.
- Replace damaged vents or chimney pipes right away before using.
- Clear any debris or vegetation around the oven.
- Keep the oven interior clean by sweeping after each use.
- Remove built up creosote in the chimney regularly.
- Re-fill insulation in the dome if it settles over time.
With proper care and maintenance, an outdoor pizza oven can last for many years of backyard cooking fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
How hot does a pizza oven get?
Pizza ovens are designed to reach very high temperatures, usually around 700-800°F. This level of heat is needed to quickly bake the pizza crust while melting cheese and toppings.
What temperature should I cook pizza at?
Cook your pizzas around 600-700°F. This allows the crust to bake fully in 2-3 minutes without burning the cheese. Invest in a thermometer.
What is the best thickness for a pizza stone?
Pizza stones should be around 1-inch thick. Thicker stones retain more heat for better pizza crusts. Stones thinner than 3/4-inch don’t perform as well.
Can I use a pizza oven indoors?
While you can use pizza ovens indoors, they are designed for outdoor use which is safer and provides proper ventilation. Indoor use requires very good ventilation.
How long should I preheat my pizza oven?
It’s best to preheat your pizza oven for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking. This allows all materials to fully heat up foroptimal performance.
What fuel options do outdoor pizza ovens use?
Pizza ovens are most commonly wood-fired but can also run on propane or natural gas. Some ovens are multi-fuel with wood, gas, or electric heating options.
Can I build my own pizza oven at home?
Yes! Building your own DIY pizza oven is very achievable. You can construct ovens from brick, stone, or clay depending on your skill level. Kits are also available.
Conclusion
Creating your own outdoor pizza oven may seem like a big project, but with the right materials, tools, and placement – plus this helpful guide – you can absolutely DIY a pizza oven. Not only will it level up your backyard cooking game, it also makes for a fun weekend build. Get ready to enjoy deliciously crispy brick-oven style pizza all summer long!