Making your own outdoor pizza oven allows you to bake authentic wood-fired pizza at home. With the right materials and techniques, you can build a high-quality pizza oven that will provide delicious pizzas for years to come. This comprehensive guide will take you through everything you need to know to construct your own outdoor pizza oven.
Planning Your Outdoor Pizza Oven
Before starting construction, take time to plan your outdoor pizza oven project. Here are some key considerations:
Location
Choose a spot in your yard that gets ample sunlight and has good ventilation. Avoid placing it directly under trees or structures that could drop debris onto the oven. You’ll want at least 3-4 feet of clearance on all sides.
Consider proximity to your kitchen and entertaining areas. Running electrical and gas lines (if applicable) will be easier if it’s closer to the house. Just make sure you check local building codes first.
Size
Standard outdoor pizza oven dimensions range from 3-5 feet wide and 2-4 feet deep. This gives enough room for 12-16 inch pizzas. Scale up the design if you want to bake larger pizzas.
Account for the oven dome height too. A taller dome holds more heat. Aim for at least 24 inches from floor to top.
Materials
Brick and stone masonry are classic pizza oven materials that withstand high heat and distribute it evenly. Firebricks rated for 2000°F+ temperatures are ideal.
Some other good options are refractory cement, clay, and insulative concrete forms (ICF). Metal drums or ceramic tiles can be used too.
Fuel Source
Wood-burning ovens give the most authentic pizza flavor. However, gas and electric ovens are easier to use and control the temperature.
If using gas, choose propane over natural gas. It’s cheaper and doesn’t require professional installation.
Budget
Outdoor pizza ovens start around $300-500 for DIY builds and can run into the thousands for professional installation. Factor in the costs for all materials, tools, and appliances.
Designs and Plans
With the right plans, you can build an efficient and long-lasting outdoor pizza oven tailored to your needs. Here are some popular design options:
Brick Pizza Oven
Constructing the oven from bricks allows you to customize the size and shape. Brick’s high heat retention is ideal for pizza making. Use a combination of regular bricks and firebricks.
Follow a DIY plan that specifies the brick layout. Pay close attention to the vent and chimney design which regulates temperature.
Stone Pizza Oven
For a traditional wood-fired oven, build it using natural stone like granite, sandstone, and limestone. This gives an authentic old world look and retains heat extremely well.
Stack and mortar the stones to form the dome, leaving an opening for the oven door. Scrape out the mortar on the oven floor to create a smooth pizza stone surface.
Cinder Block Oven
An economical option is making the oven from cinder blocks lined with firebricks. Lay the blocks lengthwise to create the dome, using rebar to reinforce it.
Fill interior gaps with refractory cement. The firebricks then go on the floor and walls where pizzas cook.
Metal Drum Oven
Re-purposing a large steel drum into a pizza oven is a creative DIY solution. Cut the drum horizontally and use the bottom half as the oven body.
Line it with firebricks and make a vent hood from the top half. Add legs to raise it off the ground.
Prefab Commercial Oven
For a high-quality readymade oven without the work of building it yourself, install a commercial prefabricated pizza oven.
Choose a prefab oven made from refractory stone or stainless steel that reaches at least 700°F. Some come with built-in gas or electric heating elements.
Oven Floor Materials
The oven floor is one of the most important elements, as this is where the pizza cooks. Use materials optimized for conducting and retaining heat:
Firebricks
Lining the floor with high-temperature firebricks is ideal for heat distribution and preventing hotspots. They withstand temperatures up to 2000°F.
Stone
Natural pizza stones, like cordierite or steatite, make excellent oven floors. Their porous structure absorbs moisture from the dough for a crispy crust.
Castable Refractory Cement
Mixing refractory cement according to the manufacturer’s instructions and pouring it 1-2 inches thick creates a custom oven floor. Smooth the surface.
Clay Tiles
For a DIY brick oven, lay clay quarry tiles tightly together on the oven floor. Their terracotta material diffuses heat nicely.
Metal Plating
Stainless steel or cast iron sheets work as oven floors, especially for metal drum ovens. Bolt them in place to the oven base.
Dome Construction
The oven dome traps rising heat to create a high-temperature cooking environment. Construct it using heat-resistant materials able to withstand temperatures exceeding 700°F:
Brick
Lay firebricks lengthwise in a circular pattern, leaving an opening for the oven entrance. Maintain less than 1/4 inch mortar joints between bricks. Use refractory mortar rated for high heat.
Stone
Dry stack various sizes of pizza stones or firebricks to form a self-supporting dome shape. Granite, limestone, and sandstone all work well. Grind stones flat if needed.
Concrete
Mix refractory concrete and pour it into an insulative form to create the dome, similar to concrete countertop construction. Let it cure fully before heating.
Cob
For a rustic DIY oven, coat chicken wire or clay balls with cob, a mixture of clay, sand, and straw. Apply multiple thin layers until achieving the dome thickness desired.
Metal
Use a rounded clean metal barrel for the oven dome. Cut an opening on one end and line the interior with firebricks or stone before placing it onto the oven floor.
Oven Door
You have several options when it comes to constructing the oven door:
Iron
A simple DIY solution is using an iron grill or sheet metal. Attach hinges so the door can swing down. Add a handle using metal rods.
Welded Steel
For a sturdier door, weld steel plates together. Cut an arch shape the same curvature as the oven entrance. Drill holes to attach spring hinges.
Insulated Metal
Buy a pre-made insulated metal oven door designed for wood fired or brick ovens. These are double layered with ventilation gaps and seal tightly.
Ceramic
Some builders craft custom doors using a moldable ceramic refractory blend reinforced with chicken wire. This holds more heat than metal.
Glass Door
For a door that lets you monitor pizza baking, frame welded steel angles and use them to hold tempered glass. Add a latch to keep it sealed during firing.
Oven Accessories
Here are some useful accessories to complete your outdoor pizza oven:
- Chimney flue – Stainless steel chimney fitted over the oven vent releases smoke. Add adjustable vents to control air flow.
- Thermometer – Monitor internal temperature using either analog dial or digital thermometer inserted in the oven dome.
- Peel – Use a long-handled wooden pizza peel to slide pizzas in and out of the oven.
- Metal Tools – Invest in a pizza peel, tongs, grill brush, and convection turning peel made of stainless steel.
- Cover – Protect your oven from weather using a waterproof canvas or stainless steel cover when not in use.
Heating Elements
Heating options give flexibility in fueling your oven:
Wood Fired
The most authentic option, using hardwood logs or lump charcoal produces authentic smoke flavor. Start with kindling to get the oven hot first.
Gas Burner
Adding a propane-powered pizza oven burner provides easier lighting and temperature control. Use firebricks above the burner.
Electric Heat
Electric heating elements are convenient but can be slower to heat up. Place firebricks around the elements to protect them and distribute heat.
Wood and Gas
Have the best of both worlds by installing a combination burner and wood fire oven. Use gas to quickly get the oven up to temperature.
Wood Pellets
For easier wood-fired cooking, stove pellet hoppers and augers feed pellets to a burn chamber at a controlled rate. An auto-start igniter is convenient.
Construction Steps
Follow these key steps to properly construct your own outdoor pizza oven:
Form Foundation
Make a level 4-6 inch concrete slab foundation or stack concrete patio stones for the oven to sit on.
Build Oven Floor
Construct the oven floor first using firebricks, tiles, or a castable refractory mix. Keep it 2-4 inches thick.
Install Insulation
Place a 1-2 inch insulating board of calcium silicate or ceramic fiber below the oven floor. This helps retain heat.
Create the Oven Opening
Leave a 14-16 inch opening at the front of the oven for the door. Arch the top of the opening.
Build the Oven Dome
Use your chosen materials to create the dome structure above the oven floor, cross-referencing your plans. Keep walls 2 inches thick.
Add Oven Door
Install the oven door, ensuring it seals tightly when closed. Test its swing clearance.
Install Chimney Flue
Attach the stainless steel chimney flue over the oven’s exhaust vent at the top of the dome.
Apply Oven Render
Coat the oven exterior with a layer of refractory render cement spread about 1/4 inch thick to protect the brick or stone.
Cure Before Use
Allow the oven to cure by slowly drying it out over the course of a week, gradually increasing the temperature in 50°F increments daily.
Getting Started with Wood Fired Cooking
Once you’ve built your own outdoor pizza oven, it’s time to fire it up. Here is a beginner’s guide to cooking with wood:
Select Hardwood Fuel
Use seasoned hardwoods like oak, maple, and ash for the best results. Softer woods burn faster. Avoid resinous woods that impart a strong flavor.
Start a Kindling Fire
Begin with crumpled newspaper and kindling to establish a hot ember bed. Gradually add larger pieces of firewood once the fire is strongly burning.
Reach Cooking Temp
Let the fire burn for 45-60 minutes until the oven dome reaches 600-700°F. Use an infrared thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Maintain the Fire
Continue adding more firewood to maintain the high heat while cooking. Control the temperature using the adjustable oven vents.
Try Different Combustion
Experiment with direct fires on the oven floor or placing a perforated ceramic flame deflector inside to modify the fire and heat.
Manage the Ash
Let ashes accumulate on the oven floor, but distribute them evenly. Remove excess ash buildup after several uses with a small shovel.
Get Cooking!
Once up to temperature, you’re ready for cooking authentic wood-fired pizza! Use your pizza peel to quickly slide pies in and out of the oven.
Operating and Maintaining Your Oven
Keep your outdoor pizza oven in peak condition with proper care and maintenance:
Season the Oven
Before first use, season the oven by slowly curing it with small fires to harden and temper the materials.
Always Preheat
No matter what fuel type, always preheat your oven 45-60 minutes before you intend to start cooking.
Install Oven Shelves
For cooking other foods besides pizza, weld some oven racks or shelves from stainless steel rods. Keep them towards the oven entrance where temps are lower.
Check for Cracks
Inspect the oven interior periodically for any cracks forming in the mortar joints or floor. Refractory cement can patch them up.
Cover When Not in Use
Invest in a weatherproof cover to place over your oven when it’s not being used for extended periods.
Clear Vent Blockages
Make sure soot, ash, and other debris do not accumulate inside the oven vent or chimney. Clear them fully.
Clean Ash Buildup
Sweep excess ash off the oven floor after each use with a heat-safe brush. Let the oven fully cool first!
Remove Rust
Use a wire brush to remove any rust forming on metal oven parts. Treat with high-heat paint made for grills.
Building your own outdoor wood fired or brick pizza oven requires time, effort, and dedication to the craft. But once completed, you’ll be rewarded with the ability to bake incredible artisanal pizza conveniently right in your backyard that rivals the best pizzerias! With the proper care and maintenance, your hand-built pizza oven will provide pleasure and delicious pizza for your family and friends for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How thick should the floor of a pizza oven be?
The ideal thickness for a pizza oven floor is around 2-4 inches thick. This allows proper heat absorption and radiation for baking pizza. Use materials like firebricks, stone, or castable refractory cement.
What temperature does a pizza oven need to reach?
Aim for a minimum cooking temperature of 700°F or higher to bake authentic wood-fired pizza. Some ovens can reach peaks of 800-900°F. Use a thermometer in the oven dome to monitor.
What is the best material for a pizza oven floor?
The most common pizza oven floor materials are firebricks, natural stone like granite or cordierite, refractory cement, or clay tiles. All do well absorbing and diffusing high heat evenly across the floor.
How long does it take to build a pizza oven?
Expect a DIY outdoor pizza oven project to take 4-6 weeks including planning, constructing the foundation, assembling materials, building, and properly curing/seasoning before use. Taking time ensures high quality results.
Should I insulate my pizza oven?
Yes, adding insulation around the oven floor and walls helps retain heat for fuel efficiency and a high cooking temperature. Use insulative boards rated for high temps like ceramic fiber or calcium silicate.
How thick should the walls of a pizza oven be?
Standard thickness for pizza oven walls is around 4-6 inches. Use substantial materials like brick or stone this thick to hold and distribute heat. The oven dome should be around 2 inches thick minimum.
How durable are DIY pizza ovens?
A homebuilt outdoor pizza oven made from quality materials like firebrick and using proper construction techniques can easily last 5-10 years or more. Proper maintenance helps extend its lifespan further.
What is the best fuel for a pizza oven?
Wood fuel burning gives the most authentic pizza oven results. Hardwoods like oak provide even heating. Wood pellets are convenient too. Gas burners or electric heat offer easier temperature control.
Should I put sand at the bottom of a pizza oven?
No, sand is ineffective and can damage the oven floor. Instead use firebricks, bricks, or oven stones directly on the oven floor for heat absorption. Ash from wood fuel can help insulate it.
What maintenance does an outdoor pizza oven need?
Check for cracks, clear blockages, clean out excess ash after use, remove rust, monitor for debris/nests if not covered, inspect door seal, and apply touch up render/paint as needed to properly maintain your outdoor pizza oven.
Conclusion
Constructing your own DIY wood-fired pizza oven from scratch undoubtedly takes effort, but the rewards are well worth it. With the right planning and quality materials, you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor pizza oven customized to your space and needs. Learning the art of cooking in it takes experimentation, but you’ll quickly be making restaurant-caliber Neapolitan and New York-style pizzas in your own backyard. Get creative and add your personal touch to both the oven’s design and your signature pies baked in it. The process of making and using your hand-built pizza oven will bring you satisfaction along with delicious food.