Brutal! Worth every effort!

[Karyn B]

Thank you Ricky! Yes the work is so worth it! Love your build. I wanted to do a fireplace too. Maybe down the road.

[Chach]

Very nice...looks really good congrats! These ovens are not only are beautiful to look at but the food that comes out is ridiculous and was 100% worth it!

Ricky

[Karyn B]

Hi Utah! Yes, the COVID has definitely helped with projects. I am so glad you were able to finish your stunning oven. Really, your oven is a beautiful work of art. I joined a FB WFO group. I see some remarkably poorly built ovens. I am so glad I chose to put the effort in. I see your expert advice on this forum and am always impressed. Builders are lucky to tap into your knowledge for sure! Our oven is a neighborhood hit. Last weekend we cooked 15 pizzas without any problems. I love the 42” size.

[UtahBeehiver]

We have not heard from you in a while so congrats on completing your oven, looks very nice. With the Covid 19 lockdown, I have been able to put the last finishing touches on my oven and it was 99% finished in 2012.

[Karyn B]

My oven is done. So worth it. The pizzas are perfect!! The stones were collected from special places. My oven brings me happiness.

[Karyn B]

Hi Utah! We have had pizza parties galore. I have cooked chicken and potatoes too. The reality is that I have found less motivation to complete the project knowing I can cook from it! However, the pizza is simply perfection. I certainly bit off more than I expected to chew when I said, "Hey! I want to build a pizza oven." ....but still, it is worth every bit of my effort!

[UtahBeehiver]

Looks like you have made some nice headway on the stone work. The whiteish film is probably effloresence (alkali salts). You could try vinegar/water and a power sprayer but it may take something more aggressive such as a muratic acid, go down to you local big box store and see what they have. Have you fired up the oven?

[Karyn B]

I am updating this post with some new pictures. I am currently installing a flagstone facia to the entire oven. In addition to purchased flagstone (and repurposing the old back yard patio) I am using stones collected from my kids college (Northern Arizona University) and our visit to Sedona. I learned that the heavier stones are too much to put on the wall so I will now be breaking them into smaller pieces. Please lend your advice if you have any for me. Oh! If you know of the best way to remove concrete haze from the stones, please let me know. Thank you.

[Karyn B]

Astroinfidel- I am glad it has given you inspiration. And there are vids on YouTube how to cut flagstone....with a hammer!! Best of luck to you!

[astroinfidel]

Gorgeous hearth! I am just to the point of having to decide how to finish my oven, and you have given me some good inspiration. Love the choice of bricks for finishing too.

Dean

[Karyn B]

Thank you Russell. And thank you for your most excellent advice!

[UtahBeehiver]

Looking very nice

[Karyn B]

I am working on completing the decorative and last arch! Whew! Placing flagstone too! No cracks in the oven. Pizza and chicken are fantastic but can't wait to try caveman style steaks!

[Karyn B]

No problems with venting! Yay. Here is my progress so far!

[Karyn B]

My vent anchor setting. First Fire!!!!!! All neighbors came to celebrate!!! I must say (pardon the double entendre) a woman is only as good as her man's tools!!!!!! Thank goodness my husband saved me! The anchor plate screws would not go in! Ahhh!! Mortar set and in a panic I ran to get my husband. You guys really are amazing with tools!! Smoke going up vent but wish I had made bigger. We shall see once pipe is on. Insulating blanket 3-4 inches. Starting enclosure tomorrow! This is crazy! Haven't ridden my horse in a month! Ready to be done. Looking forward to cooking turkey in my oven for Thanksgiving! Working on door too. Wow!!