Casa90 Build

[Cdubs]

Hi Everyone,

We finally got some good weather here in the northeast and Im starting my build. Today was a busy day of digging footers and leveling the space for the patio. I have been reading the forum for quite a while and love what all of you have done. Take a look at the pictures and let me know what you think. I'm taking tomorrow off but should be finishing the slab on Monday. Suggestions are always welcome. Thanks!!!

[Cdubs]

Re: Casa90 Build

I wanted to post some more detailed pictures of the footers I dug yesterday. Things have dried a little but we are still 100% level. I still need to dig out the middles but I will do that on Monday before I pour my slab.

The two footers on the end were dug 18" deep by 12" wide. Those will be used for my BBQ and work table.

The footer for the oven was dug 36" deep...that was not fun. I figured I should go at least 3' deep with the frost we get in the winter. This whole process is very consuming and I feel like I cant stop thinking about it....I can't wait to light the first fire!!!

[Paul in Rockwall TX]

Re: Casa90 Build

Looks great - we don't have the need for such footings here in Texas. Adds a whole lot of extra work. I was pretty consumed with my build as well. I'm not a construction professional, so each stage of the process involved learning a new skill set (which I'll probably not use in the future). I should completely finish next weekend (stucco)

best of luck

[Cdubs]

Re: Casa90 Build

Hi Paul - It was work that I was not planning on doing. One trip the township and my plans were turned around. You are so right....I feel like I am trying to master a skill that I know I will never use again. I think all the research is part of the reason this has been so consuming. It does add to the pride factor though. At least you are almost done - good luck with the rest of your build!!!

[Cdubs]

Re: Casa90 Build

Here is another update: Today we finished the patio and I poured the slab for the oven. Our patio company did a great job and finished in two days!! I should be starting the stand on Thursday. I have all the materials being delieved bright and early from Home Depot.

[Les]

Re: Casa90 Build

Our patio company did a great job

You didn't break your own back - where is the love?

Seriously, it's looking good.

[Cdubs]

Re: Casa90 Build

You didn't break your own back - where is the love?

Seriously, it's looking good.

Thanks Les. I figured the patio was the easy part - the footers are what got me. I like to do things myself but I figured the patio was something I would leave to the pros.

BTW - I just went through your build and you did a masterful job. I hope mine turns out something like that.

[Cdubs]

Re: Casa90 Build

I need some help. I just came home and realized that due to the heavy rain we are getting, water is puddling right on top of my concrete pad. Does anyone have any ideas of a way I can redirect the water away from the pad and patio?

[Les]

Re: Casa90 Build

Eventually it will be covered by block and brick, correct? I wouldn't worry about it. I sat a row of paver's in the entry way to keep water from getting into that area. I have a small "pond" next to the oven that I used to fret over. But after 3 years it has done no harm.

[Cdubs]

Re: Casa90 Build

Got a lot done today. I was able to assemble the stand and fill the cores. This ended up being much more work then I originally expected. When you read most people's builds they dont go into much detail, but I was having some issues getting everything to line up. Long story short, I didn't plan the location of my conduit correctly and it landed right where a block should have been. Took me a while to get a block cut correctly but everything ended up working out.

I also should have bought sand concrete. This would have made filling the cores much easier. Working with "chunky" peanut butter didn't make the process any easier.

Tomorrow I will be building the forms to pour my hearth. I will be using Hardibacker board so that I can leave it in. Does it need to be 100% level with the top of the cinder blocks? Would it be a problem if the backer board was sucken in about 2 inches?

[Cdubs]

Re: Casa90 Build

So I started yesterday by building the support frame and making sure the side boards were 100% level. A tip for those who have not started yet, make sure you buy a box of shims. They will really come in handy when your are trying to make sure everything is level.

I will say that yesterday was absolutely the hardest day of the build so far. For some reason I decided that I didn't need to rent a mixer to pour the cores and hearth...BAD IDEA!!!! After a trip to HD to buy a heavy duty wheel barrel (first one broke transporting cinder blocks) I was ready to go. Thankfully my brother was nice enough to help me out which made the day go by a bit quicker. To anyone who may read this before they start their build, go out and rent or buy yourself a mixer....save yourself a hernia and wake up the next day not feeling like a 90 year man with arthritis.

After the pour we began the screening process which was very rewarding. Being able to see everything come together was a great feeling. We finished our day around 9pm est so no pictures of the finished product yet. I'm very excited that the majority of the heavy lifting is over!! Now I will let the hearth sit for a few days before I set up my oven...will also give my back a rest.

[Cdubs]

Re: Casa90 Build

With the sun coming up I figured I would go outside and snaps some pictures. The hearth is looking great and 100% level. Can't wait to put the oven together!!!

What do you guys think in regards to keeping the hearth wet? It is actually going to rain today and I'm not sure if I should leave it uncovered or put a tarp over it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

[Cdubs]

Re: Casa90 Build

ok I need some help ASAP - I have pretty much memorized the instalation guide for the Casa2g oven and thought I would be ready to put my oven together on Monday when it arrives. I just read another thread that talks about adding a second slab to the hearth that consists of a 5 to one Vermiculite to cement mixure, but that is not in the guide that I have. Is that not a must for Casa owners?

Does anyone have a casa that could chime in?

[RTflorida]

Re: Casa90 Build

The Casa comes with 2" ceramic fiber board insulation, correct? Then you would not need a vermiculite concrete insulating slab.
The 5-1 vermicrete is the basic insulation recommended in the Pompeii oven plans. Can be replaced by 2" of fiber board insulation.

RT

[Cdubs]

Re: Casa90 Build

Thanks for the reply RT. I actually just finished buying everything to mix up 3 inches of Vermicrete. Do you think it would have a negative inpact to still do it? I also like the idea of raising the hearth 3 inches.