Good morning everyone, my name is Dan and I’m on a quest to finish my backyard with a pizza oven as the centerpiece. A little bit of background first. I actually purchased a 3-piece cast concrete oven “kit” from a local gentleman who manufactures and sells them online. I know, it’s the easy way out, but I don’t have the time to learn how to build one and eventually screw it up. He has made and sold dozens of them, so I figured it was better to use his experience and only have to take credit for making it look good.
I began a thread in this forum asking how to finish the outside, but was soon made aware there is A LOT more to making it work “correctly” than just gluing the pieces together and lighting a fire. I guess I jumped the gun quite a bit, so I’m here bowing my head and starting over. Here I am now to say hello, show everyone what my plans are and begging to ask questions about the new addition to the back yard. Currently I have the counter where the oven will live already built, so the most labor intensive part is already done. I’ve done block work in the past, so it was pretty easy. The poured concrete countertop was my first attempt, so it came out alright, not perfect, but fine for a rustic outdoor kitchen area. I’m hoping that the 3-piece kit is ready for pick up this weekend and the fun will soon begin.
I will lay out a few questions that both friends and forum members have made me aware of and see what wisdom can be thrown my way.
First, let me show you the oven that this gentleman builds and I will be using. Here is the description from his ad as well as a few pictures, “Three piece kit. Pieces can be moved by two or more strong people to get it set. Includes base and two piece dome. Base is made of UL food grade refractory cement. Dome is made of UL food grade insulated refractory cement. Inside cooking surface is 32 inches across, large enough for 2 pizzas at a time. It can be cooked in the way it is or finish it up with stucco, tile, brick or stone. I can finish one for you if that works for you.”
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This is the base and counter where the oven will be placed. A poured 4” concrete slab, 6” concrete block and a few lintels to span the openings. It’s a basic design but will work for wood storage for the oven and fire pit. The countertop is poured-in-place concrete that’s 3” thick with a 4-1/2” face. I made the opening on the left side for a drop-in stainless steel box that we will be able to fill with ice and store adult beverages and pizza toppings. I think it will work well for it’s intended purpose. When time allows the entire outside will be covered with natural fieldstone veneer, the same stone that we have used on the house, so it will all match.
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Well, that’s the beginning. I have a bunch of reading to do, lots to learn, but I’m willing and eager, so let the journey begin...........................
Thanks,
Dan
I began a thread in this forum asking how to finish the outside, but was soon made aware there is A LOT more to making it work “correctly” than just gluing the pieces together and lighting a fire. I guess I jumped the gun quite a bit, so I’m here bowing my head and starting over. Here I am now to say hello, show everyone what my plans are and begging to ask questions about the new addition to the back yard. Currently I have the counter where the oven will live already built, so the most labor intensive part is already done. I’ve done block work in the past, so it was pretty easy. The poured concrete countertop was my first attempt, so it came out alright, not perfect, but fine for a rustic outdoor kitchen area. I’m hoping that the 3-piece kit is ready for pick up this weekend and the fun will soon begin.
I will lay out a few questions that both friends and forum members have made me aware of and see what wisdom can be thrown my way.
First, let me show you the oven that this gentleman builds and I will be using. Here is the description from his ad as well as a few pictures, “Three piece kit. Pieces can be moved by two or more strong people to get it set. Includes base and two piece dome. Base is made of UL food grade refractory cement. Dome is made of UL food grade insulated refractory cement. Inside cooking surface is 32 inches across, large enough for 2 pizzas at a time. It can be cooked in the way it is or finish it up with stucco, tile, brick or stone. I can finish one for you if that works for you.”
This is the base and counter where the oven will be placed. A poured 4” concrete slab, 6” concrete block and a few lintels to span the openings. It’s a basic design but will work for wood storage for the oven and fire pit. The countertop is poured-in-place concrete that’s 3” thick with a 4-1/2” face. I made the opening on the left side for a drop-in stainless steel box that we will be able to fill with ice and store adult beverages and pizza toppings. I think it will work well for it’s intended purpose. When time allows the entire outside will be covered with natural fieldstone veneer, the same stone that we have used on the house, so it will all match.
Well, that’s the beginning. I have a bunch of reading to do, lots to learn, but I’m willing and eager, so let the journey begin...........................
Thanks,
Dan
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