36" Corner Build in Minnesota

[MnDude45]

Alright, I’m trying to power through building of forms and pouring of the hearth/counters this week. Any words of wisdom before moving past the point of no return?

[UtahBeehiver]

If you form bottom of oven with duracrete instead of ply you can just leave in place.

[MnDude45]

I have sheets of Durarock for the form bottoms. I plan on laying them on the cinder blocks supported by the 2x4’s. I didn't screw down the vertical supports for ease of removal but will shim them tight to the Durarock.

Any other observations? I’ll take all feedback at this point.

[UtahBeehiver]

Now is the time to install a couple pvc sleeves just below finish concrete.stuff the end with a wad of paper or cotton ball. Then when the pour is done just take a piece of rebar in knock the thin layer of concrete out and you have your weep holes. Wet insulation is one the most common oven performance heating problem. Weep holes allow water egress. Silicon wire mesh or screen to the bottom of the hole to keep bugs out.

[MnDude45]

I’ve read a few items on this. These would be 12-15mm sleeves of pvc directly below where the oven will sit, right? These would be under where the fiber board will sit on the hearth? I’ve always been confused by this. You said a couple but is the intent of these to make sure no moisture pools between the hearth and fiber board when the oven is heated. I’m planning to have 3” of fiber board under the oven floor.

[UtahBeehiver]

Correct, it is a way for water to egress out. Some builders raise their CaSi board off the hearth using cheap ceramic tile spaced apart with channels leading to weep holes. It is not for when the oven is heated but rather rain water that will in from the hearth or chimney area. To migrate wet dome insulation IMHO install a vent at the apex of the dome.

[mongota]

Alright, I’m trying to power through building of forms and pouring of the hearth/counters this week. Any words of wisdom before moving past the point of no return?

Looking good! Keep plugging away.

Not doing a task a day will keep the pizza away.

[MnDude45]

It doesn’t appear to be much progress but the form walls on the interior of the “L” took forever to support, level and attach. Also, I finished the interior support for the Durarock below the oven. Tomorrow it’ll be Durarock and rebar.

[UtahBeehiver]

good solid form bracing.

[MnDude45]

Help! Which side of the durarock faces up to pour concrete on??

[SableSprings]

Chris, it doesn't matter which side of the durarock is "up"- adequate rebar & forms are what makes a difference. As long as it's properly supported from below for the weight of the wet concrete (and hopefully you've included some small shims to make temporary supports easier to remove once the cement is set ). Without shims/removal plan, cutting out wood forms is sometimes much more work than it should be after the weight of concrete is applied...

Relax! It's looking to be a great build.

[NCMan]

Chris, it doesn't matter which side of the durarock is "up"- adequate rebar & forms are what makes a difference. As long as it's properly supported from below for the weight of the wet concrete (and hopefully you've included some small shims to make temporary supports easier to remove once the cement is set ). Without shims/removal plan, cutting out wood forms is sometimes much more work than it should be after the weight of concrete is applied...

Relax! It's looking to be a great build.

Excellent advice. Highly recommend doing the shims. If it were mine, I'd use a vapor barrier over the cement board.

[MnDude45]

My mad dash during this “catch up” week to meet my goal of having the hearth/counters done by Labor Day ended well today. Right, wrong or other they’re in. Long day! To NCMan’s point, I used shims on all the vertical supports. Additionally, all the vertical supports are three pieces with deck screws so hopefully removal will go smoothly.

Time for a beer!

[NCMan]

Looks good. I know you're glad to have that part done.

[Baza]

Our own muscles collectively ache looking at that pour!
Great work! Really looking terrific!

Good of you to hold yourself to a timeline - it can get away from you without one at times!

Keep the pics and enthusiasm coming!
Barry