Dave's Northern Virginia Build

[DaveW]

Re: Dave's Northern Virginia Build

It's not really part of the pizza oven but I thought I'd show off a few pics of the fish pond. We still need to landscape it but the goldfish seem to like it.
Although, I am not sure why the small foamy spots occur on the surface.

Much to learn about fish.

Dave

[DaveW]

10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or more...

She flies great! Had to build a hangar for her though. It's getting really hot out there.

Dave

[WoodchuckDad]

Re: Dave's Northern Virginia Build

Dave, you are a really clever guy. I am so glad you posted so many pictures. I was struggling with how to offset my chimney just a bit to clear the Pergola and your cinder block walls are the answer. I might still use metal framing and cement board, but block supports will let me offset it with no worries. That is gonna be an awesome kitchen when it's all done.

[DaveW]

Re: Dave's Northern Virginia Build

Dave, you are a really clever guy.

Thanks but I can't take credit for having any original ideas. I have amassed quite a collection of online photos covering ovens, structures, and kitchens. I just try to incorporate the designs that appeal to me and don't look too expensive or too difficult. I like the massive feel of the block enclosure even though when finished the block is not evident.

Dave

[DaveW]

Re: Dave's Northern Virginia Build

I am still waiting for the clay roof tiles but I did find enough to do the chimney cap. The roof tiles will be screwed down but for the chimney I tied them with wire and mortared them in. I'll go back tomorrow and fill in any gaps to keep the frost and snow out.
Dave

[Dino_Pizza]

Re: Dave's Northern Virginia Build

I like the copper flashing. Looks really good with the terra cotta tiles. The whole thing is begining to look like something in Europe, not Virginia.

[DaveW]

Re: Dave's Northern Virginia Build

Thanks Dino, I keep looking at the vinyl siding and asphalt shingles on our house and thinking Hmmm. . .

[WoodchuckDad]

Re: Dave's Northern Virginia Build

your build puts me to shame.

[DaveW]

Re: Dave's Northern Virginia Build

your build puts me to shame.

I wouldn't say that at all. Reading your thread I see we have a few things in common. You are Italian American and I am American Italian (I am married to a Roman and became an Italian Citizen a few years ago). My wife has talked about an oven for years (like the one her grandfather built in Italy without the Internet). But, from a simple oven, our project has ballooned out of control. I don't even want to think about how much money we have spent on this thing so far. It has also consumed most of my free time for almost a year. I have spent many a sleepless night fretting about how I have blown the whole project. It's all part of the journey.

Plus, yours, mine, and all of the great builds have furry 4 legged helpers!

Dave

[WoodchuckDad]

Re: Dave's Northern Virginia Build

And my name is David. Yes the expense keeps going, but when it is all done, it will be worth it to me. The nice thing is I have been able to pay as I go. so it isn't a big whopping mega chunk of money all at once. Just medium sized chunks of money over and over and over. I lay in bed this morning thinking about the transition and as long as it is structurally sound, I shouold have no problem I will be back at it today and get the transition closed in.

[John K]

Re: Dave's Northern Virginia Build

Dave

Your build looks fantastic!!

As Dino quoted it does look like it is straight out of Europe

Just missing the Bell!

Looking forward to the rst of the build

Ps love the pond. I hope you don't own a Cat

Cheers

[DaveW]

Happy Fourth!

Our Oven has a hat!

The finish is in sight.

Happy Bar-b-queing.

Dave

[trockyh]

Re: Dave's Northern Virginia Build

Looks great Dave! I haven't worded on my oven for months, but cook in it almost every night. I haven't used our gas BBQ at all this year. Nothing beats the flavor from wood fire.
Happy 4th!

Tom

[DaveW]

Re: Dave's Northern Virginia Build

My wife and I made some more pizza and poured the concrete countertops. We used Sakrete 5000+ from Home Depot and mixed it with Cheng's countertop additive. When blended per instructions the mix is relatively dry which makes it difficult to finish. I think it is best suited for forming upside-down in a mold. If I did it again I would just use the sakrete with some color.
We put expansion joints where the counters meet the oven and I hope it is enough. They are 12+ feet long.
Lots of polishing ahead
Dave

Edit: The surface turned out to be fine after a few passes with the grinder.

[Dino_Pizza]

Re: Dave's Northern Virginia Build

The wfo tiled roof looks great Dave. I like the color of the concrete counter too. Ya, my pond is full of green string algae too but I think it's 'good' algae so I pull out it just to keep it at bay during the summer.

I bet that counter is going to come out fantastic. It's so nice to have a big surface like that in the wfo/bbq areas.

-Dino