Okay, so, I decided to build a brick pizza oven in my backyard. You know, one of those cool things you see on cooking shows, but way cheaper because I’m doing it myself.
First, I gathered all the stuff I needed. The materials were not cheap, honestly. I spent about $1,000, but I heard it can go up to $4,000. I chose fire-rated bricks and mortar. Remember, you gotta use fire-rated stuff, or it’s all going to crack from the heat. There are kits you can buy, but where is the fun in that? I watched some videos online, a guy named Craig had a pretty good step-by-step guide. Looked simple enough, right?
I started by preparing the base. Dug a hole, poured some concrete in, you know, the usual. Then, I started laying the bricks. It’s tougher than it looks. I messed up a few times, had to redo some parts, but eventually, I got the hang of it. It’s all about being patient and precise, I guess. I also learned that it’s better to use a level and make sure every brick is even, or your oven will look all wonky.
The dome part was tricky. You have to angle the bricks just right, so they don’t fall in. I used a wooden frame to help hold them in place while the mortar dried. Took me a couple of days, with a lot of breaks in between because, man, this is hard work! My back was killing me, but I kept going. I figured, if those guys on TV can do it, so can I.
- Day 1: Dug the foundation and poured concrete. Let it set overnight.
- Day 2-4: Built the base with bricks. Learned how to use mortar properly.
- Day 5-7: Started on the dome. This was the hardest part. Many failed attempts.
- Day 8: Finished the dome! It actually looked like an oven.
- Day 9: Added the chimney and the door. Almost there!
- Day 10: Let everything dry completely. Admired my work.
After about ten days, it was finally done. I let it cure for a while, just to be safe. Then, the moment of truth: I made a fire inside. It held up! No cracks, no collapses, nothing. I was so proud of myself. It was like the oven from my dreams. I know it’s not perfect, but I made it with my own two hands, and that’s something, right?
First pizza in? Took about 2-3 minutes. Super fast! And the taste? Amazing! Way better than any pizza I’ve ever made in my regular oven. It is really worth the effort. They say a good pizza needs this kind of high heat, and they’re right. It’s a whole different level. I was surprised how the crust was crispy and chewy at the same time. My family loved it, too. Now, every weekend is pizza night at our place.
My takeaway?
Building a brick pizza oven is totally doable, even if you’re not a pro. Just be ready for some hard work and a bit of a learning curve. But trust me, it’s all worth it in the end. Also it’s not just about the pizza, though that’s a big part of it. It’s about creating something, you know? And enjoying the heck out of it with your friends and family.