Okay, folks, let’s dive into my little adventure with building an outdoor brick pizza oven using one of those kits.
My DIY Pizza Oven Project
I’ve always loved the idea of having a wood-fired pizza oven in my backyard. You know, that authentic, smoky flavor you just can’t get from a regular oven. So, I finally decided to take the plunge and ordered an “outdoor brick pizza oven kits”.
The Arrival and Unboxing
The kit arrived, and man, it was heavier than I expected! It came in several boxes, and I felt a little overwhelmed looking at all the pieces. It was basically a giant jigsaw puzzle of bricks and mortar.
The Foundation
First things first, I needed a solid foundation. I opted for a concrete slab. I dug out the area, built a wooden frame, and poured the concrete. Getting it level was a bit tricky, but with a long level and some patience, I got it pretty darn close.
Building the Base
Once the concrete cured, I started building the base. The kit came with instructions, thankfully. It was mostly stacking bricks and using mortar to hold them together. This part was like playing with adult LEGOs. I made sure to keep checking the level and squareness as I went up.
- Dampen the bricks before using.
- Put some mortar.
- Put bricks on the mortar.
Constructing the Dome
Now, this was the challenging part. Building the dome required some serious patience and a bit of finesse. The bricks were angled, and I had to use a wooden form (included in the kit) to support them while the mortar dried. It was slow going, but I took my time, making sure each brick was properly aligned and secured.
The Chimney and Finishing Touches
With the dome complete, I added the chimney. It was pretty straightforward, just stacking a few more bricks. After that, I let the whole thing cure for several days, as recommended in the instructions. I added insulation and a rendered surface for a good looking.
The First Fire!
Finally, the moment of truth! I built a small fire inside the oven to slowly dry out any remaining moisture. Then, I gradually increased the heat. It took a while to get it up to pizza-cooking temperature, but the wait was worth it.
Pizza Time!
I slid my first homemade pizza into the oven, and wow! The crust was perfectly crispy, the cheese was bubbly, and the flavor was incredible. It was definitely a step up from my usual oven-baked pizzas.
Final Thoughts
Building a brick pizza oven from a kit was a rewarding experience. It was challenging, sure, but totally doable, even for a DIYer like me. It took some time and effort, but now I have a fantastic outdoor oven that will be the centerpiece of many backyard gatherings. If you’re thinking about it, I say go for it! Just be prepared for some heavy lifting and a bit of a learning curve.