Okay, so, a few weeks back, I started on this project to build a pizza oven in my backyard. I’ve always loved a good homemade pizza, and I figured, why not take it up a notch? The first big decision was what kind of bricks to use. I did a bunch of reading online, and it seemed like fire bricks were the way to go. They’re also called refractory bricks, which I guess is a fancy way of saying they can handle super high temperatures without cracking or anything.
I started looking around for these fire bricks. Turns out, they’re not as easy to find as regular bricks. And they’re definitely more expensive. The price really depends on the quality of the clay they use. The better the clay, the pricier the bricks, which makes sense. Anyway, I finally found a supplier, and they had a good selection.
Next, I had to figure out how many bricks I needed. This was a bit of a head-scratcher. There’s no one right answer since it totally depends on how big you want your oven to be. After measuring and sketching out my plan about a million times, I ended up ordering 150 fire bricks. It felt like a bit of a gamble, but I was hoping that would be enough.
When the bricks arrived, that was when the real fun began. I cleared out the space in my backyard where the oven was going to go. Laid down a solid foundation first, of course. Then, I started laying the fire bricks. It was slow going, making sure each brick was level and secure. I mean, I wasn’t just building a wall; I was creating a place where magic happens! That magic is delicious, delicious pizza, naturally.
Laying the bricks took the better part of a weekend. I took my time. Gotta keep those bricks level! Then it’s just a matter of letting the mortar set. You know that saying about watching paint dry? Well, watching mortar dry is about a hundred times worse. But finally, after a couple of days, it was ready.
Firing up that oven for the first time was awesome. The way the heat radiated evenly, it was clear that those fire bricks were doing their job. The first pizza I made was a simple margherita. The crust came out perfect – crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Honestly, it was probably the best pizza I’ve ever made.
Since then, I’ve been experimenting with all kinds of toppings and doughs. The oven’s been a huge hit with my family and friends. Everyone wants to come over for pizza night now, which is great. I love it.
Now, I do have to say, keeping the oven clean is important. I usually just sweep out the ashes and any food bits after each use. It helps keep the temperature consistent, and I think it makes the pizzas cook better. Also, I’ve been keeping an eye out for any wear and tear. No issues yet, but I know eventually, I’ll probably have to replace a brick or two. And to protect it from the rain and snow, I’m planning on getting a cover for it soon.
So, yeah, that’s the story of my pizza oven. It was a lot of work, but totally worth it. If you’re thinking about building one yourself, definitely go for the fire bricks. They make a huge difference. Just be prepared to spend a bit more on them, and take your time with the building process. Trust me, the results are worth it.
- Step 1: Decide to use fire bricks for the oven.
- Step 2: Find a supplier for the fire bricks.
- Step 3: Calculate the number of bricks needed (around 150 in my case).
- Step 4: Prepare the foundation in the backyard.
- Step 5: Lay the fire bricks carefully, ensuring they are level.
- Step 6: Let the mortar dry completely.
- Step 7: Fire up the oven and bake the first pizza.
- Step 8: Maintain the oven by regularly cleaning and inspecting it.
- Step 9: Consider getting a cover to protect the oven from the elements.
My Tips
If you’re doing this, make sure you’ve got a solid plan for how big you want your oven. And don’t rush the bricklaying part. It’s a pain, but it’s super important for getting an oven that cooks evenly. Lastly, get ready to enjoy some amazing pizza!
