Step by Step Guide to a DIY Backyard Pizza Oven

April 7, 2023

In recent years, the popularity of backyard pizza ovens has been on the rise. Not only do these ovens produce delicious, restaurant-quality pizzas, they also make for an engaging and enjoyable outdoor cooking experience. If you’re interested in building your own pizza oven, this guide will outline a step-by-step process to help you achieve your goal. With a bit of time, effort, and the right materials, you can enjoy homemade pizzas right in your backyard.

Step 1: Planning and Preparation

Before you begin constructing your pizza oven, it’s essential to plan out the project carefully. Start by selecting an appropriate location in your backyard. Ensure that the area is flat and has enough space for the oven and any surrounding work surfaces. Additionally, consider local building codes and regulations to ensure your project is compliant.

Step 2: Gather Materials and Tools

You’ll need the following materials for your DIY pizza oven:

  1. Firebricks
  2. Refractory mortar
  3. Insulating materials (such as ceramic fiber blanket and perlite)
  4. Concrete blocks or bricks
  5. Rebar and wire mesh
  6. Metal door and chimney
  7. Concrete or stone slab for the oven floor

You’ll also need various tools, including a trowel, hammer, level, tape measure, and masonry saw.

Step 3: Build the Base

The base of your pizza oven should be sturdy and able to support the weight of the oven. Start by constructing a concrete foundation. Lay a concrete slab or use concrete blocks to build a base approximately 3-4 feet high, ensuring it is level and square. Allow the concrete to cure for several days before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Construct the Oven Floor

Using firebricks, create the oven floor on top of the base. Ensure that the bricks are evenly spaced and level. This floor will be the surface on which you’ll cook your pizzas, so make sure it’s smooth and flat.

Step 5: Build the Oven Dome

Begin constructing the oven dome by forming a sand mold in the shape of the desired dome. This mold will serve as a temporary support structure while you build the dome with firebricks and refractory mortar. Once the sand mold is in place, begin laying bricks in a circular pattern, using refractory mortar to hold them together. As you build upwards, the bricks should lean inward to create the dome shape. When the dome is complete, allow the mortar to dry before carefully removing the sand mold.

Step 6: Insulate the Oven

To retain heat efficiently, insulate your pizza oven using a ceramic fiber blanket. Wrap the entire dome with the blanket, and then apply a layer of insulating material, such as perlite mixed with cement, to the exterior. This will help to maintain the oven’s high temperatures during cooking.

Step 7: Install the Door and Chimney

Attach a metal door to the front opening of the oven and install a chimney to allow for proper ventilation. Ensure that the chimney is securely connected to the oven and extends a safe distance away from any combustible materials.

Step 8: Final Touches

Once your pizza oven is complete, you can add any finishing touches such as a stone or concrete countertop for food preparation, decorative elements, or seating areas.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can create your own backyard pizza oven and enjoy the satisfaction of cooking delicious, homemade pizzas in a unique and engaging setting. At APC Construction, we’re committed to providing quality construction advice and solutions to help you create the outdoor living space of your dreams. If you’ve got questions about your backyard pizza oven project, or would like to get started today, find a contractor near you!