Plans for the construction of a versatile wood-fired oven for pizza and bread

Step 1: Planning and Site Selection

1. Determine the location for your wood-fired oven. Make sure there is enough space and that the oven is safe and well-ventilated.

2. Decide whether you want to build the oven indoors or outdoors. Outdoors provides more flexibility, but indoors allows you to use the oven year-round.

3. Check the applicable building codes and make sure you have all the necessary permits, if required.

Step 2: Materials and Tools

1. Materials:

• Bricks (fireproof or high-temperature bricks)
• Clay or refractory mortar mix
• Fireclay bricks or refractory tiles for the oven floor
• Insulation material (e.g., ceramic fiber or vermiculite)
• Metal mesh or sheet for the oven roof
• Reinforced concrete slabs or blocks for the base
• Steel reinforcement for the concrete base
• Wood for the base formwork
• Fireclay bricks for the smoke vent

2. Tools:

• Trowel
• Mason's hammer
• Level
• Shovel
• Spatula
• Folding ruler or measuring tape
• Handsaw or angle grinder
• Drill
• Safety goggles and gloves
• Cement mixer (optional)

Step 3: Building the Foundation

1. Mark the location of the foundation and dig a pit about 30 cm deep.

2. Pour a layer of gravel or crushed stone about 10 cm thick into the pit and compact it well.

3. Formwork: Construct a wooden formwork to surround the foundation's perimeter. Ensure the formwork is level and straight.

4. Pour concrete into the formwork and smooth the surface with a trowel. Allow the concrete to cure for at least 48 hours.

Step 4: Building the Oven Housing

1. Start building the outer layer of the oven housing. Lay the first row of bricks on the concrete edge and connect them with refractory mortar. Ensure the bricks are straight and stable.

2. Continue building the brick rows by using mortar between the bricks and regularly checking with a level to ensure they are even.

3. Leave an opening at the front of the oven for the fire chamber and smoke vent.

4. Construct the smoke vent using fireclay bricks or refractory tiles. Ensure it is tall enough to vent the smoke.

5. Place fireclay bricks or refractory tiles on the oven floor as a fireproof surface.

Step 5: Insulation and Finishing Touches

1. Apply a layer of insulation material to the outside of the oven. Use ceramic fiber or vermiculite and secure it with refractory mortar.

2. Cover the oven with metal mesh or sheet to protect it from the elements.

3. Check all connections and ensure the oven is stable.

Step 6: Commissioning and Using the Wood-Fired Oven

1. Allow the oven to dry completely before first use. This may take a few days.

2. Start a small fire in the oven to heat the fire chamber. Let the fire burn for about an hour to harden the firebox.

3. Thoroughly clean the oven before using it for food preparation.

4. For baking pizza or bread, preheat the oven well to ensure even heat. Use wood as fuel and ensure good air circulation by keeping the smoke vent open.

5. Place the food to be baked on the oven floor or use pizza stones for better heat distribution.

6. Monitor the baking process and turn the food as needed to achieve even browning.

We wish you lots of fun building your wood-fired oven for pizza and bread!

Kits and materials for building your pizza and bread oven for your garden