How to Build an Outdoor Pizza Oven

Materials Needed:

• concrete mix
• cement mixer or large tubs for mixing
• large and small cement trowels
• grout bag
• welder
• circular saw
• safety glasses and rubber work gloves
• shovel

• tape measure
• 8-inch cinderblocks
• exterior grade plywood
• angle iron
• rebar
• brick tile
• oven kit (ours included: 5 base elements, 2 dome elements, metal door with thermometer, flue manifold 6-inch interior diameter, arch, thermal insulating blanket, refractory mortar)

Build a Base

On top of a cement pad, we built a structure using cinder blocks and concrete. Using 8-inch cinderblocks or concrete blocks, build an L-shape structure that will fit the oven and provide counter space. We stacked four cinderblocks high to get the height we needed.Stagger the stacks of cinderblocks leaving the holes on the blocks exposed so that you can fill them with concrete. This will ensure the structure is solid and strong enough to hold the oven. Mix the concrete then pour it into the cinderblock holes along the perimeter of the structure. The inner cinderblocks do not need to be filled.

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Cover the Base

There are many ways to make the base more appealing using different types of stones and brick. We used brick tiles because they provide a durable finish without having to lay bricks. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions as to how much brick tile you will need to cover the entire surface of the base. You will need a combination of flat brick and corner pieces. Mix mortar or cement (whatever the manufacturer recommends to adhere your material) then using a trowel, apply a good amount to the back of the brick tile and press onto the cinderblock base. Use spacers to make sure the bricks are evenly placed, we used 1/2” pieces of scrap wood. Let mortar dry completely. Use a small trowel or grout bag to fill all the spaces with more cement mixture.

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Make the Countertop

Now that the base is built you need a sturdy countertop for the oven to sit on. We chose a basic concrete countertop. To enhance the look, we made an iron frame for the countertop edges. Exterior-grade lumber could also be used for the edging. Cut a piece of plywood to the size of the countertop. We welded a frame around the plywood. If you are used a wood edging, attach the exterior grade wood to the plywood from the underside using glue and galvanized nails. If doing a metal frame, smooth out corners with a metal grinder then use black-hammered spray paint to give it an even finish. Lay the plywood frame on top of the base and lay rebar on top of the wood in a crisscross pattern. Rebar will support the concrete and help to prevent cracking or separating. Attach the rebar with wire ties. Mix the concrete and pour it into the frame. Use large flat trowels or a wood board to even out the concrete and give it a smooth, flat finish. Let the concrete cure for at least a day and until all dark spots are gone, the dark spots mean that the concrete is still wet or humid and not fully cured.

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