commit 7e185c692947d1eeb623a66df3c38d36ca63e97a parent 82de9bb10c534660047ca323c13e2c48325464a4 Author: Ed van Bruggen <ed@edryd.org> Date: Mon, 14 Sep 2026 21:55:51 -0400 Add pizza oven post Diffstat:
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+5. **Pizza Peel** + - While not needed for the actual oven, you will need it to make the pizza. + +## Optional + +4. **Grout** + - If the surface you are building is not super level, use grout to smooth it out. + - No grout is used in between the bricks. +5. **Laser thermometer** + - Measure how hot the surface is so you know when the oven is ready. +6. **Metal grate** + - Place under charcoal with small hole dug out underneath to improve airflow and help the fire stay lit. + +# Steps + +## Clear out space + +Find a 24"x14" size area of flat land, +far from anything flammable. +Preferably on a smooth easy-to-level surface, +like fine dirt. + +If you are building on a rough surface +(gravel, rocks, coarse dirt, etc), +using grout is necessary to make the foundation even. + +## First layer + + + +Start by laying out 7 bricks in a upside down U shape. +This is the first layer of where the fire will be made. + +This layer is the most important since all other bricks will be placed on it. +Make sure it is as level as possible, +as any slight deviations will add up and cause problems later on. + +Place each brick firmly in the grout, +use a bubble level in both directions to ensure it is as flat as you can get. +Spend as much time as you need on this step, +because otherwise you will have to redo the whole thing +(don't ask me how I know). + +## Second layer + + + +Add 6 bricks on top in a offset pattern to add structure. + +## Third layer + + + +Now 7 more bricks again. + +I had an extra brick which was broken in half, +so I placed it underneath this layer and the two ends. +This is not structurally necessary, +it just makes it look more even at the front. + +## Pizza Surface + + + +If your stone slab comes in multiple parts, +use support bars to hold the middle. + + + +Now lay the large stone slab on top, +leaving a gap between the back wall for air flow. +Also place 3 more bricks on top of the back wall to complete the layer (not pictured). + +## Fifth layer + + + +Next is the first layer of the pizza section, +where you will eventually cook the pizza. +Place 6 more bricks in the pattern above. + +## Sixth layer + + + +You know the drill by now, +place 7 more bricks to form the next layer. +The bricks on the two ends will fall down until you place the next layer on top. + +## Seventh layer + + + +The final layer of bricks can now be placed. + +You can also add the support bar for the roof. +If your slab is in one or two pieces you might not need a support bar +since the roof slab will be placed on top of the back wall this time. +But because mine is three separate slabs I need another support bar. + +## Roof + + + +Place your second stone slab on top to complete the roof. + + + + + +# Conclusion + +Congratulations, you now have a fully functional pizza oven! + + + +Throw some charcoal on the bottom and light a fire. +Wait for the middle surface to warm up to 500-700⁰F +and slide your raw pizza off the peel into the oven to cook it. +After 2-3 minutes and the cheese has started to boil, +remove the pizza and enjoy the fruits of your labor! + + + +If you have trouble lighting the charcoal fire, +I found it helpful to dig out a small shallow pit +and place a grate over so extra air flow can get under the charcoals. + +Stay tuned for future posts where I share the best way to make your own pizza dough!
