How to Build a Brick Pizza Oven 2025: Step-by-Step Guide
If you love cooking and outdoor entertaining, a brick pizza oven is a game-changer. Not only does it add value to your backyard, but it also produces restaurant-quality pizza with that unbeatable smoky flavour. While it may seem daunting, building a brick pizza oven is achievable with careful planning, the right materials, and step-by-step guidance.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to build a brick pizza oven, from planning and materials to construction and finishing touches.
Ever wanted to experience the taste of restaurant quality wood oven pizza from home? Well now you can with our easy to follow guide on building your own home pizza oven!
1. Plan Your Pizza Oven Design
Before you start building, consider:
Size – A standard backyard pizza oven has an internal diameter of 90–120cm, enough to cook 2–3 pizzas at once.
Shape – Most ovens are dome-shaped for even heat distribution.
Location – Place your oven on a stable, level surface with enough space for outdoor cooking.
Tip: Check local building regulations for outdoor structures before you begin.
2. Gather Materials and Tools
You’ll need:
Materials:
Firebricks (refractory bricks)
Refractory mortar or high-heat cement
Concrete blocks or bricks for the base
Sand and gravel (for concrete base)
Insulation materials (ceramic fiber blanket or perlite)
Steel door or frame (optional)
Tools:
Trowel
Spirit level
Measuring tape
Wheelbarrow or mixer for mortar
Shovel
3. Build the Base
A strong base is crucial for stability:
Clear and level the area where your oven will sit.
Lay a concrete slab at least 10–15cm thick with reinforcing mesh for strength.
Build a brick or concrete block pedestal on top of the slab to raise the oven to a comfortable working height.
4. Lay the Oven Floor
The oven floor needs to handle high heat:
Arrange firebricks tightly on the base in a herringbone or stretcher bond pattern.
Use refractory mortar to secure the bricks.
Ensure the floor is level — a flat surface is critical for even cooking.
5. Construct the Dome
The dome ensures proper heat circulation:
Create a temporary sand form in the shape of your dome.
Lay firebricks around the sand form in a circular pattern, using refractory mortar between each brick.
Gradually build up the dome, staggering the bricks so joints don’t line up.
Leave an opening at the front for the oven entrance.
Tip: The dome should be about 2/3 the height of its width for optimal heat retention.
6. Add Insulation and Outer Layer
Good insulation keeps the oven hot for hours:
Cover the dome with a ceramic fiber blanket or perlite insulation.
Apply a thin layer of refractory mortar over the insulation.
Optional: Add a decorative outer layer using bricks, stone, or stucco for aesthetics and protection.
7. Install the Door and Chimney (Optional)
A door helps retain heat while cooking pizzas.
A small chimney improves airflow and smoke release, enhancing flavour.
Position the chimney at the front or slightly above the dome for optimal draft.
8. Cure and Fire Your Oven
Before cooking:
Let the mortar cure for at least 7 days.
Start with small, low fires to gradually heat the oven and remove moisture.
Increase the fire size gradually until the oven reaches cooking temperature (~400–500°C for pizza).
9. Cooking Tips
Use a pizza peel to slide pizzas in and out easily.
Preheat the oven for 1–2 hours for consistent results.
Rotate the pizza halfway through cooking for even browning.
In Summary
Building a brick pizza oven is a rewarding DIY project that combines functionality with style. With careful planning, the right materials, and patience, you can create a durable, high-performing oven that will delight family and friends for years to come.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or looking to enhance your backyard, a brick pizza oven is a perfect blend of craftsmanship, design, and delicious cooking.
Visit our bricklaying page for more information, or to get a quote on having a brick pizza oven built.
