Wood Fired Oven Construction You Can Do

A common trend in food right now is the use of a brick oven, often for pizzas and breads. In the not so distant past they have been used for any cooking or baking, however nowadays they have become more common. They are found in Indian and Italian cooking. A wood fired oven is mandatory if you want to experience true Neapolitan pizza or Indian flat bread.

The ovens are perfect for making fast thin and crispy pizzas, however thicker crusted pizzas also do very well. If you wait until the temperature has dropped to around 450°F, you can put big roasts and other large meals in. Bread goes in last so it doesn't bake too fast on the outside.

These ovens are made from bricks, concrete, stone or clay and are most often wood fired; however coal has been used as well. They are decorated or not according to the region where they are found. Regardless of what material they have been made from, they consist of an oven chamber with a floor (or hearth), a dome, and an entry (oven opening).

Many foodies want to experience using these ovens and are looking for ways to incorporate them with their homes, often outside with the grilling area. There are many websites with free plans to build a brick oven, if you want to look into wood fired oven construction. These sites also offer support and forums in case there are questions along the way.

The instructions for wood fired oven construction are detailed but if taken step by step, they are achievable. These plans to build a brick oven need to be read thoroughly with special attention to buying the best (and correct) materials. The ovens themselves come in many shapes, sizes, styles and themes, so finding the one that will fulfill your needs and space constraints is very possible.

With wood fired oven construction, your first step is to lay a good foundation, not unlike a house. (If you live in a cooler climate, you may need to lay a thicker foundation.) You will then start building walls around the perimeter of the foundation (usually using strong cinder blocks), making sure to leave an opening. (Wood is commonly stored in this area.) The next steps include building the foundation for the hearth. The plans to build a brick oven go on to include layering in the wall bricks and mortaring the surround with more bricks.

Also with houses and other buildings, the roof on the oven plays a big role in overall esthetics. (It is also important to leave an opening for the chimney.) Using a wooden form, you can create an arch. Once your wood fired oven construction is completed, you can add decorative elements to either match your home or an Italian theme. Options include using stucco on the outside of the oven and adding decorative colorful tiles or mosaics. Beautiful stones, glass or even marbles can be pressed into the stucco for elements of interest, adding texture and shine.

Ok I promise I'm going to post in here a short video on wood fired oven construction done in my backyard with my kids and my dad helping out.