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How to Build a Wood Fired Pizza Oven in Your Backyard

how to build a wood fired pizza oven in your backyardIf you’re searching for advice on how to build a wood fired pizza oven in your backyard, you’re in the right place. Here at Landscape Solutions & Design Inc., we have experience helping homeowners design and build their dream outdoor kitchens. No matter your size, style, or budget, our team can help you create the perfect outdoor pizza oven.

Designing a Pizza Oven to Fit Your Personal Style

Some pizza ovens come already built straight from the manufacturer. Typically, they just need installation and you’re good to go. However, we can also build a pizza oven using different materials. This allows you to have more control to customize the design and size.

Here are a few of our favorite materials for wood fired pizza ovens:

  • Red Clay Brick – This material gives you a charming rustic look you see in Italian-themed restaurants. It’s affordable, but can crack and flake over time. They’re only a good option if you plan to use your back yard pizza oven minimally, a few times a year. You’ll want something sturdier if you plan to use your oven more often.
  • Fire Brick – While they are more expensive, one of the best options for an outdoor wood fired pizza oven is the fire brick. Manufacturers grade these bricks based on mineral composition and how much heat they can withstand. They are long-lasting, and although they usually are white, you can also find other colors to match your outdoor kitchen decor.
  • Pizza Stone – This material is ceramic or stone. We usually don’t recommend building an entire oven from pizza stone, but it can make a good base, the surface on which your pizza will sit. It absorbs moisture so can create a crispier crust.
  • Vermiculite Brick – At one time, vermiculite bricks contained asbestos, so we don’t recommend reclaiming this type of brick from an old oven. However, new vermiculite brick is safe and can withstand the high temperatures of a pizza oven. Like pizza stone, it absorbs moisture so it can create a crispier crust.

If you’re not sure, we can sit down to talk about all the oven material options with you!

Pizza Ovens: DIY or Hire Professionals?

When building a pizza oven, especially from scratch versus buying a ready-to-install oven, we highly recommend hiring professionals. Pizza ovens get extremely hot, so you need to place them in an open area adequately away from your home. If your pizza oven isn’t built properly, it can also crack, collapse, or catch on fire.

Additionally, hiring an outdoor kitchen contractor comes with a few other benefits:

  • We have experience designing complete outdoor kitchens. So, we can not only build your pizza oven, but also install retaining walls, patio pavers, stamped concrete walkways, and more. (And check our current promotions to save money on your hardscape project.)
  • Before we start any build, we show you a 3D design of the project, complete with details so you can really get a sense of what the finished kitchen will look like in your backyard.
  • Our team is able to complete your project faster and without the errors that are common with DIY installations. You don’t have to be frustrated or pay for more materials when you make a mistake, nor do you have to watch a million how-to videos on YouTube or rent/buy equipment for your project.

We also take care of any permits and inspections you may need based on your city or county regulations. You can just sit back and enjoy your new outdoor kitchen when it’s all done instead of dealing with the headache of building it yourself.

Other Outdoor Kitchen Features to Add to Your Backyard

As you’re planning your new outdoor kitchen complete with a wood-fired oven, here are a few other features you might want to consider:

  • Plenty of counter space – Even if you plan to prepare your food inside for the most part, it is very handy to have extra counter space.
  • An outdoor sink with water hookup – Trust us, it is a hassle to run inside every time you need a bit of water.
  • A ceiling fan – If you have a cover over your outdoor kitchen, you need a fan to keep the air moving.
  • Built-in grill and smoker – You may not want a full oven or stove top outside (though if you do, we can include them), but at the very least, make sure you have a nice grill and smoker for outdoor parties.
  • Refrigerator – Instead of having to haul ice in a cooler, keep your drinks frosty in a small outdoor refrigerator.

No matter the features you want, including other outdoor appliances, we can accommodate them into your outdoor kitchen design along with your new wood fired oven.

FAQs About How to Build a Wood Fired Pizza Oven in Your Backyard

When learning how to build a wood fired pizza oven in your backyard, you might have a lot of questions. We can answer them all when we meet with you in person, but here are a few frequently asked questions we hear to help you get started:

Should my pizza oven have a chimney?

Yes, an outdoor pizza oven needs a way to vent. Otherwise, the air will vent through the front of the oven, which is not ideal for cooking a pizza or any other food. Without a proper chimney, you might also find your deck or patio overcome with smoke.

Can I build a pizza oven near my home?

We recommend building your pizza oven at least 10 feet from your home, and 5-10 feet from any other structures like fencing. Pizza ovens get very hot, even when well-built by professionals, so you need proper clearance.

How much will a pizza oven cost?

If you are looking into how to build a wood fired pizza oven in your backyard, you probably have seen several options, which can range in price from several hundreds to several thousands. It depends on the materials you choose, among other factors. We’re happy to give you a free quote! Contact us today to get started building the outdoor kitchen of your dreams.