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DIY Pizza Oven, How to build? UK Edition

Pizza ovens can be expensive, in this article we will teach you how to build your own DIY pizza oven!

Mark Hoffman

Managing Editor At Ovenreview.co.uk

October 29th, 2022

6 Minute Read

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Let’s not beat around the bush, pizza ovens can be expensive. Last year I was quoted around £6000 for a stone base and brick chimney. This was way out of my budget which is why i decided to dedicate a summer to building my own. In this article I will show you what I did, give you tips and guide you to build your own pizza oven.

According to pizzaoven.co.nz the earliest ovens were found in central Europe, and dated back to 29,000 BC, They were used to cook mammoth meat. In the Ukraine from 20,000BC they used pits with hot coals covered in ashes.

Do I need planning permission for my pizza oven?

According to DoINeedPlanningPermission.co.uk no planning permission is needed, unless the object your building is larger than 2meters tall and is within a 2m boundary. However before building your pizza oven it is best to check with your local council.

What is your goal with your pizza oven?

It is important to establish a goal with your oven. Planning is the most important stage. Should your oven be tall? wide? how much will it cost?

Size and materials used are the biggest factor in deciding the cost of your oven (providing you build it alone) However, fortunately pizza ovens are a simple concept, the hardest bit is making it look good.

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Is building your own pizza oven worth it?

Pizza ovens are able to make thousands of pizzas, breads and other dough based foods within minutes. Tasting just as good (if not better) as restaurant quality without the hefty price tag. Soon enough, you’ll have saved enough money simply by eating homemade pizza, that the pizza oven will have paid for itself.

Photo from Schamotte shop

Can I get a pizza oven kit?

Most pizza ovens are sold in kits which you build yourself. The Schamotte kit, from Germany is just simply bricks and instructions. All you need is a solid base and mortar.

Ultimately pizza ovens are very simple. They need a heating area for fuel, and then a clean spot to place the pizza. The elements do the rest.

Our full guide on how to build a pizza oven

But first, what are important tools needed to build a pizza oven? Along with the materials like fire proof brick, mortar and a decent kit. The obvious wire brushes, cleaning products and a good trowel. All can be purchased from Amazon or your local hardware shop.

Here is a full guide in video format of how you can build your own DIY pizza oven from complete scratch.

What pizza oven kit should I buy?

Pizza oven kits are a lot easier to follow if you don’t have a lot of DIY experience. If you already know what you’re doing, buying bricks and mortar with a stone base will be enough to start your pizza oven.

Here are some pizza oven kits we suggest, below is our step by step guide in how to build them. The Roma 900 by PizzaOvenSupplies is a full kit and dome for your pizza oven that you can build at home.

Step 1

Prepare

Firstly it may sound obvious, but preparation is the key to success on any DIY job. Basic tools like for cleaning and laying bricks is important
Personally for my less DIY friends, I also suggested pre-made kits. They come with bricks, instructions and mortar/quick cement instructions.

Step 2

Read your ovens manual

Within a kit for a pizza oven, there will be instructions. They will look something like this.
Like for example this Schamotte oven.

Photo from Schamotte shop

Step 3

Follow the steps

You should obviously not attempt the job alone, but it can definitely be manageable with a second person.

Step 4

Make the base

A good base is the foundation to any good DIY project. Choose where you want the final position for your oven. Then fill a large concrete base or stone.
If you want to change where you oven is placed. It is best to do that at the start of the build.

Make sure to read the installation guide from your ovens manufacture

Step 5

Build up the sides

A good base is the foundation to any good DIY project. Choose where you want the final position for your oven. Then fill a large concrete base or stone.

Photo from Schamotte shop

Step 6

Build the roof

After the sides are at your desired height, make a roof for your pizza oven. Of course this is just an example build. But all pizza ovens will look similar to this.

Photo from Schamotte shop

How do I properly clean my pizza oven?

Your outdoor pizza oven is more than likely the delight of your backyard. But more often than not your pizza oven can become incredibly dirty after everyday/every week use. Thanks to the extremely hot cooking temperatures it is more likely your tomato sauce and slice of pepperoni will burn off rather than sticking to the inside of your oven.

You do not need to clean your outside pizza oven like you clean your inside kitchen ovens. Scraping away the ash and scrubbing the sides with a metal brush is efficient enough for cleaning an outside pizza oven.

We have put together a guide already on how to clean your pizza oven fully. Here is the link.

What next?

Now you know how to build your own pizza oven. Not all sets will be like this one from Schamotte. But all follow similar concepts. Most important is a base, and choosing materials that can be fire proof and with stand high temperatures.

Mark Hoffman

Managing Editor At Ovenreview.co.uk

Mark Hoffman has worked as a freelancer and writer for several years. Reviewing ovens, washing machines and any other household items he can get his hands on. When he’s not sitting in-front of a computer he enjoys cycling, climbing and volunteering at charitable health organisations.