How to build a pizza oven at your place

There’s nothing quite like the genuine article when it comes to making pizza at home, and there are more options than you might think

Not just for dishing out homemade pizza, a wood-fired oven can transform an outdoor space into an entertainer’s dream. If you’re looking to up your dinner party game or simply expand your outdoor living, this gourmet addition will give your home those prized Mediterranean vibes. Here’s what you need to know before you build:

1 size

It’s okay to get fired up about installing your pizza oven, but think about how you will use it. The amount of food you plan to cook will determine the size you need.

If it will only be used sparingly, or for two people, a small oven – say, 60–80cm in diameter – will do. For a family of four to six, a medium-size oven will cook two to three standard pizzas at a time.

Those planning to feed a big family or large groups of friends should consider an oven of 100–130cm in diameter. This will allow you to cook up to five pizzas at a time, along with a range of smaller sides. As a general rule, go for the biggest size that your space, and budget, will permit.

2 materials

Choosing the right material for your pizza oven will impact its efficiency and price. Cob, or clay, is the most costeffective material and is incredibly fuel-efficient; however, building a clay oven yourself can be tricky due to the risk of cracking if it’s not fired properly.

Another popular choice is brick. Both fuel-efficient and relatively inexpensive, it can be rendered to ensure a smooth, Mediterranean-style aesthetic that will suit most homes. Natural stone is also an option, with similar qualities to brick but a higher price point. If you like the look of natural stone but not the hit on your budget, consider a stone facade with a less expensive material for the body.

Steel is a sleek, low-maintenance choice that suits more contemporary dwellings. It also looks great when incorporated into an outdoor kitchen beside a gas barbecue.

3 fuel

After authenticity? You can’t beat the instantly recognisable scent of a woodburning oven. With the added benefit of being freestanding and not beholden to utilities, the result is pretty much the ultimate at-home luxury.

Contemporary gas or electric styles will work well in an indoor or enclosed kitchen and can also be hooked up to a gas bottle if you want to keep things outdoors. They are also easier to clean than charcoal-burning models. Alternatively, have the best of both worlds with a gas-assisted wood-fire oven!

4 shape

Now the focus shifts to ambience. If you want to create a villa-like feel, then a traditional dome shape (also known as the Tuscan or Pompeii style) will transport you to the glorious Italian countryside without leaving your backyard. The chimney rises from the top, so the heat is more consistent and easier to maintain.

Another great shape for a pizza oven is the barrel vault. This creates a larger baking chamber, making it a top choice if you want to use the oven for cooking anything other than pizza. A barrelvaulted oven may be slightly trickier to master, as the elongated shape means it is prone to hot and cold spots and needs regular monitoring – but that’s nothing a bit of practice can’t fix!

5 placement

Do you like to entertain indoors all year round? Or spend most of your entertaining time outside? It doesn’t really matter, as long as the location of your oven is where you like to cook most, to guarantee its full potential.

If you decide on an outdoor spot, make sure it meets your local council’s setback requirements (ie, the distance of the oven from a property line or a structure). Also, to maximise its use, consider a location that’s at least partially protected from the elements.

Pizza ovens that are going indoors are ideally specified at the renovation stage, when the necessary additions can be applied without having to alter the existing kitchen too much. Indoor ovens are usually smaller to fit into the average kitchen, so keep that in mind.