How to Build a Pizza Oven Using Terracotta Clay
- 1). Dig a square hole in the ground 10 inches deep, 2 feet wide and 3 feet long. Use a level tool to measure it. Keep it as level as you can, but it does not need to be perfect.
- 2
Old bricks will work for this project. Just remove any old morter.red sandstone brick background image by kubais from Fotolia.com
Fill the hole with 6 inches of sand. Lay a brick foundation on top of the sand, keeping the bricks tight against the walls and one another. Tamp them firmly down with your foot. Brush away excess sand. - 3). Coat the bricks with 1/2 inch of terracotta clay. Wait until fully dry.
- 4). Make a pile of moist sand on top of your foundation that is 18 inches high.
- 5
Newsprint will prevent sand from sticking to the interior of your oven.news image by Angelika Bentin from Fotolia.com
Cover the pile of sand with damp newsprint. - 6). Packing your terracotta clay around the pile of sand. Do not press the clay too hard into the sand or you will give your oven an uneven shape. Give your clay shell a depth of approximately 4 inches.
- 7
The back of a kitchen spoon works well for smoothing clay.silver spoon image by Alex White from Fotolia.com
Smooth the clay using your hands or a flat object to eliminate ripples and dips in the clay exterior of your oven. It does not have to be perfect. Wait two to three hours before cutting out your door. - 8). Measure the dome and make a mark 11 1/4 inches high for the top of the door. Use a sharp knife to cut a hole 6 inches in diameter directly under this mark at the base. Remove the sand from the interior of your oven.
- 9). Cut a semicircle doorway for the oven with a sharp knife. Begin at the top and follow the shape of the dome. Cut the doorway at a slight angle, so you can lean the door against it while you are cooking.
- 10
Leave the door off while heating your oven with the fire.feuer image by Patrizier-Design from Fotolia.com
Measure the doorway carefully, then make a terracotta slab to fit it. Let your oven completely dry before use.
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