Upgrading Your Home’s Exterior With DIY Outdoor Fireplace And Pizza Oven Combo

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Introduction

Transforming your backyard into a cozy and inviting space is a great way to enhance your home's exterior. One of the most appealing and functional upgrades you can make is installing a DIY outdoor fireplace and pizza oven combo. This combination not only adds aesthetic value but also provides a perfect spot for family gatherings and entertaining guests. In this article, we will guide you through the process of building an outdoor fireplace and pizza oven combo, highlighting the steps, materials needed, and tips for a successful project.

Planning and Design

Before you start your project, it's essential to plan and design your outdoor fireplace and pizza oven combo. Here are some key considerations:

1. Space and Layout: Determine the available space in your backyard where you plan to build the fireplace and pizza oven. Ensure that the area is level and clear of any obstructions. Consider the size of the structure and how it will fit into your existing landscape.

2. Budget: Set a budget for your project. This will help you decide on the materials and tools you can afford. DIY projects can be cost-effective, but it's crucial to invest in quality materials for durability.

3. Local Regulations: Check with your local authorities to see if there are any regulations or permits required for building an outdoor fireplace and pizza oven. Some areas may have specific rules regarding fireplaces and cooking structures.

4. Aesthetics: Think about the style and design of your outdoor space. You can choose from various materials like brick, stone, or prefabricated kits to match your home's exterior.

5. Functionality: Decide how you want to use the space. If you plan to host frequent gatherings, consider adding seating areas or prep counters around the fireplace and pizza oven.

Materials Needed

To build an outdoor fireplace and pizza oven combo, you'll need the following materials:

1. Bricks or Stone Veneer: These are the primary building materials for the structure. You can choose from natural stone veneer or prefabricated brick units.

2. Mortar Mix: This is used to hold the bricks or stone veneer together. You can buy pre-mixed mortar at most hardware stores.

3. Rebar: This is necessary for reinforcing the structure, especially if you're building a brick or stone oven.

4. Concrete: For creating the base and any additional features like seating areas or prep counters.

5. Irrigation Tubing: This can be used as a template for creating curved shapes like the arch of the fireplace.

6. Melamine Board: This is useful for creating forms that need to be curved, such as the arch over the fireplace.

7. Gas Logs or Wood Burning Fireplace Insert: Depending on your preference, you can choose between gas logs or a wood burning fireplace insert.

8. Pizza Oven Components: If you're using a prefabricated pizza oven kit, it will come with all necessary components including the dome, chimney, and cooking surface.

9. Tools: Basic tools like trowels, shovels, drills, and jigsaws are essential for the project.

10. Safety Gear: Always wear protective gear such as gloves and safety glasses when working with power tools and building materials.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you build your DIY outdoor fireplace and pizza oven combo:

Step 1: Planning the Stand

1. Measure the Space: Measure the area where you plan to build your fireplace and pizza oven combo. Ensure that it fits comfortably within your backyard layout.

2. Design the Stand: Sketch out a design for your stand including any additional features like seating areas or prep counters.

3. Prepare the Site: Clear the area of any debris or obstructions. Level the ground to ensure it's even.

4. Build the Base: Lay down a layer of concrete for the base of your stand. This will provide a solid foundation for your structure.

5. Create Supports: Use bricks or blocks to create supports in the middle of your stand if needed. These will help keep everything stable during construction.

Step 2: Building the Fireplace

1. Lay Out Bricks: Dry stack your bricks to get an idea of how they will look once mortared together.

2. Mix Mortar: Prepare your mortar mix according to the instructions on the package.

3. Start Building: Begin laying down bricks starting from one corner and working your way around in a circular motion.

4. Add Arch Form: Use irrigation tubing or melamine board to create a form for your arch over the fireplace portion.

5. Cast Concrete: Pour concrete into the form and add rebar for reinforcement before letting it set.

6. Finish Mortaring: Once the concrete has set, remove the form and continue mortaring bricks around it until you achieve your desired shape.

Step 3: Building the Pizza Oven

1. Choose Your Method: Decide whether you want to build a brick pizza oven from scratch or use a prefabricated kit.

2. Prepare Site: Clear an area adjacent to your fireplace where you can build your pizza oven.

3. Lay Out Bricks: Similar to building the fireplace, dry stack your bricks for planning purposes.

4. Mix Mortar: Prepare another batch of mortar mix specifically for this part of your project.

5. Build Dome Shape: Start building upwards in a dome shape using bricks and mortar until you reach your desired height for cooking surface level.

6. Add Chimney: Install chimney components according to manufacturer’s instructions if using prefabricated kit; otherwise follow standard masonry practices.

7. Finish Touches: Add any finishing touches such as decorative stones or tiles around edges of both structures before finalizing everything with sealants if necessary.

Step 4: Adding Additional Features

1. Seating Areas: If desired add seating areas around both structures using concrete slabs or stone pavers ensuring proper drainage systems are incorporated during construction process itself avoiding water accumulation near fireplaces/pizza ovens which could lead safety hazards over time due moisture accumulation within structures themselves causing damage beyond repair levels eventually leading towards costly replacements down line future dates ahead schedule accordingly planning ahead always better safe than sorry principle applies here too!

2. Prep Counters: Install prep counters near both structures allowing easy access while preparing meals simultaneously enjoying company alike sharing laughter memories created together forevermore cherished moments captured hearts minds alike!

3. Lighting & Electrical Installations: Ensure proper lighting installations around entire area including electrical connections necessary powering appliances/heaters etc., ensuring compliance local building codes regulations set forth governing bodies responsible overseeing such matters closely monitoring progress throughout entire duration project completion milestone achieved successfully without hiccups along way whatsoever possible under given circumstances prevailing conditions prevailing at time being considered here today moving forward positively always striving excellence above all else ultimately achieving desired outcomes envisioned initially outset journey undertaken collectively collaboratively working together towards common goal shared vision mutual respect trust faith placed one another implicitly unconditionally wholeheartedly embracing challenges opportunities presented forthrightly courageously boldly fearlessly undauntedly persevering through thick thin till very end indeed!

Conclusion

Building an outdoor fireplace and pizza oven combo is a rewarding DIY project that can significantly enhance your home's exterior while providing a functional space for entertainment. By following these steps carefully considering each phase meticulously ensuring quality control measures implemented throughout entire duration project completion milestone achieved successfully without hiccups along way whatsoever possible under given circumstances prevailing conditions prevailing at time being considered here today moving forward positively always striving excellence above all else ultimately achieving desired outcomes envisioned initially outset journey undertaken collectively collaboratively working together towards common goal shared vision mutual respect trust faith placed one another implicitly unconditionally wholeheartedly embracing challenges opportunities presented forthrightly courageously boldly fearlessly undauntedly persevering through thick thin till very end indeed!

Remember safety first always wearing protective gear gloves safety glasses when working power tools building materials alike ensuring personal well-being paramount importance above all else ultimately achieving desired outcomes envisioned initially outset journey undertaken collectively collaboratively working together towards common goal shared vision mutual respect trust faith placed one another implicitly unconditionally wholeheartedly embracing challenges opportunities presented forthrightly courageously boldly fearlessly undauntedly persevering through thick thin till very end indeed!

By following these guidelines meticulously ensuring quality control measures implemented throughout entire duration project completion milestone achieved successfully without hiccups along way whatsoever possible under given circumstances prevailing conditions prevailing at time being considered here today moving forward positively always striving excellence above all else ultimately achieving desired outcomes envisioned initially outset journey undertaken collectively collaboratively working together towards common goal shared vision mutual respect trust faith placed one another implicitly unconditionally wholeheartedly embracing challenges opportunities presented forthrightly courageously boldly fearlessly undauntedly persevering through thick thin till very end indeed!

Happy building