Plans to Build a Brick Oven

Have you often yearned to gorge on food prepared in a traditional brick oven? Here are some basic guidelines and plans to build a brick oven at home.
Plans to Build a Brick Oven
I am sure you must have visited many restaurants that use authentic brick ovens to prepare some delectable dishes. Brick ovens are most preferred by many due to the unique taste it lends to the food. The baking chamber of these ovens are traditionally made of bricks or even concrete or clay. Brick ovens were very commonly used since the ancient days. In recent times, there have been new developments in such ovens, due to the various modifications over the years. During the olden days, visiting a restaurant that made use of brick ovens was meant only for the privileged few. Today, however, many people are opting to construct these brick ovens in their own backyard. This makes it easier to savor food that has a very unique flavor! If you are on the look out for plans to build a brick oven, you can take a look at these guidelines given below.

Plans to Build a Brick Oven: Basic Guidelines
To begin with, you need to understand what brick building is all about. The basic steps need to be followed to ensure you have a design that is based on correct calculations. You need to have sound knowledge or at least consult an expert friend who can help you with the basic outline of the plan. Only then can you have a brick oven that is correct in design and functionality.

Firstly, choose an appropriate area for the brick oven. It should be basically a clutter-free area. You must always choose a space that does not have any overhanging branches or objects that can catch fire very easily. Before building the brick oven, you need to dig a few feet into the ground.

You also need to decide the kind of materials to be used for the brick oven. Apart from brick, you need specific materials to prepare the base of the brick oven. You can opt for concrete for the base. Concrete is not only durable, it is also available at a cheaper rate. The base needs to be built firmly to make this structure as strong as possible. Then, you need to prepare the hearth slab for the brick oven. Do not forget to leave some space for the ash trap. Allotting this space ensures the ashes can fall down easily through the space.

Once you begin constructing the oven hearth, you need to decide the material to be used. Firebrick is one that is used more often as it is easily available. There are also many other materials available that help to improve the efficiency of the oven. You can even use cardboard to mark the dimensions of the brick oven so that you can get a rough idea. After this, you need to plan the baking chamber and vault of the brick oven. The interiors act as the actual brick chamber and the outer layer is one that is meant primarily for safety. The outer layer can be constructed with plain bricks. You also need to leave space for a pipe that acts as a chimney for the inner baking chamber and facilitates better air circulation.

After you have finished construction of the vault, you need to weld a cover for the pipe as a protection from different weathers. Once you have finished with the overall construction, you also need to allow it to set for a week. After a week, begin with a small fire and let this burn gradually. If possible, you can even install thermometers that can help you to monitor the temperature.

Follow this basic procedure with the help of an expert and you will soon have your very own brick oven in the backyard. Have fun!

By Kashmira Lad
Published: 3/20/2009
 
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