FAQ
Everything you need to know to build your DIY wood-fired oven, choose the right mould, and get it done right.
Got Questions About Pizza Oven In A Box?
What Size DIY Pizza Oven Should I Build?
The size you choose depends on your backyard space, how many people you're cooking for, and how often you fire it up. Our most popular sizes are the 900mm and 1000mm ovens—they hit the sweet spot between space and performance.
Need detailed specs and base sizing?
Check out the Buy Guide or use our Fire Brick Calculator.
What’s Included in the Pizza Oven Mould Kit?
Every kit comes with:
• A precision-cut, flat-packed cardboard mould
• A pre-cut template for the oven door
• Easy-to-follow instructions
It’s strong, simple to assemble, and takes the hard work out of building your wood-fired oven.
What Base or Stand Do I Need for My DIY Pizza Oven?
Your oven will weigh over 500kg once finished—so it needs a solid, level base. Here’s what to consider:
• Weight Capacity – Can it handle the oven + insulation + extras?
• Foundation – Use a concrete slab or compacted gravel to avoid sinking
• Materials – Brick, concrete blocks, or precast concrete are ideal
• Dimensions – Check our Fire Brick Calculator for base sizing
• Ventilation – Add airflow gaps to reduce heat and moisture buildup
• Weather Resistance – Choose materials that handle sun, rain, and cold
• Accessibility – Make it easy to load, unload, and clean
• Style – Match it to your outdoor area for a clean finish
Need help with base size?
[Use the Fire Brick Calculator](https://www.pizzaoveninabox.com.au/pages/fire-brick-calculator)
What is Refractory Cement for a DIY Wood-Fired Pizza Oven?
Refractory cement is a heat-resistant mix that holds your oven together. It’s designed to handle temps over 1000°C—perfect for a pizza oven.
Look for these ingredients:
• Alumina (Al₂O₃) – Handles extreme heat
• Silica (SiO₂) – Adds strength and workability
• Calcium Aluminate – Improves bonding
How much you’ll need:
• 700mm mould – 6 x 25kg bags
• 800mm – 7 bags
• 900mm – 9 bags
• 1000mm – 10 bags
• 1100mm – 12 bags
Where to buy:
Search online for:
• Refractory cement suppliers
• Heat-resistant cement
• Furnace or castable cement
Or ask your local building supply store—many stock it or can order it in.
What Tools and Materials Do I Need to Build a Pizza Oven?
Here's your no-nonsense checklist to get the job done right:
• **Masking Tape** – Holds the mould together while you build
• **Acrylic Paint** – Seals the cardboard to stop moisture damage
• **6-inch Flue** – Vents smoke and keeps air flowing
• **Metal Door** – Locks in heat and gives easy access
• **Ash Pit** (optional) – Makes cleaning up a breeze
• **Fire Bricks** – Heatproof surface for cooking
• **Calcium Silicate Insulation** – Traps heat under the bricks
• **Refractory Cement** – Bonds everything together
• **Fire Cement** – Seals small gaps, keeps the heat in
• **Insulation Blanket or Loose Fill** – Wraps the dome to hold heat
• **Chicken Wire** – Gives strength to the outer shell
• **Wire Tie Downs** – Keeps everything tight during construction
Need help working out how many bricks?
👉 Use our [Fire Brick Calculator](#) to get it right the first time.
How Long Does It Take to Build a DIY Wood-Fired Pizza Oven?
Here’s a realistic build timeline for your wood-fired pizza oven project:
• **1–2 Days** – Pour your slab or foundation
• **1–2 Days** – Build the oven base
• **1 Day** – Assemble and apply refractory cement
• **1 Week** – Apply render or coatings
• **1–2 Weeks** – Let everything dry and cure
• **Several Days to 1 Week** – Do small curing fires to remove moisture
🔥 **Total Time**: Around 2–3 weeks
That gives you a solid, long-lasting oven that’s ready to cook with serious heat retention.
Why is it important to cure my pizza oven before using it?
Curing your pizza oven is crucial because the refractory cement used in its construction contains moisture that needs to be gradually removed. If you heat the oven too quickly, the trapped water turns into steam, creating internal pressure that can cause cracks or structural damage.
To properly cure your oven:
- Let it sit for at least 7 days after construction to allow moisture to evaporate naturally.
- Start with small, controlled fires, gradually increasing the temperature over several days:
Day 1: Approximately 150°C (300°F)
Day 2: Approximately 175°C (350°F)
Day 3: Approximately 200°C (400°F)
Day 4: Approximately 230°C (450°F)
Day 5: Approximately 260°C (500°F)
This gradual process ensures the oven dries evenly, preventing damage and ensuring optimal performance.
