Pizza Oven Build Guide

Building your own pizza oven should feel simple.

This guide gives you the main options, what they mean, and what to use so you don’t get it wrong.

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Your Options

There are three main ways to build your oven dome.

Pick the option that suits your budget and how easy you want the build to be.

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Option 1: Castable Refractory Cement (Best Option)

This is the easiest and most reliable option.

It is designed for high heat and made specifically for pizza ovens.

Just add water and apply it over the mould.

Why choose this option?
It is strong, reliable, easy to work with, and gives the best long-term result.

Most people choose this option.

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Option 2: High-Heat DIY Mix from a Supplier

This is a pre-made high-heat mix supplied by a refractory or oven materials supplier.

It usually contains a high-heat cement and aggregate already blended together, so you are not starting from scratch.

You simply follow the supplier’s instructions, add water, and apply it over the mould.

Why choose this option?
It is a good middle option if you want a proper high-heat mix without paying for premium castable refractory.

Important:
Because this mix already contains aggregate, it is designed to handle heat much better than a basic sand, cement and lime mix.

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Option 3: Basic DIY Mix (Budget Option)

This is the cheapest option and can work well if done properly.

Mix (by volume)
3 parts washed brick or concrete sand
1 part Portland cement
1 part hydrated lime

Add water slowly until the mix is firm and workable, not too wet.

Why choose this option?
It is affordable and easy to source.

Important:
This mix works, but it is not as heat-resistant or reliable as a proper high-heat refractory mix.

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Use the Right Sand

For a basic DIY mix, use washed brick sand or concrete sand.

This type of sand has a mix of particle sizes, which gives the mix strength and helps reduce cracking.

Avoid fine sand like play sand as it makes the mix too smooth and more likely to crack.

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What is Aggregate?

Aggregate simply means the slightly coarser particles in the mix.

It gives the mix structure, helps reduce shrinkage, and improves strength under heat.

If you buy a supplier-made high-heat DIY mix, the aggregate is usually already included.

If you are making a basic DIY mix, good brick or concrete sand usually gives you enough variation in particle size, so you do not normally need to add extra aggregate.

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How Much Do I Need?

700mm oven → approx. 6 bags
800mm oven → approx. 7 bags
900mm oven → approx. 9–10 bags
1000mm oven → approx. 10 bags

Exact amounts can vary depending on thickness.

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Which Option Should I Choose?

Want the easiest and most reliable build?
Go with castable refractory cement.

Want a good high-heat option at a lower price?
Use a supplier-made high-heat DIY mix.

Want the cheapest option?
Use the basic sand, Portland cement and hydrated lime mix.

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Build Tips

Let your oven dry slowly before lighting any fires.

Start with small curing fires and increase the heat gradually over several days.

This helps prevent cracking and gives your oven the best long-term result.

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Need help?
If you're unsure which mix to use, reach out anytime. Happy to point you in the right direction.