How to Build a Wood Burning Fireplace Outside

Make your own outdoor wood-burning fireplace.

An outdoor wood-burning oven is a relatively straightforward project that is composed of basic and inexpensive materials. With the oven, you can cook homemade creations including wood-fired pizza. Learn the steps in constructing this project and enjoy the benefits of having an extra outdoor space to enjoy.

Things You'll Need

• Wood pallet
• Red bricks
• Sand
• Newspaper
• Water
• Clay
• Utility knife

Instructions

1. Set up the wood pallet in an area outdoors where you would like the wood-burning fireplace oven. Be sure that it is on an even surface that is away from plants, shrubbery and any other easily flammable objects.

2. Set up bricks on top of the pallet in an organized manner so that the entire surface of the pallet is covered with bricks.

3. Add water to a batch of sand until it is moist to the touch and easily molded. Form a mound of sand on top of the bricks to act as a support for the clay dome. The size of the sand mound will dictate the size of the dome.

4. Place moist newspaper over the sand mound.

5. Lay sheets of clay on top of the support structure, working from the base to the top of the dome. Connect the clay sheets by working them together with moistened fingers.

6. Allow the clay to completely dry for three full days.

7. Cut an arched opening into the clay exterior with a utility knife that runs three-quarters of the way up the dome's face. This will ensure that the wood fire lights and sustains properly with the correct flow of air.

8. Remove the sand and newspaper from inside the dome from the opening and dispose.

9. Fill in cracks in the clay with extra clay that is smoothed with your fingers. Allow the repairs to dry for three full days.

10. Start the fire. Insert wood into the opening of the dome and light. You can use the clay structure as a fireplace or as an oven for delicious, homemade food.

References

• The Thoughtful Bread Company: Build Your Own Clay Oven