Alright, so I decided to get my hands dirty and build something that I’ve been thinking about for a while – an outdoor oven. But not just any oven, I wanted to use fire bricks because they hold heat like a champ. Now, the thing with fire bricks is, you can’t just use regular mortar. You need something that can take the heat, literally. That’s where refractory mortar comes in.
Getting Started
First, I had to gather my materials. I already had a bunch of fire bricks that I’d salvaged from an old kiln, so that was a good start. I hit up the local hardware store for the mortar. Make sure you get “refractory mortar” or “fire brick mortar”. It’s a bit more expensive than the regular stuff, but trust me, it’s worth it. This stuff is designed to withstand high temperatures, so your oven won’t crumble after a few uses.


Mixing the Mortar
Mixing refractory mortar is a bit different than your usual cement mix. It comes dry, so you gotta add water. Important: follow the instructions on the bag to the letter. You want a consistency that’s like thick peanut butter – not too runny, not too stiff. I used a small trowel to mix it in a bucket, adding water a little at a time until I got it just right.
Laying the Bricks
This is where the fun begins. I started by laying out a base of fire bricks on a flat, level surface. Then, I spread a thin layer of mortar on one brick and placed another on top. It’s kinda like building with LEGOs, but way messier and more satisfying. I kept adding bricks, making sure to stagger the joints for strength. It’s a slow process, but you don’t want to rush it. You’re aiming for a solid structure, so take your time and do it right.
- Wipe off any excess mortar that squeezes out.
- It makes the finished product look much neater.
Let it Cure
After I finished building the walls of my oven, I had to let the mortar cure. This means just leaving it alone for a while, usually a few days, to let it harden completely. Again, check the instructions on the mortar bag for specific curing times. This part is crucial, so don’t get impatient and try to use your oven before it’s fully cured.
Firing it Up
Once the mortar was fully cured, it was time for the moment of truth – firing up the oven! I started with a small fire and gradually increased the heat over a few hours. This helps the mortar set properly and prevents any cracking. After that, I let the oven cool down completely before using it again. I made sure to do this slowly also.
And that’s it! My fire brick oven was ready to go. I’ve used it a bunch of times now to bake pizzas and bread, and it works like a dream. The fire bricks hold the heat incredibly well, and the refractory mortar is holding up great. Building with fire bricks and refractory mortar was a bit of a learning curve, but it was definitely a rewarding project. If you’re thinking about tackling a similar project, go for it! Just remember to do your research, take your time, and use the right materials.