Foundations


Foundations
A bread oven is very heavy (over a ton), so you should start by preparing a solid base on which it can be built.
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Last modified on: September 3rd 2024

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Wood oven: Concrete slab

First prepare the base: a concrete slab of 1.2 metres square (or 3.6 feet square). We used old paving slabs to reinforce the slab.

It's my father that you see in the pictures, he was the architect, designer, mason, roofer and much more. Without him it would not have been possible.

I was just the builder's mate...

Wood oven: Concrete slab finished

The concrete slab, poured and set.

Wood oven: Beginning walls

Beginning the walls: blockwork with metal framework at corners.

Wood oven: Walls ended

Walls completed, 4 rows of blocks.

If you are tall (like me) I strongly recommend you to lay a fifth row of blocks, so you can avoid having to bend over to see in the oven. We thought that 4 rows was high enough, and that was a mistake.

I've learned since that the ideal height is when the sole is at the same level as the baker's elbow. A point worth pondering...

Wood oven: Sole

Formwork for the concrete slab to take the sole of the oven.

Wood oven: Sole ended

Sole slab finished, and the first row of firebricks around the edge.

Foundations stage completed.

Next: Oven hearth.

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