Hello,
I've been wanted to construct a bread oven for a few months now and have been researching plans and costs.
I was wondering if it would be possible to make an oven out of stones instead of firebricks or bricks. I haven't seen anyone utilize stones as thermal mass. I'm hoping to use stones to keep the materials as local as possible. I was thinking of cementing stones together using high heat mortar for the walls of the oven.
Any insight would be appreciated,
Roman
I see no reason that what you propose would not work, after all the historic basis of this type of construction is centuries old. You may wish to check out the following:
https://www.historymuseum.ca/cmc/exhibitions/tresors/barbeau/mbp0501e.html
http://pinkbird.org/images/7/7f/Build_Modified_Quebec_Style_Bread_Oven.pdf
About ten years ago I built a masonry oven following the plans in the book 'The Bread Builders' by Scott and Wing. I use it regularly but I made one big mistake in the project. I built it on about 2/3 the size of what their plans called for and it is 8 pan loaves of bread at a time and that's the absolute limit.
In construction I used bulk (80 lb bag) refractory cement which I found a real pain to work with .... it would start setting up almost instantaneously. It was much cheaper than the premixed refractory putty also available from the supply companyI used in Ottawa ON Canada. You may wish to get some thoughts on its use from someone what has some experience with it as with someone who constructs or refurbishes old fireplaces.
One thought about using local stone ..... I would seriously stay away from rock or stones that have the capacity to absorb moisture such as limestone, or old recycled brick. Depending on your local climate this could cause long term aggravation and will eventually destroy your efforts.
I am assuming that you wish to construct a permanent structure for long term use. If cost is a factor, don't discount the oven kits that are now available. Over the long term it would have been cheaper for me to by a kit than go through the build process that I did. When I constructed my oven they were not available. You may wish to check out:
https://www.outdoorpizzaovens.ca/products-results.php?search_submitted=yes&fuel_type=%25&assembly=DIY+Assembly&portability=%25&environment=%25&…;
If you are seriously interested in the historical approach to crafting an oven ... go for it. I would be very interested in how you make out.