Mezzo build

[doughboy]

Well after many years thinking about it, I have finally taken the plunge and bought a modular oven.

I had for some while been thinking about a seld build dome using firebricks, but after some research I decided that I didn't have the necessary skills (I didn't think a basic cob build would withstand the UK weather) and so went down the modular route. Again, after a bit of research I went for a Stonebake Oven Company Mezzo.

I have constructed a fairly sturdy base (beyond what the Mezzo needed as I hadn't decided on a modular at the time).

I used 9 inch "H" blocks which I laid dry on a concrete foundation. I found that I had some issues with getting a level build, so in the end I did use mortar on some courses to even out. I laid these in a H shape with the top end infilled and then laid 4 x 2 inch paving slabs on top as the oven base. On top of this I put a 3 inch vermiculate/cement mix as under oven insulation (3 inches used a whole bag of vermiculite). This didn't extend over the whole of the patio slabs, so I then concreted the area out to the full width of the base.

I'll post a photo to show what I mean.

Yesterday I also had a go at rendering the blocks - not as easy as I had thought it would be so I will have to put another final coat on. My plan is to then paint with masonry paint. I also want to insulate the oven and at the moment am thinking of either rockwool or ceramic blanket, chicken wire then rendering - basically copying some of the builds I have seen on this site.

[bookemdanno]

Hiya! and welcome!

Need pictures, or it didn't happen!

Well done on joining us!

[doughboy]

Few photos to follow.

Scratch render on base - not too impressed with my first attempt at rendering which proved more difficult than I imagined....

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[doughboy]

I have put a 3 inch vermicrete layer under the oven then finished out to the edge of the paving slabs in concrete.....

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[doughboy]

Another angle....

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[doughboy]

I was a bit more confident applying the finish render - I mixed it a bit wetter and it went on a lot easier than the scratch coat. It's still a rough finish but that is in keeping with the "rustic look" that I want. I will paint over with masonry paint.....

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[doughboy]

I'll do the front and returns again.

Next I am planning on mosaic tiling around the edge of the slab that the oven sits on. I also want to insulate the oven itself and add a brick facade around the oven mouth.

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[ringo]

Looking good Doughboy, will watch with interest - like the rendering

Oh and welcome

[doughboy]

After a bit of a lay off I have started back on the oven. I obtained some rockwool which I secured to the oven with some old chicken wire. This was trickier than I expected - I found the best way was to cut the wire into half (width wise), wrap around the oven and rejoin at the oven mouth - this was the only way I could manage to get some tension in the wire. I then just cut pieces and added over the top.

[doughboy]

Rockwool secured with chicken wire.

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[doughboy]

After reading some posts recommending K rend I thought I'd give this a go. I completed first coat over most of the chicken wire - it was a bit fiddly but after a bit of perserverence got the hang of it. I left a bit around the brick entrance as I need to cut the wire and secure a it bit tighter which I am unable to do until the first coat of render goes off.

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[doughboy]

I used nearly 2 bags of K rend on the first coat. Second coat should need as much though.

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[cannyfradock]

Doughboy

Great looking oven. It looks as if after many years of thinking about you have now made a flying start.

One point.......normally we put a layer of vermecrete (vermiculite, cement and water) over the blanket which gives extra insulation and a crisp layer for your final render coats, although many members have also skipped this layer.

Your chimney looks like the correct double sleeve type. If a single sleeve chimney is used it's always best to cut away a 5mm (ish) gap around the base of the chimney (where the render touches it) and fill with fire cement or fire mastic.

Terry

p.s....some modular ovens are pre-cured but many aren't in which case the ovens need a slow curing process of tiny firing building up to full firings over about a two week period. ****always follow your suppliers recommendations on curing your oven***

[doughboy]

Cheers Terry.

Cheers for the advice.

I think that a vermicrete layer would have made the rendering easier on reflection.

The chimney is a single skin, so I have kept the render of the s/steel using a cardboard sleeve. I need to find some suitable "mastic" to finish this off.

I have already used the oven befeore building in - in fact the very same day that I put the thing together (I'm the impatient type!), but will hace a couple of small firings before cooking pizza again. Thanks,

Daron

[doughboy]

I have completed the final render and mosaics (well almost!). All that's left now are quarry tiles for the oven uth and heat proof silicone around the flue and all is done.

Enjoyed some lovely pizzas yesterday with the extended family - all are impressed with the results.

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