Cast and firebrick hybrid

[ljw46]

Hi,

I have done a fair amount of reading now and am planning a pizza oven build. I have a question I can't seem to find anyone else asking though.

It seems there are two common approaches of building a diy oven dome with various methods to achieve them.

Basically Out of brick or casting it.

What I haven't seen is anyone mixing the two which I guess is kind of modular.

For example casting a dome and entrance seperatley on top of a soldier course of firebrick.
Laying the soldier course first then using sand to form the dome and casting refractory concrete on top. (Probably a wood form for the entrance but same principle).

To me it seems like that would be easier than either a full cast or a full brick build and I can only think of two possible downsides,

Different properties at different parts of the dome side walls and roof, being different materials.

If the Diameter was something like 75cm
The pitch would be shallow (something I have seen with cast domes anyway).
Not even sure how much real difference that would make though.

I just happen to have obtained some Castable refractory but not enough to cast a full dome - but enough I think to do something like this.

Any reason this is a bad idea ?

[downunderdave]

I think it is quite a good idea and has the advantage of making the casting easier in that you won’t have the problem of the casting mix wanting to slump at the bottom where it is vertical.

[ljw46]

Excellent I think I will give it a go then.