How to Build a Brick Wood Fired Pizza Oven/Smoker Combo

Detailed description of how I built my combination wood fired pizza oven and offset barbecue smoker. This is the full video and is a little over 30 minutes long. I have this video broken down into three parts if you don't have time to watch this full video. The materials cost for this oven was around $1,500 - $2,000 - and most of that was spent on the brick.
Part 1: • How to Build a Brick P...
Part 2: • How to Build a Brick P...
Part 3: • How to Build a Brick P...
Link to my Sketchup Model:3dwarehouse.sk...

[@dtheodore76]

The smoker box idea was genius.

[@schayawat]

The best project I saw in KZbin so far and it is exactly I plan to do. Thanks for great video ❤

[@berg5588]

I have been growing more and more interested in building my own wood fired brick pizza oven and I've watched a LOT of videos on how to make them, not nearly as detailed and helpful as this! Thanks so much, I'll be starting my project soon!

[@myownruin187]

Patrick Berg >please document it all for the rest of us.. thank you .

[@Gommas]

how is your oven going?

[@inigobalboa2836]

Same here. I'm starting planning for my own pizza oven and this is one of the most helpful videos I have seen, thank you for the detailed explanations, Lee.

[@johnsm3568]

How did it work out?

[@radvids48]

Well, how is the pizza oven? Would like to see an update. Thanks Patrick

[@a.m.blackfig638]

I really like how you break down the project, talking about materials and tools, design and engineering.

[@LeeMcNeil]

Thanks!

[@bertmacdonald337]

Hey Lee, that`s a great video! I did an apprenticeship with an old school plumbing firm in the north of England, we did everything from fixing a leaky fawcet to lead glazing to large scale heating, plumbing drainage and roofing construction projects. I`ve done plenty of lead, zinc and copper roofs in my younger days. The secret to getting the patina on copper roofs is as old as time and it is this........ One time I was fitting a copper roof on a catholic church in the shape of an A-Frame, and the old priest was amazed at how the bright copper sheets we placed each day, would turn green overnight. He`d often ask me how this happened and I`d always tell him it was a miracle! One day he saw one of the lads on the scaffold with a mop bucket, mopping the roof. He asked me what was in the bucket and I told him it was Holy Water! What it actually was, was piss ! The lads would piss in buckets throughout the day and we`d mop this on the new sheets before leaving site for the day. The acid in the urine reacted with the copper and turned it green! If you try this with modern copper sheets, they often have an oil based protective compound on them which has to be removed with detergent , first.

[@m.draven477]

I like the music and the rocking of the legs back and forth. Like a kid

[@jpegjake]

I wonder how many generations it took for everyone to agree that this thing is beautiful and it truly is

[@nicogs97]

I used to think they were ugly and a waste of space but now I want one lol

[@davelevalley6511]

Now, THAT, is what I call a well thought out, narrated and honest video as to how to go about making a wood fired pizza oven smoker combo out of bricks and other material. Hats off to you Lee. Excellent job.

[@LeeMcNeil]

Thanks man. I really like hearing that!

[@Sunny-qd4jq]

I've seen a lot of D.I.Y. brick ovens on youtube but this one takes the cake. Nice job.

[@LeeMcNeil]

I love it! Thanks man.

[@renaissancemaneric8019]

I didn't expect to make it all the way through this video, but there was enough info to keep my attention. Nicely done, sir!

[@LeeMcNeil]

I'll take that as a compliment LOL! Thanks.

[@renaissancemaneric8019]

@@LeeMcNeil It was a compliment. It's not easy to make a video well. Respect, sir!

[@fitnessnoob2271]

Nothing but respect, thank you for your help! I am almost done with my oven!

[@LeeMcNeil]

Thanks! I would love to see pictures of it, but you can't share them here for some reason. If you have them posted online, or even better, a KZbin video, I think you can post a link here in the comments.

[@MikeMunoz24hraxis]

I am having a hard time understanding anyone giving this a "thumbs down". This is one of the best demonstration vids I have ever seen!

[@LeeMcNeil]

I don't know either. People are crazy I guess. LOL!

[@gibbygordo]

This is the best oven build on KZbin. Inspiration to start my own build. Thank You!!

[@bengully5076]

That was satisfying to Watch. Now that I watched all the steps I just have hire someone to build me One !

[@LeeMcNeil]

Git 'r done!

[@joebougher6745]

I have been educated! That was one of the most thorough videos I have ever watched on KZbin! Thank you!

[@MrSpaz12]

This is only the second video on pizza ovens I've seen and luckily is not only perfect to me in its looks, but it's designed well with great instructions. Thanks a million for sharing this build with the world.

[@LeeMcNeil]

Thank you!

[@LoneKnight6212]

Thanks from NY, for including the tip about making sure the foundation is beneath the frost line.

[@matermark]

Think about what he said, how could that be? Northern states frost lines are 36"-42". That's impossible. It would be like 6 to 9 cubic yards just for the flat base to the soil level, not including the pad above ground! There must be a different way, like a floating pad for northern states. I had a similar idea for a smoke box but my idea was to put a second floor 12 to 18 inches below the main floor and at the back of the main floor, have an opening for smoke from a fire on the lower floor to come up and pass around the meat to be smoked on its way to the front chimney. You can also use the opening to brush your ashes then remove them from the lower floor...

[@kirbyfroese2013]

I've been tossing around the idea of building an oven for quite some time now. This video showed up in my feed at the perfect time. I do quite a bit of smoking so this design really appeals to me. Thanks for the great content.

[@LeeMcNeil]

Thanks!

[@fastjazz]

Just came across this vid all these years later and gotta say it is the most fantastic vid on this topic. Attention to detail is fabulous, description of processes is fabulous, the design AND location and how it all fits together with its surroundings is fabulous - awesome! Most important this isn’t a ridiculous vanity project but a beautiful piece of functional art. Well, well, well done!

[@LeeMcNeil]

Thanks!

[@alankluttz4693]

Very nice, design, and function. Great details in your video too without overtalking.

[@alaninkarachi]

Brilliant. I'm in construction as well and this is so good to watch. Talking my language..... Hope you are enjoying hte fruits of your labour.

[@LeeMcNeil]

+Alan Lloyd Thanks Alan. I looked at some of your videos from Thailand. I haven't been to Thailand but I've visited Cambodia and I absolutely loved it. I need to find a job over there!

[@salvadorcoronado3085]

I do construction work and this is the first time I see someone doing something excellent, thanks to teach us their experience you do amazing work!!!

[@jonathanjones691]

I have been researching building a outdoor pizza oven for a few months. I have to say your video is by far the most informative i have found, Great job m8. The finished oven looks amazing.

[@rubo1964]

Thank for not playing obnoxious music just plain calm explanations.Great build and thank you for sharing.Just a tip when you poured your oven base and was little short that is great.Fill the rest with salt it is great insulation and easier to level the bricks on top.

[@LeeMcNeil]

Yes, I agree, I should have made the bottom of the oven about 6" higher. That would have made it much easier to get things in and out of it. But, it would have made getting the brick out to use the smoker a lot harder.

[@matthewflowers8282]

That is amazing. I've been looking for a combo smoker idea to build into an outdoor fireplace. Love the design and look. I'm up in Wisconsin so come spring I'll be getting started and will probably be basically copying your pizza oven plans and use some of your tips for the smoker. Great job. Thanks for the ideas and taking the time to go through your project in so much detail!

[@davidlawrence2508]

Mathew, Let us know how you did, and give us a detail of the build.

[@anothersomebody8195]

Yeah, how did the smoker part work out?

[@PhilippinesFarmLife]

love the essential bottle opener LOL. Finally a video that tells EXACTLY how to build in a short and to the point way! Big THANK YOU for your work. I am stealing your plans and starting an exact copy here.

[@LeeMcNeil]

+John Phillips (Kitakitz Publishing) Yes the bottle opener is essential! Good luck with your build.

[@tharnr4839]

intense labour of love! it was beautiful to see the level of craftsmanship you applied.

[@robertcornelisse8664]

Awesome oven/smoker thank you for sharing the video

[@brett8090]

This is fantastic, your design is likely going to be my inspiration for my dream back yard oven as a centerpiece in my landscaping. Great work

[@updownandallaround]

Nice job Lee! I have wanted to build one of these for quite some time, sans the smoker portion of the build... Thank you for taking the time to make the video!

[@carlosmenard3926]

Congratulation. Brick oven is amazing is the best one I ever saw I have one but not even quite as cool as the one you have and thank you very much for share all that information thank you

[@donaldwalstead9977]

Best DIY oven building video I've seen.

[@LeeMcNeil]

Glad you liked it!

[@rallwest]

That is one the best videos on "how to do something" I've seen. Really well done, and edited. And "boy" that was a lot of brick, time and work. And I'm inspired. Thanks for posting!

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKSXpWWZlM19bc0.

[@gsperanza07]

Greetings from Australia Lee, Thanks heaps for the deep narration, well explained and a beautiful addition to your lovely garden, you’ve inspired me and im hoping to make one like yours , love extremely the flue / chimney, the best example of drawing out the smoke , still keeping the heat dissipating this into the oven dome and not totally wasting out going heat , brillant 🎉 Godbless and thanks for posting.

[@LeeMcNeil]

That is great to hear! Thanks.

[@TheDevBhag]

Lee. I haven't watched all of this, but I have to tell you that I'm already blown away at what you've done. I've been thinking of building a wood oven on the patio of my restaurant and you may have just solved my problem. Thank you so much!

[@donnathomas7302]

Very lovely work. I live in Austin, Texas the home of off set smoking BBQ. You have the ability now to make brisket and ribs suited for the gods, cooked low and slow. Congrats and I hope it brings you many years of fun.

[@trevorcole460]

It’s guys like this that make KZbin great, perfectly filmed and explained throughout. Over here in the Uk I have been trying to find out if I can’t use normal bricks to make a pizza oven, all builders merchants say no! I need to buy fire bricks but I know in Victorian times they used Engineering Bricks and the Italian for thousands of years have used clay bricks, I think this video clearly shows bricks are fine too use. Cheers 🍻 for the upload

[@LeeMcNeil]

I used fire brick on the inner dome and I think that is the smart thing to do. Regular bricks might work, but then again, they might not. I would spend the small amount of extra money on the fire brick so I don't have problems later on - because it will be hard to fix if you do.

[@ilfacone]

You're a damn legend. Congratulations on making the coolest/hottest oven ever and documenting it so we can learn from your experiences too. Cheers!

[@LeeMcNeil]

HAHA! I don't know about all that but thanks!

[@Ralphy2212]

Fantastic Work. What skills you have..love the addition of the smoker...will be copying that build ..Thanks for sharing

[@interestinoldschool8080]

Well done, that is by far the best brick oven video I have come across. Love the fact that you took your time and planned every move before executing them. Very informative, I will be watching it several more times before moving forward with my project at some point. Thanks again.

[@stickyprickle]

Like many others considering a build, watching many videos, I’ve taken many tips from your video but most impressed by the fact your pizza oven has a sufficient flue opening to avoid the dreaded frontal smoke stain, brilliant

[@LeeMcNeil]

Yes it draws pretty good. A little smoke out of the front sometimes on start up or if it's windy, but other than that it pretty much all goes into the flue.

[@ChefJosephJoeStPaul]

One of the best descriptions and videos to date! Many Thanks

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKSXpWWZlM19bc0.

[@sebastianmuller1210]

I like the idea of the combination of pizza oven and smoker. That is great.

[@LeeMcNeil]

Thanks! It works great both ways.

[@michaelguzzello5562]

What a fantastic job and design. I envy you right now, would love to have this in my back yard.

[@bunyamin8117]

I've watched a lot video about building pizza oven and this is best video! This is exactly what i want in future for my garden. Thank you

[@LeeMcNeil]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@DustinWright1980]

I just had this idea (smoker & oven combo) the other day as well. Researching it I found your video which was exactly what I needed. Thanks for making the video, it is very helpful and your end result looks great!

[@DavidGarcia-sx8th]

WOW.....WHAT A GREAT TIME AROUND THAT PIZZA ....SMOKER OVEN......

[@xemphimtube]

Thank you for posting such in depth of details video. I am so inspired to build one.

[@TheWoodFiredOvenChef]

Great video. Very comprehensive and useful for anyone building a new oven.

[@LeeMcNeil]

Thanks!

[@pspaduzzi]

Thanks, I do hope to build a combo too!! When the funds get there!! I live in Atlanta, clay soil. So, I know I need to build a very strong base with rock and sand. Thanks for your tips!!!

[@alessandrosalvatore1049]

Amazing skills. Unfortunatly not for everyone. Great job

[@ExpertOfFX]

Nice Job! I do a lot of DIY stuff on my Ranch, one thing you can do to get Air Bubbles out of Concrete is to use a round stick zipped tied/attached well to a vibrating sander! works great for getting your mix to jiggle real good! ;Peace)

[@LeeMcNeil]

That is an awesome idea. That would have worked perfectly. I'll have to remember that trick the next time I pour some concrete.

[@graphguy]

Beautifully done and narrated

[@jamesmosely5170]

Amazing, just amazing, good job, Sir?!!

[@Alwis-Haph-Rytte]

I gave you a like and maybe pushing your comment up so the KZbin AI might recommend this video. It looks similar to the type I've been thinking of over the years, but never seen this one in the past. I want a rocket stove added with the smoker. Forgot to add grill with rocket stove.

[@LeeMcNeil]

Yes a wood burning grill would have been a good add to this oven

[@stevekon11]

I just completed a walk in tile shower ,I thought that was a nice challenge , now I've been given another project. An out door brick rocket oven/pizzeria.Watching your video convinces me of how much I don't know.But you sir are a master journeyman.

[@LeeMcNeil]

I love it! But I am no journeyman. Those were the first bricks I had ever laid. I am in construction though.

[@porsche911CarreraRSR]

Wow. Fantastic work sir! You just earned a subscriber. Hopping to do this in about a month.

[@ryanburns6284]

Hello from Ireland 😀 Thanks you so much for sharing Lee , very informative, I've just subscribed.

[@jimhood1202]

Great video. My wife and I built a clay oven down here in Panama. We run a full moon pizza night each month which is pretty popular with the ex pat community. We seem to have inspired one of our friends to build a more sophisticated oven at his home in the States so I pointed him at your video. I think you have covered evwrything he will need to know. Thanks for sharing. Best wishes from the Republic of Panama 🇵🇦

[@zesemedo1352]

I watched a lot videos how to build wood fired brick .Not nearly as detailed and helpfull like yours! Thanks

[@LeeMcNeil]

That was my goal

[@brendabrooks6334]

Thanks for posting this! I plan on building one in the spring, I'll pour my base this fall, I have to have 50 inches to get it under the frost line here in NY state. Thanks for giving step by step and the necessary materials to do this right!

[@LeeMcNeil]

That sounds great, except the part where you said you're going to pour your base this fall in NY state. It's going to be cold as hell while you are building your oven. I don't know a whole lot about building in freezing weather, but I hope you have a heater LOL!

[@animatorgeek]

Fantastic video. Thank you for the detailed description of your process. It's a great overview video, well-edited, with good narration. Definitely the best how-to video I've seen on building a classy brick wood-fired oven.

[@CyrusDoodhmal]

Great looking Owen..👌👌

[@DaveForman]

Great work, love it. you had me at the sketchup model. smoker combo is also an inspired addition.

[@Surkit914]

I've wanted to add a brick oven to my backyard for about seven years now, but have yet to do so. This video has given me so many ideas, and is a fantastic tutorial. Coming from a woodworking background, it feels outside of my skill level, but it is very much appreciated. Thank you for posting it.

[@TheRedstonePlayerMC]

Coming up on another 7 years! Have you made any progress? 😁

[@yowhatsup1006]

This is actually genius!

[@vegetizeable]

Thanks for the video. Incredible stuff you have packed into 30 minutes here!

[@LeeMcNeil]

Yes. I need to make a follow up video but I've been crazy busy.

[@sn00ch]

AWESOME video bro! VERY informative! Thank you kindly for sharing!!!

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKSXpWWZlM19bc0.

[@JW-zs1pz]

You did not forget the bottle opener, Good Man!!!

[@LeeMcNeil]

Yes, it gets a lot of use too.

[@CatNdaHatLV]

That was awesome. I'm researching to build one at our new home in Philly so thanks for the Frost line info. I love the addition of the Smoker. Hope mine works as well as yours when done. what was the group you found information in online?

[@LeeMcNeil]

Forno Bravo in the Forums section.

[@troyqueen9503]

Just got mine finished about two months ago,it’s a new lifestyle, wife thought I was crazy but the taste of the food drives her crazy 😂😂❤

[@LeeMcNeil]

Nice!

[@LeeMcNeil]

I wish people could post pictures of their ovens here.

[@mikeokeefe2014]

great video. ..the oven will outlast us all

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKSXpWWZlM19bc0.

[@dr.behjatsyed8412]

My initial thought when watching this was, why so much work? But when I saw your face at the end of the video I totally understood. That look of satisfaction, pride, accomplishment and seeing the results is priceless. Sir, you've inspired me to roll up my sleeves and get to some work in my backyard! Love from Pakistan!!!

[@LeeMcNeil]

Dr. Behjat Syed Get it done Doctor. I want to see your video too!

[@IJSO925]

Outstanding job! I'm in the process of building a much smaller verision. Great site

[@ChenteChannel]

If you can share the process I have the same idea, just a little bit smaller than this one. Thanks

[@TheAlpine49]

I totally enjoyed your video! I've watched ALOT of pizza oven building videos and I think this was probably the best one I've seen. Slow, clear, insightful. Without boasting or telling us how we should do it. It was how YOU did yours. Thanks for taking the time to document and provide a different and intelligent approach and execution to building your oven.

[@LeeMcNeil]

Thanks. That is what I was shooting for.

[@williamhennessey4220]

beautiful work. I can appreciate an expert and how much time is involved. In the event of a nuke strike, you can seek shelter inside it as well as cook incredible meals.

[@aoteifa]

Dude, you rock! Absolutely amazing job and a true inspiration to the rest of us dreamers.

[@LeeMcNeil]

Thanks man!

[@fakafeaoofa2471]

Beautiful good there bro.would love to build something like this soon.mite have to get this pizza oven design off you.😊😊 agian nice job.👍👍

[@paulgalea8670]

Greetings from Australia. This hits the target. Well done Lee.

[@wallstreetcrash1]

Really enjoyed this vid great work Lee regards KCB. (UK Carpenter)

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKSXpWWZlM19bc0.

[@ellsworth5841]

I know I'm late to the party, but.... dang if I didn't love this. So very much useful information. So very many good ideas. And all well communicated. Thank you, Lee.

[@LeeMcNeil]

Thanks!

[@lm0315]

Its been 5 years now. Can you do an update on the oven video? Tell how it has held up and what it looks like now.

[@LeeMcNeil]

I actually built it a little over ten years ago, I just did the video around five years ago. I'm in construction so I have been super busy over the last couple of years and haven't done a new video in a while. This is the exact subject that I plan to do my next video on. It will be uploaded soon so stay tuned.

[@malancronje6805]

@@LeeMcNeil Thanks enjoyed your video. I love your idea for the smoker, but I am concerned that the mess that will make inside will be a problem when you want to do pizzas. Do you burn it clean or do you wash it? Maybe its not as big a problem as I imagine?

[@LeeMcNeil]

@@malancronje6805 No. When you cook pizza in it, you build the fire on the floor of the oven right over where any grease would have dropped when it was previously used as a smoker. Plus the oven gets to close to 1,000 degrees when you cook pizza, so everything in it gets incinerated.

[@marcel3463]

One of the best videos I've seen on this subject so far. Looks great, great job! :)

[@LeeMcNeil]

Thanks!

[@lucaschiantodipepe2015]

The dislikes are from McDonald's fans.

[@shereentimmerman4164]

As an artist I use copper sheet and ribbing - if you use M38 gel over the sheet you can jump start the patina process. also the copper needs to be fairly clean. IF the sheeting is thick enough. I'm going to build one of these after I move. I also work with a lot of different types of glass. Thanks for your channel,

[@LeeMcNeil]

+Shereen Timmerman I haven't heard of m38 gel before but I knew there were some ways of accelerating the patina process. I didn't want to mess it up though. I need to just go out an spray it occasionally with some vinegar and ammonia just to give it a little push.

[@shereentimmerman4164]

Google CAN be your friend. (M38 gel) Did you use plans from a book or PDF? Thanks again!

[@LeeMcNeil]

+Shereen Timmerman I drew them myself with Sketchup and my model can be downloaded from the Sketchup 3-D warehouse. I think there is some plans in PDF format that you can download from the Forno Bravo website also. They are pretty generic though.

[@pilotcoolbiz]

You inspire me. I too am a builder of sorts and really love your innovative hybrid cooker/oven. I love to grill and smoke as well. I know how much time money and time, did I mention time??? it takes to undertake a major project like this. My hat is sincerely off to you. I don't mind projects that I can complete in lets say... a month or so. This must have taken you at least 6 months or longer to do. Lots of dedication to the project and the end result is nothing but amazing, fantastic, astonishing. A lot of heart went into it, and I'm sure you have made amens by now with the other half for taking so much time. Wives usually can't see the end result locked into your mind, until it's done and up and running. Loved the detailed video (And the steak cooking one as well) Check my channel if you have spare time.. :) kzbin.info

[@karnavar4448]

Thank you for this fantastic video! I have been looking for a design that is exactly like yours!

[@christySalisbury]

Your oven will still be standing after the next 300 years.

[@LeeMcNeil]

robert elber Hells yeah it will!

[@emielkramer4461]

Try 2000+

[@sydneypauley3187]

I am inspired to build my own now, i hope you use it all year round.

[@stoink]

Wood fired pizza? Hows pizza gonna get a job now?

[@LeeMcNeil]

Noice one Stoink!

[@anothersomebody8195]

Pizza will find a way to roll up on some dough, because if I know Pizza, Pizza neads dough.

[@agiannetto]

I am so thoroughly amazed with your level of skill and handiness. This came out fantastic. You have a new subscriber.

[@LeeMcNeil]

Thanks!

[@JorgeGonzalez-ei6ft]

My old man built Uruguayan Churrasqueras. Im about to build my own with a pizza oven incorporated. Liked your work mate!😎👌

[@knuckle47]

You have covered it all! Great great job. Your video documentation can give anyone with some light skill all the information necessary. Built many insulated cabinet smokers, reverse flow and a Santa Maria grill.... you've got me thinking...enjoy this beautiful oven

[@adamm4056]

Exceptional, really. Exactly the style I hope to do some day

[@domhenry8785]

What an awesome video. Thanks fir taking the time to explain exactly what you was doing and why. Didn't fast forward any of it either. Top job man

[@LeeMcNeil]

Thanks!

[@OldSchool-ot9rp]

Excellent thought and process!

[@orangetuono38]

3xcellent video. Thanks for taking the time to share with us.

[@DimiArhontidis]

The amount of detail in this ovens construction is amazing!

[@ianwilliamson201]

One of the best built pizza combo ovens I’ve seen . Your brick work is sweet . 🇳🇿🇳🇿👍🏻

[@NeogenicOrg]

I have been hoarding bricks for a few years now hoping to build myself a brick oven. I have 480 reclaimed firebricks (acme everlast, apgreen lonestar, unknown logo stamped), 60 new firebricks, 1980 texas red clay bricks(ferris, palmer, mexia, texas, abilne, cherry reds, dallas, local), 2100 reclaimed substandard Mexican bricks to use as outer veneer. I'm so close!!! :-) Awesome video interesting method for the dome instead of using a trammel. I've physically reclaimed all of these bricks out of the ground, demolished houses, remodels, etc.. by now I'm pretty damn good at cleaning bricks.

[@indogoUI]

Backyard goal for 2017, have to say I really enjoyed your video, don't think I have ever posted a comment on KZbin in all the years of using it !

[@LeeMcNeil]

Git 'r dun!

[@nitindogra-nitinkdogra]

Lee McNeil oggy