Q: Is it more cost-effective to build a pizza oven from scratch rather than buy a pre-made kit?

Building your own pizza oven can be a cost-effective option if you already possess the necessary firebricks or materials and have the skills to complete the project. When you have the required supplies on hand, you save on material costs and labor fees. However, if you need to source every component, a pre-made kit may not deliver the same savings.

Q: Why must I use fire bricks for building a brick pizza oven?

Fire bricks are engineered to withstand the high temperatures generated inside a pizza oven, protecting the structure from cracking or spalling. Standard bricks can fail under intense heat, potentially damaging the oven and creating safety risks. By using true fire-rated bricks, homeowners maintain consistent cooking temperatures, preserve the oven’s structural integrity, and reduce the likelihood of costly repairs. The modest increase in material cost is offset by longer service life and safer operation.

Q: What is the standard height for installing a pizza oven?

An optimal pizza oven installation positions the opening exactly between 36 and 48 inches above the ground to guarantee clear visibility and safe, comfortable access. This height optimizes heat distribution and ergonomic use. In addition, dome height can vary: shorter domes produce the signature soft, charred crust of Neapolitan pies, whereas taller domes are ideal for generating the robust baking environment required for New York–style pizzas.

Foley Custom Homes

Foley Custom Homes

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 91% of Angi customers

25 years of experience

Foley Custom Homes is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business. This has allowed us to expand with our sister company, Fairfax Contractors. Fairfax Contractors is a company that is a fully staffed design and build company that focuses on the Outdoor Living for our clients.

"They did a great job and were creative with their solutions"

Kathleen K on August 2022

Foley Custom Homes is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business. This has allowed us to expand with our sister company, Fairfax Contractors. Fairfax Contractors is a company that is a fully staffed design and build company that focuses on the Outdoor Living for our clients.

"They did a great job and were creative with their solutions"

Kathleen K on August 2022

Cordova Painting, Inc.

1604 N Craig St

New on HomeAdvisorNew on HomeAdvisor

•Approved Pro

Cordova Painting, Inc.

1604 N Craig St

New on HomeAdvisorNew on HomeAdvisor

•Approved Pro

12 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

Cordova Painting is a family owned business founded by Levi Cordova in 2013. Levi has over 17 years of experience in the painting and remodeling industry. We are your one stop shop for all your home painting needs. We pride ourselves in going above and beyond for our customers. We take great pride in our work with focus on detail. No project is too big or too small. Give us a call today for your next project!

East Coast Landscape Design

2000 SPENCERVILLE ROAD

East Coast Landscape Design

2000 SPENCERVILLE ROAD

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 95% of Angi customers

251 local quotes requested

BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR LIVING. East Coast creates inspiring landscapes, hardscapes, water features and drainage solutions that bring beauty, new outdoor experiences and exceptional value to your life and home. SPECIALIZING IN: Patios, walkways, driveways, landscaping, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, retaining walls, outdoor lighting, drainage and erosion control (including eco-friendly permeable pavers, dry riverbeds and rain gardens through RainScapes and RiverSmart rebate programs). TRUSTED: Employees drug tested and background checked. License #42490. Insurance #Q89-0102236-M. ADDITIONAL EMAIL: mark@eclandscapedesign.com

"that Roberto and the crew did a great job on the retaining wall and driveway. The workmanship was excellent, and Roberto accommodated my every request for alterations in the design without question. In addition, his suggestions contributed to creating the finished product that I had envisioned."

Robert R on February 2025

BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR LIVING. East Coast creates inspiring landscapes, hardscapes, water features and drainage solutions that bring beauty, new outdoor experiences and exceptional value to your life and home. SPECIALIZING IN: Patios, walkways, driveways, landscaping, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, retaining walls, outdoor lighting, drainage and erosion control (including eco-friendly permeable pavers, dry riverbeds and rain gardens through RainScapes and RiverSmart rebate programs). TRUSTED: Employees drug tested and background checked. License #42490. Insurance #Q89-0102236-M. ADDITIONAL EMAIL: mark@eclandscapedesign.com

"that Roberto and the crew did a great job on the retaining wall and driveway. The workmanship was excellent, and Roberto accommodated my every request for alterations in the design without question. In addition, his suggestions contributed to creating the finished product that I had envisioned."

Robert R on February 2025

First Impression Hardscapes, LLC

7154 Montevideo Rd

4.69(

118

)

•Approved Pro

First Impression Hardscapes, LLC

7154 Montevideo Rd

4.69(

118

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quality work

1231 local quotes requested

15 years of experience

First Impression Hardscapes is the premier hardscape artisan in the D.C. metro area, serving Maryland and Washington D.C. We take a custom approach to designing your driveway, walkway, patio, or pool deck in elegant flagstone or stunning, durable pavers. First Impression’s will turn your hardscape fantasies into a First Impression reality! - OUR MISSION: To provide lifestyle changing hardscapes that are aesthetically pleasing, durable, and have eternal value. - OUR VISION: To be the leading hardscape installer in Maryland and Washington D.C. by becoming home and property owners’ first choice for all of their hardscape needs. - OUR HISTORY: First Impression Hardscapes has over 20 years combined experience in serving the D.C. metro area. Our quality of construction is second to none, and we also pride ourselves in having superior customer relations. All of our crews are completely “in house”; we do not use sub-contractors. We are licensed and insured for all of your hardscape needs. No matter how large or small, we are pleased to transform your hardscape fantasies into a First Impression reality! -- Additional email: info@firsthardscapes.com.

"Prompt service. We are very happy with the quality of work. We would hire them again."

Jesse T on May 2025

First Impression Hardscapes is the premier hardscape artisan in the D.C. metro area, serving Maryland and Washington D.C. We take a custom approach to designing your driveway, walkway, patio, or pool deck in elegant flagstone or stunning, durable pavers. First Impression’s will turn your hardscape fantasies into a First Impression reality! - OUR MISSION: To provide lifestyle changing hardscapes that are aesthetically pleasing, durable, and have eternal value. - OUR VISION: To be the leading hardscape installer in Maryland and Washington D.C. by becoming home and property owners’ first choice for all of their hardscape needs. - OUR HISTORY: First Impression Hardscapes has over 20 years combined experience in serving the D.C. metro area. Our quality of construction is second to none, and we also pride ourselves in having superior customer relations. All of our crews are completely “in house”; we do not use sub-contractors. We are licensed and insured for all of your hardscape needs. No matter how large or small, we are pleased to transform your hardscape fantasies into a First Impression reality! -- Additional email: info@firsthardscapes.com.

"Prompt service. We are very happy with the quality of work. We would hire them again."

Jesse T on May 2025

SBC Outdoor Services

14508 Lee Road, Suite E, MSC 77

New on HomeAdvisorNew on HomeAdvisor

•Approved Pro

SBC Outdoor Services

14508 Lee Road, Suite E, MSC 77

New on HomeAdvisorNew on HomeAdvisor

•Approved Pro

689 local quotes requested

23 years of experience

OVER 100 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE AS YOU PATIO AND HARDSCAPE EXPERTS! SBC Outdoor Services was founded in 2015 by Brad Crist. Brad had over 15 years of experience in the industry and wanted to create a landscaping company that could hold true to the concept of “quality landscaping.” Ever since then we've been constantly growing as a high-end hardscape, landscape design, and commercial maintenance business. Over the course of our existence, we've earned a great reputation for quality service and we aim to not just maintain our reputation for excellence but to constantly improve it. That's why we only hire the best of the best. Our management team alone has over 30 years of experience in the industry and members of management used to maintain the White House. The rest of our team is similarly qualified and has over 100 years of combined experience. At SBC Outdoor Services we believe that landscaping is an art, not just a skill. We not only teach our employees proper installation methods but also encourage them to take initiative and to completely pour their imagination and skill into their work. Our design and installation divisions make sure that the product will be very functional as well as attractive while our maintenance division employees take great pride in the ongoing beauty of your property.

Ultimate Remodel LLC

5703 General Washington Dr

4.86(

201

)

•Approved Pro

Ultimate Remodel LLC

5703 General Washington Dr

4.86(

201

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 96% of Angi customers

Recommended by 96% of HomeAdvisor customers

516 local quotes requested

Owner operated full service design, build & remodeling company. We specialize in custom homes, kitchens, bathrooms and whole house renovations. What makes us successful and one of the most profitable boutique companies is, excellent communication skills and having the owner on job site!!!

"We interviewed 17 different contractors for bathroom renovations until we settled on Ultimate. We had planned to just do one of our bathrooms just to find out how it worked out. But after we saw what happened on the first bathroom, we ended up having two other bathrooms completed by Ultimate. These guys are worth anything they’re asking for! They weren’t the most expensive contractor that came in and they weren’t the cheapest either but as far as we’re concerned, they were the best!"

Jung S on October 2025

Owner operated full service design, build & remodeling company. We specialize in custom homes, kitchens, bathrooms and whole house renovations. What makes us successful and one of the most profitable boutique companies is, excellent communication skills and having the owner on job site!!!

"We interviewed 17 different contractors for bathroom renovations until we settled on Ultimate. We had planned to just do one of our bathrooms just to find out how it worked out. But after we saw what happened on the first bathroom, we ended up having two other bathrooms completed by Ultimate. These guys are worth anything they’re asking for! They weren’t the most expensive contractor that came in and they weren’t the cheapest either but as far as we’re concerned, they were the best!"

Jung S on October 2025

Long Home Products

650 Corporate Dr.

4.50(

8

)

•Approved Pro

Long Home Products

650 Corporate Dr.

4.50(

8

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

2020 local quotes requested

80 years of experience

With over 70 years of experience in home improvement, Long Home Products is the industry-leading company you can trust to give you peace of mind. We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We are experts in all aspects of roofing, bathroom, window and door projects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!

"I had my roof replaced by Long Home and it was a great experience. From start to finish, the customer service, communication, quality of materials, and speed of install was exceptional."

Dana P on January 2025

With over 70 years of experience in home improvement, Long Home Products is the industry-leading company you can trust to give you peace of mind. We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We are experts in all aspects of roofing, bathroom, window and door projects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!

"I had my roof replaced by Long Home and it was a great experience. From start to finish, the customer service, communication, quality of materials, and speed of install was exceptional."

Dana P on January 2025

Prime Custom Kitchen and Bath Remodeling

301 Maple Ave W

4.33(

6

)

•Approved Pro

Prime Custom Kitchen and Bath Remodeling

301 Maple Ave W

4.33(

6

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

763 local quotes requested

18 years of experience

Prime Custom Kitchen and Bath has been transforming Northern Virginia homes with exceptional remodeling services, offering complimentary in-house design and architectural expertise. From stunning kitchen and bathroom renovations to comprehensive basement remodeling and home additions, we handle every aspect of home improvement with meticulous attention to detail. Our dedicated team works closely with each homeowner, providing personalized design consultations and transparent communication throughout the entire renovation process. With our skilled craftsmen, certified designers, and experienced project managers, we deliver sophisticated, high-quality renovations that enhance both the beauty and value of your home.

"We just had the original kitchen in our 1968 house gutted and renewed by Vienna Prime Custom Kitchen & Bath (Prime Custom). BLUF: We highly recommend you consider them in your due diligence efforts to find a reliable & quality K&B contractor. Good internet reviews were a significant factor in selecting potential bidders for the refurbishment of our kitchen and two full bathrooms; that’s why we are submitting this robust positive feedback. In fact we are putting our money where our mouth is by awarding the refurbishment of our two main bathrooms to Prime Custom. These two combined projects are more costly than the kitchen was. Our procurement strategy was to hold back the bathrooms until they proved themselves with the kitchen. They came through in spades. Our kitchen journey from planning, contracting, detailed design, execution and final delivery was by no means a cakewalk but Prime Custom was an outstanding partner and delivered a quality product. We trust them! Believe me, we were a bigger “PitA” than any customer under the sun but Prime Custom Prime was collectively patient, understanding, informative and most importantly tolerant of their sometimes-antsy interior design challenged clueless customer. Their team, including an involved owner, consisted of Filiz the designer (PC Vienna), Nick the PM (PC Arlington), and several company employed skilled tradesmen in all disciplines, including the après project cleaning crew that were “the Best”. Even with a professional and organized contractor team doing quality work, the vagaries of ripping out and replacing a kitchen is a taxing psychological rollercoaster. Despite a detailed Statement of Work (SoW), there were lots of moving parts with so many big and small decisions throughout the project. Prime Custom did a masterful job “herding cats”. The project was 95% complete in three weeks and we were able to reclaim our new beautifulyl retooled kitchen by the middle of the fourth week. We did our homework. We developed three pages of bulletized line items, one for each room in our SoW. After interviewing a dozen K&B contractors including onsite visits and receiving half a dozen bids on our very comprehensive SoW, we culled the list down to three potential providers. Prime Custom matched the low bid for the kitchen with one contractor and the two bathrooms of another. We decided to go with Prime Custom with the hope of their doing all three rooms after they proved their worth on the kitchen. Our strategy has worked so far. We will update our review after Prime Custom completes the two bathrooms. It pays to be anal in working on home improvement project contracting, no matter how painful."

Roy R on July 2025

Prime Custom Kitchen and Bath has been transforming Northern Virginia homes with exceptional remodeling services, offering complimentary in-house design and architectural expertise. From stunning kitchen and bathroom renovations to comprehensive basement remodeling and home additions, we handle every aspect of home improvement with meticulous attention to detail. Our dedicated team works closely with each homeowner, providing personalized design consultations and transparent communication throughout the entire renovation process. With our skilled craftsmen, certified designers, and experienced project managers, we deliver sophisticated, high-quality renovations that enhance both the beauty and value of your home.

"We just had the original kitchen in our 1968 house gutted and renewed by Vienna Prime Custom Kitchen & Bath (Prime Custom). BLUF: We highly recommend you consider them in your due diligence efforts to find a reliable & quality K&B contractor. Good internet reviews were a significant factor in selecting potential bidders for the refurbishment of our kitchen and two full bathrooms; that’s why we are submitting this robust positive feedback. In fact we are putting our money where our mouth is by awarding the refurbishment of our two main bathrooms to Prime Custom. These two combined projects are more costly than the kitchen was. Our procurement strategy was to hold back the bathrooms until they proved themselves with the kitchen. They came through in spades. Our kitchen journey from planning, contracting, detailed design, execution and final delivery was by no means a cakewalk but Prime Custom was an outstanding partner and delivered a quality product. We trust them! Believe me, we were a bigger “PitA” than any customer under the sun but Prime Custom Prime was collectively patient, understanding, informative and most importantly tolerant of their sometimes-antsy interior design challenged clueless customer. Their team, including an involved owner, consisted of Filiz the designer (PC Vienna), Nick the PM (PC Arlington), and several company employed skilled tradesmen in all disciplines, including the après project cleaning crew that were “the Best”. Even with a professional and organized contractor team doing quality work, the vagaries of ripping out and replacing a kitchen is a taxing psychological rollercoaster. Despite a detailed Statement of Work (SoW), there were lots of moving parts with so many big and small decisions throughout the project. Prime Custom did a masterful job “herding cats”. The project was 95% complete in three weeks and we were able to reclaim our new beautifulyl retooled kitchen by the middle of the fourth week. We did our homework. We developed three pages of bulletized line items, one for each room in our SoW. After interviewing a dozen K&B contractors including onsite visits and receiving half a dozen bids on our very comprehensive SoW, we culled the list down to three potential providers. Prime Custom matched the low bid for the kitchen with one contractor and the two bathrooms of another. We decided to go with Prime Custom with the hope of their doing all three rooms after they proved their worth on the kitchen. Our strategy has worked so far. We will update our review after Prime Custom completes the two bathrooms. It pays to be anal in working on home improvement project contracting, no matter how painful."

Roy R on July 2025

WaterStone Kitchen and Bath

100 Glenn Drive

5.00(

43

)

•Approved Pro

WaterStone Kitchen and Bath

100 Glenn Drive

5.00(

43

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers

512 local quotes requested

WaterStone Kitchen and Bath specializes in turn key kitchen and bath remodeling. We have been proudly serving the Northern Virginia area since 2005. We provide a one stop shop from preliminary consulting, through design conception and finally to project completion. One of our specialized designers will combine your vision with years of design experience to create a unique space that exceeds your highest expectations. We offer an extensive line of kitchen and bath products that allow us to meet your design needs on any budget. We operate as an in home service provider only. We don't have a show room, so we can pass our low overhead savings on to our clients. If you are interested in remodeling your kitchen or bath, please contact us for a free in home consultation.

"Jeff and his team (Deanna, Jake, Javier, and Rolando) did an excellent job from start to finish. They worked with us and explained every step of the process, helping us with design decisions and selections. The end product, our new kitchen, is of the highest quality. They made the process very easy and quickly closed out our punch list. We're very excited to have our new, updated kitchen and I would very much recommend WaterStone for future work."

Jim S on January 2023

WaterStone Kitchen and Bath specializes in turn key kitchen and bath remodeling. We have been proudly serving the Northern Virginia area since 2005. We provide a one stop shop from preliminary consulting, through design conception and finally to project completion. One of our specialized designers will combine your vision with years of design experience to create a unique space that exceeds your highest expectations. We offer an extensive line of kitchen and bath products that allow us to meet your design needs on any budget. We operate as an in home service provider only. We don't have a show room, so we can pass our low overhead savings on to our clients. If you are interested in remodeling your kitchen or bath, please contact us for a free in home consultation.

"Jeff and his team (Deanna, Jake, Javier, and Rolando) did an excellent job from start to finish. They worked with us and explained every step of the process, helping us with design decisions and selections. The end product, our new kitchen, is of the highest quality. They made the process very easy and quickly closed out our punch list. We're very excited to have our new, updated kitchen and I would very much recommend WaterStone for future work."

Jim S on January 2023

Long Home Products

8530 Corridor Rd

3.52(

378

)

•Approved Pro

Long Home Products

8530 Corridor Rd

3.52(

378

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quality work

3701 local quotes requested

80 years of experience

With over 70 years of experience in home improvement, Long Home Products is the industry-leading company you can trust to give you peace of mind. We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We are experts in all aspects of roofing, bathroom, window and door projects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!

"Extremely disappointed with this company. They do not stand by their guarantees. Did install shower in one day. Was not provided with the shower head I ordered. Calking and trim work was very sloppy. Went through the shower wall into my bedroom, did sparkle wall and left it. Shower doors have leaked and was finally told six months later that there is nothing they can do to correct the issue. Originally quoted $24,000.00 for the walk on shower, eventually agreed to $11,500.00. Completely dissatisfied with my shower. Once they get their payment, they are done."

Kathy B on June 2025

With over 70 years of experience in home improvement, Long Home Products is the industry-leading company you can trust to give you peace of mind. We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We are experts in all aspects of roofing, bathroom, window and door projects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!

"Extremely disappointed with this company. They do not stand by their guarantees. Did install shower in one day. Was not provided with the shower head I ordered. Calking and trim work was very sloppy. Went through the shower wall into my bedroom, did sparkle wall and left it. Shower doors have leaked and was finally told six months later that there is nothing they can do to correct the issue. Originally quoted $24,000.00 for the walk on shower, eventually agreed to $11,500.00. Completely dissatisfied with my shower. Once they get their payment, they are done."

Kathy B on June 2025

Get matched with top outdoor kitchen builders in Mount Vernon, VA

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Foley Custom Homes

Foley Custom Homes

Cordova Painting, Inc.

Cordova Painting, Inc.

East Coast Landscape Design

East Coast Landscape Design

First Impression Hardscapes, LLC

First Impression Hardscapes, LLC

SBC Outdoor Services

SBC Outdoor Services

Ultimate Remodel LLC

Ultimate Remodel LLC

Long Home Products

Long Home Products

Prime Custom Kitchen and Bath Remodeling

Prime Custom Kitchen and Bath Remodeling

WaterStone Kitchen and Bath

WaterStone Kitchen and Bath

Long Home Products

Long Home Products

The Mount Vernon, VA homeowners’ guide to outdoor kitchen building services

How Much Does a Bus Conversion Cost in 2025?

DIY Kitchen Remodel

Build a Dining Room

Build a Secret Room

Build an A-Frame House

Build a Bar

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Get matched with top outdoor kitchen builders in Mount Vernon, VA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 3 pros

Matching on HomeAdvisor

Find Outdoor kitchen builders in Mount Vernon

Foley Custom Homes

Foley Custom Homes

Cordova Painting, Inc.

Cordova Painting, Inc.

East Coast Landscape Design

East Coast Landscape Design

First Impression Hardscapes, LLC

First Impression Hardscapes, LLC

SBC Outdoor Services

SBC Outdoor Services

Ultimate Remodel LLC

Ultimate Remodel LLC

Long Home Products

Long Home Products

Prime Custom Kitchen and Bath Remodeling

Prime Custom Kitchen and Bath Remodeling

WaterStone Kitchen and Bath

WaterStone Kitchen and Bath

Long Home Products

Long Home Products

The Mount Vernon, VA homeowners’ guide to outdoor kitchen building services

How Much Does a Bus Conversion Cost in 2025?

DIY Kitchen Remodel

Build a Dining Room

Build a Secret Room

Build an A-Frame House

Build a Bar

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