How to Build Your Own Traditional Potters' Kiln
Because pottery has played an important role in diverse cultures around the globe for millennia, traditional potters' kilns can be quite varied in style. The simplest traditional kilns are simply open or covered pits, while the most elaborate can consist of large, specialized buildings with sophisticated ventilation systems. To create your own kiln, a middle road may be best. A sawdust-fired kiln made of brick is easy to construct and operate, and it will allow you to produce attractive, functional pottery using time-tested, traditional methods.
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Things You'll Need
- Bricks (approximately 70 to 130)
- Large steel or iron plate
- Sawdust
- Kindling/newspaper
- Small rocks
Instructions
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1
Choose a flat, empty spot in a wide-open area far from buildings or vegetation, and lay out a single layer of bricks to create a square kiln base between 2 and 3 feet long on each side.
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2
Lay out more bricks to create a border on top of the kiln base and flush with its edges. The border should be just one brick wide, creating a square with an empty space inside it. Do not butt bricks tightly together, but leave 1/4 inch or so between them to let a little air pass through the kiln wall.
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3
Repeat Step 2 to build up your kiln walls, again leaving 1/4-inch gaps for airflow. Your kiln can be as tall or short as you like, but a good rule of thumb is to aim for a height of 2 to 3 feet.
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4
Set several small rocks on the top layer of bricks. These will hold the lid above the kiln and let air seep into it underneath the edges.
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5
Set an iron or steel plate on the rocks to serve as a kiln lid.
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Tips & Warnings
Operate your kiln by layering sawdust and pottery into it until the kiln is full. Place 2 inches of sawdust beneath and above each layer of pottery (including the bottom and top layers) to ensure the fuel completely surrounds the clay pieces. You can then set some kindling or newspaper onto the sawdust and light it to fire your kiln.
The sawdust will need to burn for 12 hours or more to generate the steady heat required for effective clay firing. Keep a close eye on the kiln while it remains hot, even if you let it burn overnight.
Before you build your kiln, check local laws and zoning to be sure it is permissible to use an outdoor kiln where you live.
