How to Make Small Kilns for Firing Clay Pottery Using Bricks
Basic kilns have been used for thousands of years to fire-harden ceramics and pottery items. Methods vary greatly across cultures, with the most basic simply being a fire pit in the ground into which the pottery pieces are placed. Modern kilns can be very complex, but a simple brick kiln can be built in under an hour.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Instructions
-
1
Find an area outdoors, well away from any building or plants that may catch fire. Lay a base square of bricks—between 2 or 3 feet squared is a good size for a small kiln.
-
2
Lay the walls of the kiln by placing a row of bricks, flush with the edge of the base. The bricks in the wall need to have around ¼ inch space between each one to allow oxygen into the kiln.
-
-
3
Continue laying bricks on top of each other around the entire base, until the walls are around 2 feet high. The kiln should now be a square structure, with a base and four walls of equal height.
-
4
Place 2 inches of sawdust covering the entire base of the kiln. Put the pottery pieces onto the sawdust, making sure to start with the heaviest pieces first. Cover the pottery pieces completely with sawdust. Add another layer of pottery, covering the second layer again with sawdust. Repeat until all the pottery pieces are inside or the kiln is full (around 3 inches from the top of the walls).
-
5
Crumple the newspaper and create a fire over the top layer of sawdust in the kiln. Wait until you are sure that all of the sawdust is alight, relighting with newspaper where necessary. Place the large steel plate over the top of the kiln and leave burning overnight.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Always make sure the use of outdoor kilns is permitted in your area.
Do not fire a kiln on an overly windy day.
Make sure the fire is completely out before removing the pots.
Always keep a watchful eye on the kiln—even if leaving overnight, get up periodically to check that it is burning safely.
