The type of clay body you choose will shape your whole ceramics experience. Some clays are soft and forgiving, others are strong and durable, and some are so finicky they’ll crack if you look at them the wrong way. Let’s break it down.

Types of Clay

Earthenware

• Firing Range: Low fire (Cone 06–04, ~1830–1940°F).

• Characteristics: Porous, soft, and often red or buff in color. Glazes sit brightly on the surface, giving you vivid, painterly effects.

• Pros: Easy to work with, fires at lower temperatures. Great for beginners and decorative work.

• Cons: Less durable, more porous (not ideal for dinnerware).

Stoneware

• Firing Range: Mid to high fire (Cone 5–10, ~2167–2345°F).

• Characteristics: Dense, durable, and available in a wide color range (buff, tan, gray, dark brown). Fired pieces are non-porous when glazed properly.

• Pros: Strong, versatile, and the most popular choice for functional pottery. Glazes mature beautifully at mid-range.

• Cons: Requires a hotter kiln than earthenware, which means more wear on elements over time.

Porcelain

• Firing Range: Mid to high fire (Cone 5–10, ~2167–2345°F).

• Characteristics: Very fine, white, and smooth. Can be translucent when thin. Highly vitrified when fired.

• Pros: Elegant and refined, ideal for fine tableware and sculptural work. Takes glazes beautifully.

• Cons: Very tricky to work with — less forgiving, more prone to cracking and warping. Best once you’ve got some experience under your belt.

Grog VS Sand

Clay doesn’t just come as a smooth lump — it can be modified with additives like grog or sand, which change how it behaves:

• Grog: Fired clay that has been ground into fine particles and added back into clay. It gives clay more “tooth” (texture), reduces shrinkage, and helps prevent cracking.

• Sand: Works similarly to grog, though it usually creates a rougher surface.

Why it matters:

• For handbuilding and sculpture, clay with grog or sand is easier to build with — it holds its shape, resists slumping, and cracks less.

• For wheel throwing, smoother clay (less or no grog) is usually preferred, since gritty clay can feel rough on your hands and make it harder to achieve fine details.

• For large forms, grogged clay is essential to reduce stress and cracking during drying and firing.​

Still Unsure?

If you’re brand new and still aren't sure what clay to use:

• Start with a mid fire stoneware (Cone 5–6). It’s strong, versatile, and compatible with the widest range of glazes.

• Choose a clay with medium grog if you want to handbuild.

• Choose a smoother body if you want to throw on the wheel.

If you’re still unsure which clay is right for you after reading this, come visit us in store and our team will help you find the perfect clay for your project.