How to Choose the Right Clay for Your Pottery Projects

​Find the perfect match for your creative vision—whether you’re hand-building, wheel throwing, or sculpting.

​Introduction
When you begin a pottery project, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the right type of clay. With so many options available—each with different textures, firing temperatures, and finishes—it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Whether you're a beginner experimenting with hand-building or a seasoned potter refining your techniques, understanding your clay options will ensure your pieces are not only beautiful but also functional and durable.

​1. Understand the Three Main Types of Clay Let’s start with the basics. There are three primary categories of clay used in pottery:
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Earthenware
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• Firing Temperature: Low fire (1,820–2,100°F / 999–1,149°C)
• Color: Typically red, brown, or buff
• Texture: Smooth, but can feel more “gritty” than porcelain
• Uses: Great for decorative pieces, planters, or casual pottery
• Pros: Easy to work with, widely available, often cheaper
• Cons: Porous unless glazed, not as strong or durable, some forms (like terra cotta) can actually melt in the kiln if it fires too hot! - yes, this happened to me in school
  
  

Best for: Beginners, colorful glaze work, rustic pottery, and gardenware.

Stoneware

• Firing Temperature: Mid to high fire (2,100–2,300°F / 1,149–1,260°C)
• Color: Typically gray, buff, or brown
• Texture: Slightly coarse, but can be smooth depending on formulation
• Uses: Functional wares like mugs, bowls, plates
• Pros: Durable, water-tight (even without glaze), versatile
• Cons: Less fine detail than porcelain
  
  

Best for: Functional pottery, dinnerware, and long-lasting pieces.

Porcelain

• Firing Temperature: High fire (2,300°F+ / 1,260°C+)
• Color: Pure white
• Texture: Extremely smooth, buttery, almost plastic-like
• Uses: Fine art, delicate sculptural work, elegant dishware
• Pros: Translucent when thin, strong, refined finish
• Cons: Expensive, challenging to work with (prone to cracking and slumping)
  
  

Best for: Experienced potters, detailed sculptures, high-end ceramics.

2. Consider Your Pottery Method
​Different pottery techniques respond better to certain clay types.

Hand-building
For slab, coil, or pinch methods, opt for a clay with more grog or sand. This helps the clay hold its shape and reduces shrinkage. Earthenware or grogged stoneware are perfect for this.

Wheel Throwing
Look for clays with fine particles and a smooth consistency. Stoneware and porcelain are popular choices, though beginners often start with stoneware because it’s more forgiving on the wheel. I currently use stoneware in my practice, and it has more strength and "body" to it. Porcelain is a buttery soft and beautiful experience, but switching to it from stoneware is a very different and more delicate experience.

Slip Casting
If you’re using molds, you’ll need clay in liquid form (slip). Porcelain and stoneware both come in slip varieties, depending on your firing preference and aesthetic goals. I recently dove into slip casting, and it is a completely different but equally as rewarding experience.
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3. Match Clay to the Final Use of the Piece 
​Think about what the piece will be used for. Not all clays are created equal when it comes to strength, water resistance, and durability.
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• Planters: Earthenware or stoneware (don’t forget drainage holes and glaze to prevent seepage)
• Dinnerware: Stoneware or porcelain (must be food safe, dishwasher safe)
• Sculptures: Grogged clay for better support and less warping (typically stoneware)
• Outdoor Pieces: High-fire stoneware for frost resistance
  
  

Tip: Always check that your glaze is compatible with your clay body and intended use.
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4. Understand Firing Temperatures and Shrinkage 
​Each clay body matures at a specific temperature. Firing a low-fire clay at high temperatures can cause it to melt or warp, while under-firing a high-fire clay can leave it weak and brittle.

• Low Fire (Cone 04-06): Earthenware
• Mid Fire (Cone 5-6): Most stoneware and some porcelain
• High Fire (Cone 9-10): Porcelain and select stoneware
  
  

Shrinkage also matters. Clays shrink between 5–15% from wet to fired. Account for this in your design—especially with lidded items or items that must fit together. While some clays have a standard shrinkage rate, it's best to test your shrinkage rate based on your clay and firing temperatures by either measuring pieces before and after firing or by making a shrinkage ruler.

5. Test and Experiment 
​Don’t feel pressured to find your forever clay right away. Most potters go through a phase of experimentation to discover what clay works best for their artistic goals and firing setup.
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Tips for Testing:
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• Buy small test batches from different suppliers.
• Create a series of test tiles and fire them with different glazes.
• Keep detailed notes on how each clay handles during throwing, drying, and firing.
• Ask other potters for their favorites based on similar projects or techniques.
  
  

Pro Tip: Keep a pottery journal! Record everything from clay brand, body, cone, glaze combos, firing schedule, and final results. You'll thank yourself later.
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6. Don’t Forget About Your Kiln
​Do you have access to a kiln? Is it electric, gas, or wood-fired? If you’re using a community studio, find out what types of clay bodies they support. Many shared spaces only fire mid-range stoneware or low-fire earthenware, so porcelain might not be an option.

7. Sustainable Clay Choices
​As part of the handmade and slow-living community, sustainability matters.

Look for:

• Locally-sourced clay to reduce transport emissions.
• Reclaiming and reusing your trimmings to reduce waste.
• Natural finishes that don’t rely on synthetic glazes.

​Choose With Intention
​Choosing the right clay is part science, part art. By understanding the characteristics of different clay bodies, considering your skill level and tools, and thinking ahead to how your piece will be used, you’ll set yourself up for success.
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Whether you're creating rustic planters, elegant porcelain dishes, or earthy mugs, there’s a clay that’s perfect for your vision. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty and try new materials. Every project is a step toward finding your clay soulmate.