Clay is not one material. Potters work with several clay bodies that behave differently when shaped, dried and fired, so the clay you pick affects how a piece feels to make, which kiln it needs and what it can be used for. This guide covers the main types, a few others you will hear about, and a practical way to choose.
The short answer: three main clay body types
Kiln-fired pottery clay is most often grouped into three types: earthenware, stoneware and porcelain. The main difference is the temperature each is designed to be fired to. Many sources give slightly different temperature figures, so treat the ranges below as approximate and always follow the manufacturer’s label for the clay you buy.
| Clay type | Typical firing range | Look and feel | Common uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earthenware | Low fire, roughly cone 06 to cone 1 | Soft, often red, brown or buff | Planters, decorative pieces, tiles |
| Stoneware | Mid to high fire, roughly cone 5 to 10 | Sturdy, gray, buff or brown | Mugs, bowls, plates |
| Porcelain | High fire, roughly cone 6 to 10 | Fine, smooth, white | Delicate tableware, fine art |
Earthenware
Earthenware fires at the lowest temperatures of the three. It is often red or buff, like terracotta flowerpots, and many classes start beginners on it because it is generally forgiving and affordable. Low firing temperatures also tend to keep glaze colors bright.
The tradeoff is that earthenware usually stays porous after firing, so it is not naturally watertight. A glaze is normally needed if a piece will hold water, and it is generally less durable than higher-fired clay. If you plan to make food-safe tableware, check that both the clay and the glaze are labeled suitable for that use.
Stoneware
Stoneware fires hotter and can become dense and non-porous once it has fully matured in the kiln. That is why it is the usual choice for everyday functional pottery such as mugs, bowls and plates. It is versatile enough for beginners and for experienced potters, and it comes in many colors and textures.
Glazes can look more muted on stoneware than on earthenware, and the higher firing range requires a kiln that can reach it (kiln costs vary widely). Many studios offer shared firing, which lets you use stoneware without owning a kiln.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a fine-grained, white clay that can fire to a very smooth, sometimes translucent surface when thin. It tends to be less plastic than other clays, which makes it harder to center and shape on the wheel and more prone to warping or cracking. Most potters suggest getting comfortable with another clay first.
Other clays you will hear about
- Ball clay: a very plastic, fine clay often used as an ingredient in clay bodies and glazes rather than on its own.
- Fireclay: a coarse clay that tolerates high heat, used in some sculptural bodies and kiln-related products.
- Grog: not a clay but fired, crushed clay added to a body for strength and reduced shrinkage. Clays containing grog feel gritty and are common in sculpture and large hand-built work.
- Paper clay: clay with paper fiber added, which can make dry pieces stronger and easier to repair. Follow the supplier’s guidance on firing.
You may also see “pottery” and “ceramics” used interchangeably. In general, ceramics is the broader term for objects made from clay and hardened by firing, and pottery is the part of it focused on vessels and similar wares.
Air-dry and polymer clay
Air-dry clay hardens as it dries and does not need a kiln, which makes it appealing for home beginners. It is generally not waterproof or food-safe unless the manufacturer says otherwise, so it suits decorative objects such as small dishes for trinkets, ornaments and sculptures. Our clay crafts for adults guide has project ideas. Polymer clay is a plastic-based material hardened in a home oven and is a separate craft from pottery. Neither replaces kiln-fired clay for functional ware. See how to mix and prepare clay for pottery for more on working with air-dry clay.
How to choose a clay
- Check your firing access. Your kiln or studio determines the cone range you can use; see pottery and ceramics at home if you are planning your own setup. Buy clay labeled for that range.
- Match the clay to your technique. Smooth clays suit the wheel, while clays with grog suit larger hand-building. Try the methods in our beginner pottery techniques and note which clay feels best.
- Decide on function. For mugs and plates, stoneware is a common choice. For decorative or garden pieces, earthenware often works.
- Start with a small bag. Buying one bag lets you test how a clay handles before committing to a case.
- Consider special processes. Some firing methods, such as raku firing, work better with clay bodies made to handle rapid temperature changes.
FAQ
What are the three main types of clay used in pottery? Earthenware, stoneware and porcelain.
What type of clay is best for pottery? It depends on your goals. Stoneware is a common all-round choice for functional pieces, while earthenware is often used for decorative work and early practice.
What are the five types of clay? Lists vary by source. A common one adds ball clay and fireclay to the three main types, though some sources include air-dry or paper clay instead.
Is porcelain a good choice for beginners? It can be frustrating at first because it is less forgiving, so many potters begin with another clay.