Building a Kiln for Wood Firing Ceramics
(A plumb bob in the above image indicates where the center of the chimney will be. This is our starting point)
Building a kiln for wood firing ceramics is a rewarding project that combines craftsmanship, patience, and a deep connection to traditional ceramic techniques. Whether you're a seasoned potter or early in your ceramic journey, constructing your own kiln opens up possibilities for unique glazing effects and firing experiences that gas and electric kilns simply can't replicate. The ash that naturally falls onto your pieces and melts during a firing creates distinctive surface patterns, textures and glazes—a hallmark of wood-fired ceramics that many makers and collectors find irresistible.
In this case we built an anagama which translates to "cave kiln". It is a single chambered tunnel like structure that is often built into a hillside. Due to a prolific gopher population and loamy soil, this kiln was built on a slab and a step was built into the kiln floor. The designer of this kiln is Nick Schwartz. He has built kilns nationally and internationally.
Basic tools include a brick saw for cutting bricks and trowels. A measuring tape was rarely used and the level came out in a few instances. A temporary wooden form was built to support the arch during construction.
There are stoke holes on each side for side stoking smaller pieces of wood during specific times of the firing.
A special castable refractory cement is used to cast the keystone and the grate.
First crawl through the kiln interior after removing the form.
We begin the chimney construction which took a lot of bricks!
Nick strategizing the checkerboard and the foundation of the chimney.
A chimney is a good place for some of the funkier bricks with lots of character.
Wolf did an incredible job welding to keep the kiln arch from moving too much due to thermal expansion. Note the articulated rebar which ties in the angle iron around the kiln and runs through the cinderblocks to the concrete below.
The grate in the firebox allows air to flow into the kiln while also allowing coals to fall through underneath. It was made using a castable refractory cement which can withstand 3000 degrees. It will only be tested to around 2400 degrees during a firing.
Sam mocking up the door with an occasional coil section.
Nicks making a technical cut on the brick saw.
I wasn't proficient on the brick saw when the build began, but I was when it was completed. It is a machine that demands respect. Note the layers of sediment, all the different brick cuts and their powdery wet remains photographed during a clean out.
Carey working on the second block wall.
A stucco mix for the kilns exterior was made with iron oxide and yellow ochre added for an earthy look.
Scott mixing up a fresh batch of stucco.
We went with a loose look over a smooth finish and intentionally lightly mixed the colorants.
Welded heavy doors counterweighted with pulleys and rocks.
Mocking up the front stoke pad.
With a fresh coat of stucco and the front stoke pad completed, there she is, ready for her maiden voyage..one brick at a time. The stucco will dry to a lighter color.
An extra special thank you to Nick Schwartz and Brant... and thank you to all the store owners and purchasers, restaurant chefs, custom orders and online store purchases which helped fund this project. Without your support this wouldn't have happened.
