The kiln build · Follow along
Building a salt kiln, brick by brick.
Adam is building his own salt kiln in northern Utah, bringing together a background as a builder and years of ceramics study at Utah State University. This page is the build as it happens: the reasons, the design, the setbacks, and the first firing when it comes.
Why a salt kiln
Let the kiln participate.
Most glazed pottery comes out of an electric kiln looking exactly as planned. A salt kiln is different. At cone 10, salt thrown into the firebox vaporizes and travels with the flame, settling on the clay as a glassy, orange-peel surface that no brush could paint. The kiln becomes part of the finish.
Instead of chasing seasonal glaze trends, the goal is surfaces formed by chemistry and fire: quieter, more durable, and meant to be lived with over time.
Builder and potter
Two trades, one project.
Adam works as a builder as well as a potter, and a kiln is a building: footings, hardbrick, arch, chimney, burners, a door that has to seal at 2,300 degrees. Constructing it has strengthened his appreciation for the tools that shape the final work, and every choice about flame path and shelf layout ends up in the pots.
Build log
Where it stands.
Dates and photos get added here as each stage finishes. The journal has the long version of every step.
- DoneYears of saving and three salt firingsAdam learned salt firing in Utah State University’s kiln, then saved for years before buying a brick. Why a salt kiln →
- DoneThe designGas fired, sized for steady production without half loads, built from materials that stand up to salt vapor. Early decisions →
- DoneThe concrete padPoured in the backyard in summer 2026, set for wind, access, clearance and chimney height. The day the kiln became real →
- Up nextFloor and wallsHardbrick, insulation and the first course on the slab.
- Up nextThe arch, chimney, burners and doorForm building, keying the arch, draft, gas and a seal that holds at cone 10.
- When it’s readyFirst salt firingTest tiles, cups and a few bowls. The results go in the firing diary below and the shop hears first.
No rush on purpose. Why the kiln is taking its time →
Firing diary
Every firing, on the record.
What went in, how it was fired, what came out. One firing so far, in a gas kiln; the salt firings will be added here as they happen.
| Date | Firing | Cone | What went in | What came out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2026 | Gas, reduction | 10 | Wild clay test cylinders, no handles or thin rims | Survived with slight warping and a toasted surface. Read the post → |
Follow the build
Videos, tests and firings as they happen
The build is documented on YouTube, with shorter updates on Instagram and TikTok. Glaze tests, wild clay experiments and every firing.
Kiln openings
Hear first when a firing comes out
When the first salt firing comes out, the pieces go in the shop and the story goes on the blog. Until then, the shop is stocked with cone 10 stoneware from the current kiln.
Bring a piece home
Made to be used every day.
Shop what's available now, or commission something made for your table.
Bring a piece home
Made to be used every day.
Shop what's available now, or commission something made for your table.