How to Choose the Right Clay for Your Project (Without Overthinking It)
You open the clay section and suddenly you’re staring at names like Ironstone, Chocolate, Cone 5, Cone 10, Mid-Range, Low-Fire… and now you’re second-guessing everything.
Sound familiar?
Choosing clay doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Once you understand a few basics, it actually becomes pretty simple.
Let’s break it down.
Step 1: What Are You Making?
Start here. Your project determines everything.
🏺 Functional Pottery (Mugs, Bowls, Plates)
You’ll want a durable clay body that vitrifies properly when fired.
Mid-range stoneware (Cone 5–6) is the most popular choice for everyday functional ware.
It’s strong, versatile, and forgiving — especially for beginners.
🎨 Sculptures & Decorative Pieces
You have more flexibility here.
Low-fire clay allows for bright glaze colors.
Mid-range gives you earthy, natural tones.
High-fire produces organic, rustic finishes.
Choose based on the look you want.
🧑🏫 Classroom Projects
Low-fire white clay is often ideal:
- Fires faster
- Glaze colors stay vibrant
- Budget-friendly for schools
🌀 Wheel Throwing
Look for clay that is:
- Forgiving
- Smooth
- Plastic (easy to shape)
Most beginners do best with a mid-range stoneware designed for throwing.
✋ Handbuilding
For handbuilding, slightly more texture (called “tooth”) can help the clay hold its shape.
If you’re building larger pieces, look for clay with grog (tiny fired clay particles mixed in for strength).
Step 2: What Temperature Are You Firing To?
If you haven’t already, check out our guide:
👉 What Cone Should I Fire To?
But here’s the quick breakdown:
🔥 Low-Fire (Cone 04–06)
- Bright, bold glaze colors
- Great for classrooms
- Less durable
🔥 Mid-Range (Cone 5–6)
- Most common in studios
- Durable & functional
- Beautiful glaze options
🔥 High-Fire (Cone 10)
- Earthy, natural finishes
- More rustic aesthetic
- Requires specific kiln capability
Always match your clay to your firing temperature.
Step 3: What Look & Feel Do You Want?
Clay isn’t just technical — it’s tactile.
Smooth & Creamy
Porcelain or smooth stoneware bodies.
Speckled & Warm
Speckled stoneware or chocolate clay bodies.
Dark & Dramatic
Rich brown or iron-heavy clays.
Rustic & Textured
Clay bodies with grog or more tooth.
Your clay choice affects:
- Glaze color response
- Surface texture
- Finished aesthetic
Quick Cheat Sheet
If you’re new to wheel throwing →
Start with a forgiving mid-range stoneware.
If you’re a classroom teacher →
Low-fire white clay is your friend.
If you want earthy rustic vibes →
Try ironstone or speckled bodies.
If you want smooth, modern finishes →
Choose porcelain or smooth stoneware.
If you’re not sure →
Mid-range stoneware is almost always a safe bet.
Still Not Sure?
Choosing clay becomes easier the more you work with it. Every clay body has its own personality — and that’s part of the fun.
At Throw & Fire, we’re happy to help you find the right fit for your project and your kiln.
👉 Browse our clay selection here
