Earthenware vs. Stoneware: Choosing the Right Clay for Your First Project
Earthenware vs. Stoneware: Choosing the Right Clay for Your First Project
So, you’re ready to get your hands muddy (in the best way)? Whether you're signing up for a pottery class near Waterdown or just poking around for the next fun thing to do near you, one question tends to pop up:
Which clay should I use, earthenware or stoneware?
Spoiler alert: both are great. But depending on your project (and your patience with breakable things), one may suit you better than the other.
Let’s walk through the differences without getting too clay-nerdy about it.
What Is Earthenware?
Earthenware is the beginner’s bestie. It’s a soft, porous clay that fires at a lower temperature (typically around 1,800°F or 1,000°C). This makes it a little easier to shape and more forgiving if you're still figuring out how to center your life (and your clay) on the pottery wheel.
Pros of Earthenware
- Softer and easier to work with for beginners
- Glazes beautifully (hello, bright colors!)
- Ideal for decorative pieces, planters, mugs, and kid-friendly projects
Cons
- Not as strong or waterproof as stoneware (unless glazed well)
- Can chip more easily
- Porous, so not ideal for cookware
What Is Stoneware?
Stoneware is like earthenware’s sturdier older sibling. It fires at a higher temperature (about 2,100°F to 2,300°F) and becomes non-porous and super durable after firing. If you're planning to make something that lives in the kitchen or holds liquids, this might be the clay for you.
Pros of Stoneware
- Stronger and less prone to chipping
- Naturally water-resistant
- Great for dinnerware, bowls, and vases
Cons
- Takes more strength and effort to shape
- Limited in ultra-bright glaze colors
- It can be trickier for kids or brand-new beginners
Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s a handy cheat sheet if your brain is more visual:
| Feature | Earthenware | Stoneware |
| Firing Temp | ~1,800°F (low fire) | ~2,200°F (high fire) |
| Color | Usually red or buff | Usually grey or brown |
| Porosity | Porous unless glazed | Naturally non-porous |
| Durability | Softer, chips more easily | Very durable and tough |
| Best For | Decorative pieces, kids’ art | Mugs, bowls, functional pottery |
| Ease of Use | Softer and easier to mold | Firmer and more advanced-friendly |
Which Clay Is Better for Beginners?
At Creative Insight Pottery, we recommend starting with earthenware if you:
- Are you taking your first pottery class ever
- Are you joining one of our parent-child pottery workshops
- Love bold, colorful glazes
- Just want to have fun and make something sweet
Stoneware is a great option if:
- You’ve taken a few classes already
- You’re ready for wheel-throwing courses in Ontario.
- You want to create something you can actually eat or drink from
But Here’s The Truth
You don’t have to choose forever. Most potters try both!
Mindful Pottery & Clay Choice
There’s a reason mindful pottery classes are on the rise. Clay connects you to the present. And different clays can give different vibes.
Earthenwar
Softer, more intuitive, great for loosening up and letting go of perfectionism.
Stoneware
Structured, grounded, and perfect for building focus and precision.
If you’re coming to our studio for a date night, a team event, or just a break from screen time, we’ll help you choose the right clay for your experience.
What About Firing and Glazing?
Both earthenware and stoneware go through the same general process:
- Shape your piece (by hand or wheel)
- Let it dry completely (called greenware)
- First firing (bisque)
- Glaze
- Second firing
The big difference? Stoneware needs a hotter kiln and tends to be fired for longer.
Our studio handles all of this, so you don’t have to stress over the science. Just come in, get messy, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Choosing Clay Based on Your Project
Still unsure? Here’s a quick reference based on what you want to make:
| Project Idea | Recommended Clay |
| Handprint plaque (kids) | Earthenware |
| Coffee mug | Stoneware |
| Small succulent planter | Earthenware |
| Large salad bowl | Stoneware |
| Ceramic wall hanging | Earthenware |
| Functional dinner plate | Stoneware |
| Playful animal sculpture | Earthenware |
Where to Try Pottery in Waterdown, Hamilton & Burlington
We’re biased, but our community studio, Creative Insight Pottery, is one of the coziest, most beginner-friendly spots in the region.
We offer:
- Pottery classes in Waterdown
- Drop-in family sessions (great for Sundays!)
- After-school kids camps
- Date ideas that don’t involve another dinner
- Corporate pottery classes (yes, it’s a thing and yes, your team will love it)
Whether you’re in Hamilton, Ancaster, or Burlington, we’re just a short drive away and well worth the detour.
View our class schedule
Clay Choice and Your Creative Confidence
Choosing the “right” clay doesn’t mean you’ll always get the “right” result. And that’s the beauty of it.
Pottery isn’t about perfection. It’s about trying, laughing, learning, and making something with your own two hands, even if it turns out a little wonky. (Especially if it turns out a little wonky.)
At our studio, we keep the vibe:
- Judgment-free
- Process-focused
- Supportive and community-first
So whether you’re building your first coil pot with your toddler or signing up for a 6-week wheel throwing class, you’re in the right place.
Still Can’t Decide? Try Both!
Some of our most popular sessions are mixed-material workshops, where you get to try both clay types and see what you vibe with. We walk you through each step and handle all firing, finishing, and glaze options, and no experience is needed.
It’s all about play, process, and pottery that feels personal.
Let Clay Be Your Guide
You don’t need to be a ceramic expert to get started. You just need a little curiosity, a willingness to play in the mud, and maybe a friend (or child, date, or coworker) to bring along.
At Creative Insight Pottery, we’re not just here to teach pottery; we’re here to build a creative community.
So if you’re Googling:
- Pottery classes Waterdown
- Mindful art workshops near me
- Parent-child classes in Burlington
- Fun things to do in Hamilton this weekend
You’ve found the right spot.
Play With Clay
Whether you’re choosing earthenware, stoneware, or just trying something new, let’s make something together.
Check out our current class schedule, drop-in sessions, and upcoming seasonal workshops:
https://creativeinsightpottery.com
Got questions? Message us anytime or stop by our studio in Waterdown; we’re always happy to chat about mud.