4 Types of Pottery Explained: Earthenware, Stoneware, Porcelain & Bone China
Every piece of pottery you have ever used falls into one of four categories, classified by the type of clay, firing temperature, and finished properties. Whether you are choosing clay for your first pottery class or trying to understand what makes fine china different from a terracotta flower pot, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Quick Answer: The 4 Types of Pottery
- Earthenware - Low-fire (1000-1150°C), porous, oldest type of pottery
- Stoneware - Mid-fire (1200-1300°C), waterproof, most popular for functional pottery
- Porcelain - High-fire (1200-1400°C), translucent, finest white clay
- Bone China - Porcelain + bone ash (1200-1300°C), strongest and most expensive
The key differences come down to clay composition, firing temperature, and the degree of vitrification (how glass-like the clay becomes). Higher firing temperatures generally produce stronger, less porous pottery.
1. Earthenware
Earthenware is the oldest and most widespread type of pottery in human history. Archaeological evidence shows earthenware vessels dating back over 25,000 years. It is made from common surface clays that are rich in iron and other minerals, which give earthenware its characteristic warm, reddish-brown colour when fired. The most recognisable form of earthenware is terracotta, the unglazed red-orange pottery used for flower pots and roof tiles across the world.
Firing Temperature & Properties
Earthenware is fired at relatively low temperatures between 1000°C and 1150°C. At these temperatures, the clay does not fully vitrify, meaning it remains porous and will absorb water unless coated with a glaze. Unglazed earthenware can absorb up to 5-8% of its weight in water. This porosity is actually useful for some applications - terracotta flower pots allow moisture to pass through the walls, helping regulate soil moisture for plants.
Common Uses
- - Flower pots and garden planters (terracotta)
- - Roof and floor tiles
- - Decorative pottery and sculpture
- - Traditional cooking vessels (tagines, cazuelas)
- - Bricks and building materials
- - Majolica and faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Good for Beginners?
Yes, earthenware is beginner-friendly. It is forgiving to work with, fires at lower temperatures (meaning lower kiln costs), and the clay is widely available and affordable. However, most pottery classes use stoneware rather than earthenware because stoneware produces more durable, functional results.
2. Stoneware
Stoneware is the most popular type of pottery for functional, everyday use. If you have handmade mugs, bowls, or dinner plates in your kitchen, they are almost certainly stoneware. The name comes from its stone-like hardness after firing. Stoneware clays are denser than earthenware clays and contain fewer impurities, producing pottery that is strong, durable, and naturally waterproof.
Firing Temperature & Properties
Stoneware is fired at 1200°C to 1300°C, which is hot enough to fully vitrify the clay. This means the clay particles fuse together into a dense, glass-like structure that is waterproof even without glaze. Stoneware absorbs less than 2% of its weight in water (compared to 5-8% for earthenware). The finished pottery is exceptionally durable and can withstand daily use, including dishwashers and microwaves. Stoneware colours range from light grey and buff to dark brown, depending on the clay body and firing atmosphere.
Common Uses
- - Mugs, cups, and teapots
- - Bowls, plates, and dinner sets
- - Casserole dishes and baking ware
- - Vases and pitchers
- - Storage jars and crocks
- - Most handmade studio pottery
Why Pottery Classes Use Stoneware
The vast majority of pottery classes use stoneware clay because it offers the best balance of workability and finished quality. It is forgiving on the potter's wheel and during hand building, holds its shape well, and produces functional pieces that students can actually use in their kitchens. When you take your first pottery class, you will almost certainly be working with stoneware.
3. Porcelain
Porcelain is the finest and most refined type of pottery. First developed in China during the Tang Dynasty (around 620 AD), porcelain was so prized by European traders that it became known as "white gold." The secret to porcelain lies in its primary ingredient: kaolin, a pure white clay that fires to a brilliant white colour. When made thin enough, porcelain is translucent - you can see light passing through it, a property no other type of pottery possesses.
Firing Temperature & Properties
Porcelain is fired at very high temperatures, typically 1200°C to 1400°C. At these temperatures, the kaolin clay and other minerals fuse into a dense, highly vitrified body with near-zero porosity (less than 1% water absorption). The result is a material that is extremely strong for its weight, has a smooth, glass-like surface, and rings with a clear bell tone when tapped. Porcelain is naturally white and provides an excellent canvas for delicate decoration and transparent glazes.
Common Uses
- - Fine dinnerware and tea sets
- - Decorative vases and figurines
- - Artistic and sculptural pieces
- - Dental crowns and laboratory equipment
- - Electrical insulators
- - High-end bathroom fixtures
Challenging for Beginners
Porcelain is notoriously difficult to work with and is not recommended for beginners. The clay has less plasticity than stoneware, meaning it is harder to centre on the wheel and more likely to collapse during throwing. It has very little "memory," so mistakes are difficult to correct. Porcelain also shrinks more during firing (up to 15-20%) and warps easily if wall thickness is uneven. Most potters develop their skills with stoneware for months or years before attempting porcelain.
4. Bone China
Bone china is the strongest, most luxurious, and most expensive type of pottery. It was invented in England around 1748 by Thomas Frye at the Bow porcelain factory in London. The innovation was adding calcined bone ash (from cattle bones) to a porcelain clay recipe. This addition gives bone china a unique combination of strength, translucency, and a distinctive warm, ivory-white colour that sets it apart from the cooler blue-white of standard porcelain.
Composition & Properties
True bone china contains 25-50% bone ash mixed with kaolin clay and feldspathic material. It is typically fired at 1200°C to 1300°C. Despite being the thinnest type of pottery, bone china is paradoxically the strongest - it has greater chip resistance and mechanical strength than standard porcelain. A bone china cup can be made so thin that it is translucent, yet it will not break under normal use. This extraordinary combination of delicacy and durability is what makes bone china the material of choice for luxury tableware.
Common Uses
- - Luxury tea sets and coffee services
- - Fine dining place settings
- - Commemorative and collectible pieces
- - Hotel and restaurant premium tableware
- - Gift and presentation ware
A Distinctly English Tradition
Bone china remains closely associated with English pottery heritage. Famous manufacturers include Royal Doulton, Wedgwood, Spode, and Royal Crown Derby. While bone china production has spread globally, the finest examples still come from the Staffordshire Potteries region. Bone china is not typically made by individual studio potters or taught in pottery classes - it requires industrial-scale production, specialised kilns, and precise quality control.
Pottery Types Comparison Table
| Type | Firing Temp | Waterproof? | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earthenware | 1000-1150°C | No (needs glaze) | Beginner | Flower pots, tiles, decorative pieces |
| Stoneware | 1200-1300°C | Yes | Beginner-Intermediate | Mugs, bowls, plates, everyday use |
| Porcelain | 1200-1400°C | Yes | Advanced | Fine dinnerware, decorative art |
| Bone China | 1200-1300°C | Yes | Industrial/Expert | Luxury tableware, fine tea sets |
Which Type Should Beginners Choose?
If you are new to pottery, stoneware is the best choice. Here is why:
- Forgiving to work with - Stoneware clay has excellent plasticity, making it easier to centre on the wheel and shape by hand. It tolerates beginner mistakes better than porcelain.
- Durable, functional results - Your finished pieces will be waterproof, dishwasher-safe, and microwave-safe. You can actually use what you make in your daily life.
- Used in most pottery classes - When you find a pottery class near you, it will almost certainly use stoneware. Learning with the same clay your instructor uses means better guidance and fewer surprises.
- Wide range of glazes - Stoneware accepts a huge variety of glaze colours and finishes, from glossy to matte, giving you creative freedom from day one.
- Good stepping stone - Once comfortable with stoneware, you can explore earthenware for decorative projects or work toward porcelain as your skills develop.
Earthenware is also a reasonable starting point, especially for hand building and sculptural work. However, stoneware gives you the most versatile, usable results. Avoid porcelain until you have at least several months of experience - its lack of plasticity and tendency to warp will frustrate beginners. Learn more about how to start learning pottery in our complete guide.
Key Differences Between the 4 Types
Earthenware vs Stoneware
The biggest practical difference is porosity. Earthenware remains porous after firing and must be glazed to hold liquids, while stoneware vitrifies during firing and is waterproof on its own. Stoneware is also significantly harder and more durable. If you want to make a mug you can drink from, use stoneware. If you want a decorative flower pot, earthenware works perfectly.
Stoneware vs Porcelain
Both are high-fire and waterproof, but they differ in clay composition and aesthetics. Stoneware uses common clays and fires to earthy grey, brown, or buff tones. Porcelain uses refined kaolin clay and fires to a brilliant white. Porcelain can be made translucent when thin; stoneware cannot. For everyday functional pottery, stoneware is the practical choice. For elegant, refined pieces, porcelain is unmatched.
Porcelain vs Bone China
Both are white and translucent, but bone china contains 25-50% bone ash, which gives it a warmer, creamier white colour compared to porcelain's cooler blue-white. Bone china is also stronger than porcelain despite typically being thinner. The addition of bone ash lowers the required firing temperature slightly and improves translucency. Bone china is almost exclusively factory-produced, while porcelain is made by both studios and factories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 4 types of pottery?
The four types of pottery are earthenware (low-fire, porous, terracotta), stoneware (mid-fire, waterproof, most common for functional pottery), porcelain (high-fire, translucent, made from kaolin clay), and bone china (porcelain with bone ash, strongest and most expensive). They are classified by clay composition and firing temperature.
Which type of pottery is best for beginners?
Stoneware is the best type for beginners. It is the most forgiving clay to work with, produces durable and functional results, and is used in the vast majority of pottery classes. It is also dishwasher- and microwave-safe once fired, so you can use what you make. Earthenware is a close second for hand-building projects.
What is the difference between earthenware and stoneware?
The main differences are firing temperature and porosity. Earthenware fires at 1000-1150°C and remains porous (needs glaze to hold water). Stoneware fires at 1200-1300°C and vitrifies, becoming naturally waterproof. Stoneware is harder, more durable, and better suited for functional kitchen items like mugs and plates.
What is the most expensive type of pottery?
Bone china is the most expensive type. The specialised materials (bone ash), precise firing requirements, and the skill needed to produce it all contribute to the higher cost. Premium bone china from brands like Wedgwood or Royal Doulton can cost several times more than equivalent stoneware or porcelain pieces.
Can you microwave all types of pottery?
No. Stoneware is generally microwave-safe because it is fully vitrified. Earthenware should be avoided in microwaves as it is porous and can absorb moisture, leading to uneven heating or cracking. Porcelain is typically safe if it has no metallic decorations. Bone china varies - always check the manufacturer's guidance marked on the base of the piece.
Find a Pottery Class Near You
Ready to get your hands on some clay? Most pottery classes use stoneware - the ideal type for beginners. Search our directory to find classes, workshops, and open studio sessions in your area.