As opposed to our traditional electric kilns, burning wood produces fly ash and volatile salts. Wood ash settles on the pieces during the firing, and the complex interaction between flame, ash, and the minerals of the clay body forms a natural ash glaze. This glaze yeilds interesting variations in color, texture, and thickness, ranging from smooth and glossy to rough and sharp. The position of pieces within the kiln also affects the pottery's appearance, as pieces closer to the burning wood may receive heavy coats of ash, while others deeper in the kiln may only be softly touched by ash, yeilding more subtle effects.

Because firing the wood kiln takes days of preparation and 3-4 days of actual firing, Tater Knob only produces pottery this way one or two times a year. 

With the time and effort involved in a operating the kiln, Tater Knob is partnering with other area potters to fire large batches of pottery. Constant stoking of the firebox and monitoring of the temperature is required around the clock, and it takes a team of potters and volunteers to make sure the firing is successful. 

 You can see more examples of our wood fired pottery in our wood fired gallery.