Table 3.2 Materials requiredfor construction of the small kiln
Material
Fired clay building bricks
Polythene sheet
Stones
Murram (clay gravel/laterite mix)
Sand
Anthill soil (or building earth)
Water
Ceramic plates
Quantity
100
100
2 metres
6 wheelbarrows
10 wheelbarrows
6 wheelbarrows
6 wheelbarrows
300 litres
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Specification
Large 91/2” x 5” x 41/2
Small 81/2 x 4 x 31/2
Heavy duty 2m width
Hard stones that do not absorb water
Medium coarse
Building sand if possible
25 x 20 x 2cm3
.:. Materials marked ** are for a metal support frame over the firebox doors. This can be replaced by
fired clay bars to support the brickwork over the doors.
.:. Materials marked * are for a wire mesh skin to strengthen the wall of the kiln.
These are optional.
• The thickness of the kiln wall must be maintained. It will be equal to the length of the bricks. For
efficiency and durability, the minimum thickness of the wall should be 10 inches.
• If you are using smaller or bigger bricks, you will need to either increase or decrease the number of
courses required to attain the recommended kiln height, which is 75 cm. The recommended height of
the firebox channels is 30 cm.
Tools and equipment used for construction
.:. rammer
.:. pick
.:. tape measure
.:. builder's line
.:. mason's hammer
.:. spade or hoe
.:. wheelbarrow
.:. plumb line
.:. spirit level
.:. mason's trowel
Figure 3.1 The tools required
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