Facts About Hawthorn Fire Clay for A Pizza Oven

Welcome to our guide on Hawthorn fire clay! Are you looking to build your very own pizza oven in your backyard? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Hawthorn fire clay is an affordable and easy-to-work-with option for building backyard ovens. But before you dive in, let’s take a closer look at the facts about this versatile material. In this post, we’ll cover everything from workability to firing temperature and color. So, grab a cup of coffee and read on to learn more about Hawthorn fire clay for pizza ovens!

Introduction To Hawthorn Fire Clay

Hawthorn Fire Clay is a popular construction material, specifically pizza ovens. This type of clay is a fine particle-size buff-firing Missouri fireclay that can achieve a buff-to-tan color when fired at cone 10. It is also known as Hawthorne or just Hawthorne Fireclay. This type of clay has excellent plasticity and workability, making it a preferred choice for many builders.

The Hawthorn Fire Clay Mix is much less expensive than ordinary potter’s clay which usually contains fluxes and glass formers not needed for an oven. Furthermore, the clay is coarse and “toothy,” which is ideal for adobe construction. Hawthorn Fire Clay is also very stable across a wide range, making it an excellent material of choice for pizza oven construction. 

When choosing the right type of Hawthorn Fire Clay for your pizza oven, you should determine whether you require a 20 or 35-mesh particle size. Masonry sand is usually recommended over play sand when mixing the clay, and kiln shelves can be used as a smooth floor or as a pizza stone.

Hawthorn Fire Clay does not get hot enough to turn it into hardened ceramic the way it would in a kiln firing, so ovens built using this type of clay should be protected from the elements, such as rain. Lastly, quantity discounts and bulk orders are available for those who need large quantities of this fireproof clay. 

Benefits Of Using Hawthorn Fire Clay In Pizza Oven

• Workability: Hawthorn fire clay mix has excellent plasticity, which makes it easy to handle and shape into any desired form. This is perfect for building custom pizza ovens that require unique designs and shapes.
• Affordability: Compared to other types of clay available in the market, Hawthorn fire clay mix is much cheaper. This makes it accessible to people who want to build their pizza ovens on a budget.
• Heat Resistance: Fire clay mix can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for pizza ovens. It can resist temperatures up to 2400°F and maintain its form and quality.
• Insulation: Hawthorn fire clay mix is an excellent insulator that efficiently retains heat. This is vital in pizza ovens, where heat distribution and retention are critical to achieving perfect results.
• Durability: Fire clay mix is an excellent building material that can last for decades when used correctly. This makes it an excellent investment for people who want to build a long-lasting pizza oven.
• Compatibility: Hawthorn fire clay mix is compatible with various building materials like sand, straw, and cement. This makes it versatile and easy to use in pizza oven construction projects.

Overall, Hawthorn fire clay mix is an excellent choice for building pizza ovens due to its affordability, heat resistance, versatility, and durability. It is an easy-to-use material that can help turn your pizza oven dreams into a reality. 

How To Choose The Right Hawthorn Fire Clay

Hawthorn Fire Clay is an excellent choice for pizza ovens, but choosing the right type can be confusing. Here’s a guide to selecting the right Hawthorn Fire Clay for your oven:

1. Determine the mesh size you need. The coarse fire clay mix, either 20 or 35 mesh, is toothy, making it an excellent option for any adobe construction.

2. Choose the right clay for your oven. Hawthorn Fire Clay Mix is an affordable and workable option. It’s dryer than a potter’s clay, which is usually moist clay with fluxes and glass formers but not needed for a clay oven.

3. Determine the firing temperature you need. Hawthorn Fire Clay can be fired at 1800F, 2000F, 2200F, or 2400F. Select the firing temperature that is suitable for your oven.

4. Consider the Shrinkage and color of the clay. Dry Shrinkage ranges from 1.7% to 8.5%, while fired Shrinkage ranges from 4.2% to 11.7%. These variations in Shrinkage can affect the final appearance and shape of the oven. Hawthorn Fire Clay comes in tan-pink, tan, yellow, and grey-yellow.

5. Choose the right particle size and plasticity. Hawthorn Fire Clay is a plastic fireclay that exhibits outstanding plasticity and workability. It is available in different particle sizes, which offer various degrees of plasticity and workability.

By using these tips, you can choose the right Hawthorn Fire Clay for your pizza oven. Remember to test it out and adjust your mix as needed before starting your oven build. With the right clay, you’ll be on your way to enjoying delicious homemade pizza in no time. 

How To Use Hawthorn Fire Clay For Pizza Ovens?

Hthorn Fire Clay is popular for pizza oven builders because of its workability and affordability. If you’re planning to use Hawthorn Fire Clay for your pizza oven, here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Choose the right Hawthorn Fire Clay: Different types of Hawthorn Fire Clay are available, so choosing the one suitable for your pizza oven is important. Look for coarse and toothy clay with a particle size of either 20 or 35 mesh.

2. Check the plasticity: Hawthorn Fire Clay is known for its outstanding plasticity, which makes it easy to work with. However, different batches of clay may have differing plasticity, so it’s a good idea to test the clay before using it on your pizza oven.

3. Consider the need for feldspar: Depending on the fired maturity of your pizza oven, you may need to add feldspar to the clay to improve its strength and durability.

4. Apply the clay in layers: When applying Hawthorn Fire Clay to your pizza oven, it’s important to apply it in thin layers and let each layer dry before adding another one. This helps to prevent cracking and ensures a smooth surface.

5. Maintain the clay: Once your pizza oven is built, it’s important to maintain the Hawthorn Fire Clay by periodically applying a thin layer to any cracked or chipped areas. This helps keep your pizza oven in good condition and ensures it lasts for years.

By following these tips, you can use Hawthorn Fire Clay to build a sturdy and reliable pizza oven that will provide delicious pizzas for years to come. 

Performance And Suitability Of Hawthorn Fire Clay

Hawthorn fire clay is known for its outstanding performance and suitability in various industrial applications, including pizza ovens. Here are some key points to consider when it comes to the performance and suitability of hawthorn fire clay for pizza ovens:

• Particle size and plasticity: The fine particle size and excellent plasticity of hawthorn fire clay make it easy to work with and shape according to your needs.
• Fired maturity and need for feldspar: Hawthorn fire clay has a fired maturity range of 1800F to 2400F, requiring only a small amount of feldspar to vitrify in the cone 8-10 range.
• Performance and stability: This high-quality fire clay exhibits excellent performance and stability across various temperatures, making it ideal for pizza oven construction.
• Suitability for adobe construction: Hawthorn fire clay is a coarse clay that is specially formulated for adobe construction, offering a toothy texture that enhances its workability.
• Water resistance: Some users add Portland cement to the clay mix to enhance water resistance, especially in the finish coat. Maintaining the clay with a shed roof or other protection from the elements is also recommended.

If you’re looking for a top-quality fire clay that performs well and is easy to work with, consider Hawthorn fire clay for your pizza oven construction needs. Its fine particle size, excellent plasticity, fired maturity range, and stability makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to build the perfect pizza oven. 

Differences In Particle Size And Plasticity

Hawthorn fire clay is widely used for pizza ovens due to its high refractory nature, plasticity, and consistency. However, not all fireclays are created equal, and there are differences in particle size and plasticity depending on their source. Here are some interesting facts:

• Fireclays are sedimentary clay formed by the weathering of rocks in the earth’s crust and transported by water.
• Hawthorn fire clay is a type of fireclay extracted from a Missouri mine and weathered for 12-18 months.
• Its particle size can range from 20 to 35 mesh, which makes it coarse and toothy, ideal for adobe constructions.
• Hawthorn fire clay exhibits outstanding plasticity and workability, making it easier to shape and mold.
• Its plasticity depends on the impurities gathered during its transport and can vary from one source to another.
• Fireclays with higher plasticity are more challenging but ideal for creating complex shapes and forms.
• Particle size enhances the clay’s forming characteristics, strength, and heat resistance.
• Choosing the right fireclay size and mixing it with sand and straw at the right proportions is essential to create a durable and long-lasting pizza oven.

In conclusion, Hawthorn fire clay is a remarkable material to work with due to its high refractory nature, consistency, and workability. Understanding particle size and plasticity differences can help you choose the right clay for your pizza oven and enhance its performance and durability. 

Fired Maturity And Need For Feldspar

Fired maturity is an important factor when it comes to using Hawthorn Fire Clay in pizza ovens. This clay requires only a small amount of feldspar to vitrify in the cone 8-10 range. This is significant as the feldspar is used as a flux in clay bodies to lower the maturing temperature and produce a glass-like surface. However, excessive amounts of feldspar in a clay body can result in warping, slumping, or cracking during firing. It is, therefore, important to strike a balance between the clay and feldspar content to achieve optimal results. Here are some additional insights into fired maturity and the need for feldspar when using Hawthorn Fire Clay:

• Feldspar in small amounts helps promote vitrification and creates a more durable and water-resistant body.

• Hawthorn Fire Clay does not require a high feldspar content to achieve fired maturity, making it a cost-effective option.

• The addition of too much feldspar can cause problems like bloating, warping, and crazing, which can negatively impact the quality of the pizza oven.

• A general rule of thumb is to use 5-10% feldspar when using Hawthorn Fire Clay for pizza ovens.

• It is worth noting that the feldspar content in Hawthorn Fire Clay can vary by batch, so it is essential to test the clay before use to determine the ideal amount of feldspar to add.

In conclusion, knowing the fired maturity and feldspar requirements of Hawthorn Fire Clay is crucial when using it for pizza ovens. With the right balance of clay and feldspar, this material can produce excellent results with good durability and resistance to water. 

Steps To Apply Hawthorn Fire Clay To Your Pizza Oven

1. Clean Your Oven: Ensure your pizza oven is clean and debris-free before applying the clay. Use a wire brush and water to clean the area where you will be applying the clay. Dry the area completely before moving to the next step.

2. Prepare the Clay: Mix the dry clay with water to create a smooth, workable mixture. The ideal consistency is like that of peanut butter. Use a trowel or your hands to mix the clay until it becomes smooth and easy to work with.

3. Apply the Clay: Use a trowel to apply the clay to your pizza oven. Start at the bottom and work your way up, applying an even layer. Use your hands to smooth out any bumps or rough spots.

4. Let it Dry: Allow the clay to dry completely before firing up your oven. This drying process can take anywhere from several hours to a couple of days, depending on the weather conditions and the thickness of the clay layer.

5. Fire Up the Oven: Once the clay is dry, light a small fire in the oven and gradually increase the temperature over several hours to let the clay cure. Avoid rapid temperature changes that may crack the clay.

Following these simple steps, you can apply Hawthorn Fire Clay to your pizza oven and enjoy delicious, homemade pizza for many years. 

Maintaining Hawthorn Fire Clay In Your Pizza Oven

Maint Hawthorn Fire Clay in your pizza oven is crucial to ensure longevity and optimal performance. Here are some tips on how to maintain your pizza oven with Hawthorn Fire Clay:

1. Regular cleaning: Remove any debris and ashes from your pizza oven floor using a metal scraper or brush. This will prevent any buildup that could damage the clay.

2. Apply a protective layer: To protect your Hawthorn Fire Clay, apply a layer of sand to the pizza oven floor. This will provide a cushion between the clay and the food, preventing any direct contact that could damage the clay.

3. Avoid water: Hawthorn Fire Clay is not waterproof, and exposing it to water can cause it to crack and break down. Keep your pizza oven dry at all times, and avoid using water to clean it.

4. Control the temperature: Avoid rapid temperature changes that could cause the clay to crack. When heating up your pizza oven, gradually avoid exposing it to extreme heat or cold.

5. Check for cracks: Inspect your pizza oven regularly for any small cracks or damage to the Hawthorn Fire Clay. Catching these issues early can prevent further damage and prolong the lifespan of your pizza oven.

Following these maintenance tips will help you get the most out of your Hawthorn Fire Clay and ensure optimal performance of your pizza oven for years to come. Remember, with proper care, your pizza oven and Hawthorn Fire Clay can provide delicious homemade pizza for many enjoyable gatherings with friends and family.

FAQ

You may have some questions about using Hawthorn Fire Clay for your pizza oven. We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help address any concerns or confusion you may have.

Q: What is Hawthorn Fire Clay, and why is it used for pizza ovens?

A: Hawthorn Fire Clay is a type of dry clay mix that is affordable and workable. It is preferable for pizza ovens because it is toothy and provides good insulation for high-heat baking. 

Q: How do I use Hawthorn Fire Clay for my pizza oven?

A: You can mix Hawthorn Fire Clay with chopped straw and sand to create a clay adobe oven. The clay mix should be applied to your oven walls and floor and then left to dry and harden.

Q: How do I maintain my Hawthorn Fire Clay pizza oven?

A: You should protect your oven from rain and moisture to prevent the clay from softening. You can add Portland cement to your finish coat for extra water resistance.

Q: Is Hawthorn Fire Clay safe for food use?

A: Hawthorn Fire Clay is not FDA rated for food use, but many pizza and bread makers have reported success in using it for their ovens.

Q: How do I cure my pizza oven before use?

A: Curing involves gradually increasing the oven’s temperature over several days to dry out any remaining moisture and temper the clay. For detailed instructions, see our article on preparing and curing your outdoor pizza oven.

Remember, using Hawthorn Fire Clay for pizza ovens is beyond the manufacturer’s intended use, so it’s always best to test and ensure it works with your methods. If you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Summary

Hawthorn Fire Clay is popular for building pizza ovens due to its workability, affordability, and benefits. This clay is a buff firing plastic Missouri fireclay of fine particle size and has long been used in many commercial recipes. It fires a buff to-tan color with approximately 12% at cone 10. Hawthorn fire clay is made up of all of the mineralogical components of clay plus quartz, mica, and other minerals, giving it its stability. Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• Hawthorn fire clay is popular for building pizza ovens due to its workability, affordability, and benefits.
• It is a buff firing plastic Missouri fireclay of fine particle size and has long been used in many commercial recipes.
• Hawthorn fire clay is made up of all of the mineralogical components of clay plus quartz, mica, and other minerals, giving it its stability.
• Coarse fire clay mix (either 20 or 35 mesh) is suitable for adobe construction, while kiln shelves are commonly used as a nice smooth floor or like a pizza stone.
• Hawthorn fire clay is already fairly vitrified by cone six yet still stable at cone 11, which makes it a good choice for building pizza ovens.
• People mix the clay in various proportions with chopped straw and sand for adobe oven construction.
• Adding Portland cement, especially in a finish coat, can give more water resistance to cob oven clay.
• Testing, testing, testing, and testing to ensure Hawthorn fire clay works well with your building methods is essential.

Choosing the right Hawthorn fire clay for your pizza oven is crucial in achieving a high-performance pizza oven, and following the proper steps to apply and maintain the clay will ensure the optimum suitability of the material.