Slab building is one of the most versatile handbuilding techniques in ceramics — and one of the most project-friendly. Unlike wheel throwing, which suits round, symmetrical forms, slab building excels at angular, geometric, and sculptural shapes. Below is a curated list of slab projects organized by difficulty, along with tips for getting the most out of your slab work.
Getting Started with Slab Building
Before starting any slab project, you’ll need consistent, even slabs. Use a slab roller if you have access to one, or roll slabs by hand using guide sticks and a rolling pin. Allow slabs to firm up to a soft leather-hard state before assembling — fresh slabs are too floppy to hold their shape. Always score and slip joints thoroughly to prevent cracking during drying and firing.
Full guide: How to Make Slab Built Projects
Beginner Slab Projects
Spoon Rest
A spoon rest is one of the simplest and most satisfying slab projects. Cut a rectangle or organic shape, curl the edges slightly, and add a small indent for the spoon to rest in. Great for practicing surface decoration — stamps, textures, and underglazes all work beautifully on flat forms.
Soap Dish
Similar to a spoon rest but with drainage holes or a raised grid pattern to keep soap dry. A good project for practicing piercing and texture work. Can be made from a single slab with pinched-up edges or from multiple slabs assembled into a shallow tray form.
Tiles
Ceramic tiles are an excellent beginner slab project because they require minimal construction — just a flat slab cut to size. The challenge is drying them slowly and evenly to prevent warping. Press texture into the surface, carve designs, or use stamps and underglaze for decoration. Make a series and display them together for maximum impact.
Intermediate Slab Projects
Mugs and Cups
Slab-built mugs have a distinctive geometric character that’s quite different from thrown mugs. Roll a slab into a cylinder for the body, cut a base, and attach a pulled or extruded handle. The flat sides are perfect for surface decoration — carving, stamping, or painting with underglaze before assembly.
Bowls and Plates
Drape a slab over a hump mold or press it into a slump mold to create bowls and plates with consistent curves. Let the slab firm slightly before draping so it holds its shape. Add a foot ring by attaching a coil or slab strip to the base once leather-hard.
Cheese and Charcuterie Board
A large, flat slab with slightly raised or curved edges makes a striking ceramic serving board. Roll a thick slab (around 1cm), texture the surface, and add small feet underneath for stability. Fire unglazed on the top surface for a natural, food-safe look, or apply a matte glaze for color.
Cutting Board / Trivet
Thick, flat slabs fired to maturity make excellent trivets and heat-resistant serving surfaces. Add a texture or pattern to the top surface and cork or felt feet to the bottom to protect countertops. A great functional piece that showcases surface decoration techniques.
Advanced Slab Projects
Vases
Slab-built vases can take on angular, architectural forms impossible on the wheel. Build the walls from multiple slabs, join carefully at leather-hard, and refine the seams with a rib. Add a flared or narrowed opening by cutting the top at an angle or shaping it while soft.
Teapots
A slab-built teapot combines multiple components — body, lid, spout, and handle — all built from flat slabs. Plan your construction carefully before starting, allow each component to reach the same firmness before assembly, and test the lid fit before bisque firing. A challenging but rewarding project that showcases the full range of slab-building skills.
Sculptural Forms
Slabs can be draped, folded, rolled, and manipulated into sculptural forms limited only by your imagination. Work quickly before the clay stiffens, support hollow forms with newspaper or foam during construction, and allow complex pieces to dry very slowly under plastic to prevent cracking at joins.
Tips for Successful Slab Projects
- Let slabs firm up before assembling — fresh slabs sag and distort under their own weight
- Score and slip every joint — even joints that look fine dry can crack in the kiln if not properly bonded
- Dry slowly — cover assemblies loosely with plastic and allow 1–2 weeks of slow drying for complex pieces
- Make extra slabs — having spare clay at the same stage means you can patch and repair without starting over
- Use a texture roller or stamps — flat slab surfaces are perfect for surface decoration before assembly
Shop B2W Ceramics
Browse slab-built pieces from the studio in the B2W Ceramics shop — including our Handmade Porcelain Dinner Plate, Handmade Stoneware Fish Platter — Multiple Glazes, and Handmade Ceramic Muffin Pan.
