Earthenware Dinnerware

Earthenware is a common material utilized in square dinnerware sets, along with glass, plastic, porcelain, and stoneware.

Earthenware is a very common type of ceramic material that is used for pottery to make tableware and other types of decorative pieces. The exact mixture of ingredients used to make earthenware changes from maker to maker, but a pretty standard composition is 25% ball clay, 32% quartz, 28% kaolin, and 15% feldspar. Earthenware is a material that has been used for ages to make pottery dishes. In fact, it is one of the oldest forms of pottery in existence.

Earthenware needs to be fired at a temperature of somewhere between 1000 and 1150 degrees Celsius, though various different temperatures can be used for different effects. Earthenware must also be glazed at a high temperature.

Again, the exact temperature depends on what you are making and what you want it to look like. Earthenware might be thin, like bone china. It is more easily chipped, however, so it usually ends up being a bit thicker. It is more porous than its counterpart stoneware, but it is also less expensive. Earthenware usually needs to be glazed before it is water-tight, mostly due to its porosity.

Earthenware is usually a variety of colors upon completion. If red clay was used, it will have a very recognizable, defining red tint to it. Otherwise, earthenware usually ends up a white or buff like color. There are several types of earthenware. These are Creamware, Delftware, Faience, Tin-glazed pottery, Raku, Victorian Majolica, and Terra Cotta.

A lot of people use earthenware to make pots and containers for enjoyment, but some people also use them for daily home purposes or for special occasions. You can buy earthenware dishes at most stores, though you may need to visit a specialty shop in some cases to really find what you are looking for. You can also shop online for earthenware dishes.

Additional details on earthenware can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthenware.