Fireclay search

[Urbanda]

Hi everyone, I'm having a hard time finding fireclay for my homebrew mortar mix. I've scoured the forum, and I know I can use powdered ball clay (from a pottery supplier) or mortar clay (from masonry supplier), but I can't seem to find anywhere selling it locally. If I order, the shipping costs are way more than it would be if I were to simply go with the Heat Stop, which I understand from the community here is not as beneficial to use as it is to simply make the mortar recipe yourself. Any suggestions for sourcing?

[Gulf]

Hi Urbanda,

Welcome to the forum. You are probably going to have to have to call individual brick and building supply stores to find it. Most probably the non-chain stores. The older neighborhood stores that catered to old school masons. There are not many left. If you are talking with a salesman on the phone, be clear about what you are asking for. The term "fireclay" will usually be interpreted as "refractory mortar". You may also want to ask around if anyone knows an older bricklayer or stucco installer. Most craftsman, nowadays, use premixed mortars and stuccos. Still, a little added clay helps improve those mixes for workability. Good luck.

[Giovanni Rossi]

Just taking a flyer on location based on your handle. Looks like Brickworks Supply Center in Champaign has walk-in sales and may be worth a a call. If not, maybe they can refer another supplier.