Alternatives to clay for a Cob oven

Hi folks,

I really hope this isn't too controversial, but are there alternatives to using clay for building a cob oven.

I live in France and I rent my property so can't dig too big a hole!! A lot of the videos and instructions you see show people with bags of nice powdered clay... but for the life of me, I can't find that here in France...

So... are there alternatives? I know people use vermiculite for insulation etc... can you use it for the dome?

I would be very grateful for tips and/or suggestions

Hi Jody, welcome to Permies...

I am sorry, your question is fine, but the answer is no. Cobb, (and its related mixes) are all based on a matrix of clay...nothing else function like that. You could use soapstone slabs carved to form a dome (I have done that) but its labor intensive, more expensive and takes different skill sets, as is working with refractory materials. I am sure you can find a potter in your area...there scrap will work just fine. You could also find a farm, or other open space and locate a vein of it (as permission) and locals...they will often help you find it. We are here to help should you have additional questions.

Regards,

j

Jody : Sometimes we overthink things, Go talk top a couple of local potters! You should end up with all the help you need ! Big AL !

Thanks for the replies folks... I'll check with local potters... language is a bit of an issue.. but I'll do my best

Btw, do you folks add sand to the clay?