How to Safely Pack & Move a Kiln

A practical, step-by-step guide combining best practices for kiln transportation and packing

Gather the Right Materials

• Wooden skid or pallet large enough for the kiln footprint
• ¾-inch (or thicker) plywood sheet to cap the pallet
• 1-inch rigid Styrofoam™ or similar foam board
• Thin foam strips or cardboard edge-guards
• 70-gauge stretch-wrap film
• Plastic or steel banding with corner/wood blocks
• Moving blankets or corrugated sheets for exterior protection

Power Down & Disassemble

• Unplug the kiln and let it cool completely
• Remove all kiln furniture, shelves, posts, and loose firebrick
• Separate the metal stand and the kiln’s bottom slab from the rest

Prepare a Cushioned Base

• Lay the plywood on top of the pallet
• Add a full sheet of 1" rigid foam to absorb vibration

Stack the Kiln Sections

• Place the bottom ring flat on the foam
• Add the middle ring(s)
• Set the top lid on next
• Insert foam strips between the lid edge and kiln walls or hinge parts
• Place another 1" foam sheet on top of the lid
• Set the kiln bottom slab on top of the foam sheet
• Place the metal stand on top of everything

Wrap It as a Solid Unit

• Use 70-gauge stretch wrap to wrap the whole stack tightly
• Make multiple passes to ensure the sections are secured as one unit

Secure to the Skid

• Run straps vertically over the kiln stack and under the pallet
• Use wooden blocks or thick cardboard under the straps to avoid damaging the brick

Add External Protection

• Wrap the sides with moving blankets, heavy cardboard, or similar padding
• If shipping by freight carrier, fully crate the kiln or hire a professional packer

Load and Transport Carefully

• Always keep the pallet upright
• Do not tilt or place kiln rings on edge
• Use a forklift or pallet jack if possible, or lift with multiple people to avoid twisting the stack
• Secure the pallet in the truck with straps or tie-downs to prevent shifting

Unpack and Reassemble

• Unwrap and inspect each section for any damage
• Reinstall thermocouples, shelves, and furniture
• Perform a low-temperature test firing to confirm everything is functioning properly

Key Takeaways

• Foam + stretch-wrap + strapping creates a shock-resistant block of kiln components
• Stacking order matters: rings → lid → bottom slab → stand
• Use a full crate if using a freight carrier instead of your own moving van