In ancient times, kilns were used to heat up clay to make pottery. Today, kilns are used to fire the bricks used in building. Kiln brick is made from a type of clay called soft clay. Soft clay can be formed into any shape, but it is usually fired in a kiln. The clay is heated to a temperature of 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit, and the heat causes the clay to break down into silica. The finished product is hard and porous. Kiln brick is typically used as a structural building material.