Stilts are small supports used when firing glazed ceramics to stop the melting glaze from fusing them to each other or the kiln. Stilts are a form of kiln furniture. Their presence in archaeological sites, where they may be known as pernette, along with other kiln furniture such as saggars and kiln bars can be used to support a case for local production. Some potters avoid the need for stilts by not glazing the bottom of their products. This is known as dry footing.

Ceramic glaze, or simply glaze, is a glassy coating on ceramics. It is used for decoration, to ensure the item is impermeable to liquids and to minimise the adherence of pollutants.