The Ultimate Guide: Make Your Own Anvil in Minecraft Like a Pro

While crafting an anvil might seem simple in Minecraft, doing it like a true pro requires precision, materials knowledge, and a little creativity. This ultimate guide will walk you through building the most efficient, durable, and visually impressive anvil—perfect for smithing, trade, or enhancing your gameplay experience. Learn step-by-step how to gather the right materials, furnace them properly, assemble it like a seasoned player, and even customize your masterpiece!


Understanding the Context

Why Build Your Own Anvil Like a Pro?

An anvil isn’t just for smelting iron—it’s a core crafting station essential for crafting legendary armor, enchanted items, and powerful tools. A well-made anvil improves smelting speed, enables critical crafting combinations, and stands up to heavy use. Skip generic ones and elevate your Minecraft experience with pro-tips and step-by-step construction.


What You’ll Need to Make a Pro-Quality Anvil

Key Insights

Before firing up the furnace, gather these essential materials:

  • Iron Ingots – 31 iron ingots, evenly placed to form a solid foundation.
  • Charcoal/Charcoal Pickaxe – For fueling the furnace without excessive mining.
  • Water Bucket (Optional) – For safe placement and furnace cooling (recommended).
  • Sturdy Workbench & Anvil Template (Optional) – Advanced pros often use structures to guide placement.

Pro Tip: Use a Netherite or diamond pickaxe to mine iron ores efficiently—avoid wasting time on brittle blocks!


Step-by-Step: Forge Your Anvil Like a Minecraft Veteran

Final Thoughts

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Find a flat, stable area with no lava nearby. Place a workbench near where you’ll position your anvil—this makes placing ingredients easier.

Step 2: Craft the Anvil Base
Arrange 31 iron ingots in a precise 5x7 rectangular grid. Common crafting slot measurements matter—this is foundational. Stack them evenly:
[Iron] [Iron] [Iron] [Iron] [Iron]
[Iron] [Iron] [Iron] [Iron] [Iron]
[Iron] [Iron] [Iron] [Iron] [Iron]
[Iron] [Iron] [Iron] [Iron] [Iron]
[Iron] [Iron] [Iron] [Iron] [Iron]
[Iron] [Iron] [Iron] [Iron] [Iron]

Step 3: Furnace Setup & Heating
Place the required fuel (3–5 charcoal blocks) into the furnace. Light it safely near your iron grid. Wait for the furnace to activate—the iron ingots won’t turn to a glowing block automatically; ensure proper airflow and temperature for proper crafting.

Step 4: Final Assembly & Cooling
Once the furnace lights, close the lid—don’t rush! Let the iron ingots transform into fusion-forged anvil blocks. This usually happens instantly but can be accelerated with water cooling (place water near the smelted materials post-heating if using advanced methods).

Step 5: Place Your Anvil
Drag the completed anvil into your inventory and break it to place. Ensure a flat, stable surface—preferably stone or wooden platform—to prevent falling and damage.


Pro Enhancements: Customize & Optimize Your Anvil

  • Enchantment Layer: Once placed, enchant with Protection III or Luck of the Draw using a glowing anvil (found in Nether fortresses or created via enchantment books).
  • Visual Customization: Use colorful materials like redstone dust or painted blocks around your anvil for a personalized workshop touch.
  • Multi-Station Setup: Align your anvil near a smelter and crafting table for an upgraded hub—pro players integrate all tools seamlessly.

Why This Method Stands Out (The Pro Edge)