A study has been carried out on the processing of silicon carbide platelet-reinforced yttria-stabilised zirconia ceramics, using slip casting techniques followed by cold isostatic pressing and pressureless sintering. Optimisation of the process variables, in particular the stability and homogeneity of the composite slurry and mould configuration, enabled samples with good platelet alignment and densities >96% of theoretical to be produced routinely after pressureless sintering. The pore formation and desintering phenomena in the presence of platelets are explained in relation to the microscopy and dilatometry results. The decreases in the room-temperature fracture toughness and flexural strength with increasing platelet content are attributed to the reduction in transformation hardening and the increase in porosity.