The subject invention discloses a method for the preparation of a dual structure cellular ceramic object where a dispersion of a ceramic precursor a chain-growth or step- growth polymer precursor and a solvent is heated to a first temperature at a first rate followed by heating to a second temperature at a second rate and holding the temperature to form a sintered dual structure cellular ceramic object which is then cooled at a third rate to room temperature. The dual structure cellular ceramic object has a dense surface layer over at least a portion of the object that abruptly yet smoothly and continuously transitioning into a porous ceramic.