Abstract: Retainers for holding a refractory ceramic fiber insulation layer in a furnace, kiln, or forge are in the form of ceramic tile members is formed with an array of small hook structures on an inward-facing surface, which serves as the hook component of a hook-and-loop fastening system. The ceramic fibers of the insulating layer serve as the “loop” component. The tile members may be formed in a RAM press, or the hook structure can be formed using a slurry spread with refractory grains or particles.