Top 5 Woods For Wooden Spoons: A Buying Guide

Have you ever picked up a wooden spoon and wondered why some feel just right in your hand while others feel… off? The secret often lies in the wood itself. Choosing the perfect wood for your next carving project, or even just for a sturdy kitchen tool, is more than just picking the prettiest grain. Many aspiring spoon makers get stuck right at this first step, overwhelmed by terms like “open grain” or “hardwood versus softwood.” It’s frustrating to spend hours shaping a beautiful piece only to find it stains easily or cracks after a few washes.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We dive deep into the best woods for crafting spoons that are durable, safe, and a joy to use for years. You will learn exactly which woods resist food stains, which are easiest for beginners to carve, and which ones bring out the richest color when oiled.

Ready to stop guessing and start carving with confidence? Keep reading to discover the essential guide to selecting the very best wood for your wooden spoons.

Top Wood For Wooden Spoons Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

BeaverCraft Wood Carving Spoon Blanks Kit BB3 - Wooden Blank for Spoon Carving - Whittling Wood - Soft Blocks Set for Hobby - Unfinished Wooden Blanks 4 pcs Alder, Walnut, Elm, Maple

Carving Spoon Blank from Different Woods: Use wood carving blocks to carve four unique spoons, each showcasing the distinctive properties and characteristics of the wood.
Knot-Free Wood for Carving: Enjoy working with knot-free spoon blanks that are authentic and effortless to carve.
Perfectly Sized Unfinished Wood for Whittling: The wood carving blocks in this set are all equally sized and shaped, providing a comfortable and easy-to-carve surface.
Spoon Carving Kit from Elm, Walnut, Maple, and Alder: This set includes four carving blanks from the best wood for creating beautifully crafted spoons.
Spoon Blanks for Carving: With these wood blanks, you can unleash your creativity and craft unique and beautiful spoons that showcase the natural beauty of the wood.

Bestseller No. 2

HAKSEN 2PCS Wooden Cooking Spoons, Natural Acacia Wood Kitchen Utensil, 12Inch Large Wooden Mixing Spoons for Nonstick Cookwares, Comfort Grip, Durable, Kitchen Gifts for Women, Cooking Gifts for Men

Individually Packaged - You will receive 2PCS of oval wooden spoons, each separately packaged and measuring 12 inches in length. This ensures that each spoon is in pristine, brand-new condition before use
Why Opt for Wooden Cooking Spoons - In contrast to metal spoons, our wooden spoons are heat-resistant and will not scratch your pan's surface. Furthermore, the long handle design ensures they fit perfectly into deep jars, containers, or canisters, providing a better grip and ease of use during stirring or mixing
High-Quality Material - Made from natural acacia wood, these spoons are free of toxic substances and odorless, with smooth, edge-free surfaces for safe usage, coated with a water-based varnish for a non-stick finish, easy to clean after use
Versatile and Sturdy - These wooden spoons are suitable for a wide range of uses. Featuring chunky handles, the mixing spoons are exceptionally robust, durable, and safe for various cooking tasks. The cooking wooden spoon also makes an excellent gift for friends, colleagues, and family, making it a perfect choice for birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and housewarming gatherings
Crafted Wooden Spoons - Each spoon in this set is meticulously handcrafted by our skilled. As a result, the appearance of the spoons may vary slightly from one another. You'll notice unique wood grains on each spoon, delivering an exceptional user experience

SaleBestseller No. 3

Zulay Kitchen 6-Piece Wooden Spoons for Cooking - Smooth Finish Teak Wood Utensils - Soft Comfort-Grip Cooking Wood Spoons Non-Stick Teak Easy to Clean Utensils Heat Resistant Non-Scratch Spoon Sets

TOP NOTCH CRAFTSMANSHIP: Our Kitchen Premium Wooden Utensils for Cooking are specially made, high-quality wooden utensils that serve all your cooking needs. Our Wooden Kitchen Utensil Set consists of 6 utensils that include a salad spoon, salad fork, serving spoon, skimmer, spatula and turner. These Wood Utensils Set bring a classic and elegant touch to your kitchen with the perfect assortment of practical sizes that are ergonomically shaped for the ideal functionality.
EASY TO CLEAN, EASY TO STORE: This Wooden Spoon Set for Cooking is made with long-lasting outstanding quality! Teak wood is particularly valued for its durability and water resistance. It is recommended to give these Wooden Cooking Spoons a quick thorough rinse with a bit of soap and water and then either hang-dry them or dry them in an upright position. This Wooden Spoon Set is coated and well-polished with a clear lacquer which is ideal for retaining its beautiful gloss.
SCRATCH-FREE DESIGN: Our Wooden Cooking Utensil Set is made of Premium Quality Teak Wood close-grained hardwood with high organic oil, and silica content that is known for being one of the hardest, strongest, and most durable of all timbers. Beautifully crafted, soft to touch, lightweight, and very solid basically defines these Wooden Spoon Sets for Cooking. Now you can use your precious non-stick cookware without worrying about damages and scratches.
IDEAL GIFT FOR COOKING ENTHUSIASTS: These Kitchen Utensils are beautifully crafted from teak wood which gives these Wooden Utensils an aesthetically pleasing ambiance to any kitchen. Great gift idea for Housewarming, Birthday, Christmas and Thanksgiving. Perfect for loved ones that like to cook, chefs or even for your own personal use. A perfect tool for freshening up or starting up your very own kitchen, a very attractive addition that will bring class and sophistication to your kitchen.
NO HASSLE, ZULAY GUARANTEE: We love and take pride in our Wooden Cooking Utensil Set and we back this up with a Lifetime Guarantee. Have the confidence that these Wood Kitchen Utensils will last, if there are ever any issues, just contact us and we will make it right. Order now and be assured that this product will live up to your expectations, guaranteed. If it does not, we got you covered. Chances are, you will never need to reach out!

SaleBestseller No. 4

Wooden Spoons for Cooking, Natural Premium Teak Wood Corner Spoon, Good Grip Large Wooden Spoons and Wooden Spatula, Heat Resistant Wooden Cooking Utensils for Nonstick Cookware Cooking Gifts

【PREMIUM TEAK WOOD & ECO-FRIENDLY】Better than bamboo utensils, our wooden spoons (Right Hand) are made of 100% high-quality pure natural teak wood, close-grained hardwood that is known for being one of the hardest of all timbers. Our wooden spoons for cooking has been repeatedly polished many times, the wood grain surface is smooth, and solid basically defines what great workmanship is. BPA-free, no glue or lacquer added, only coconut oil finished.
【FANTASTIC ADDITION TO KITCHEN & CORNER SPOON DESIGN】Our wooden spoons is heat-resistant and scratch-proof, lightweight and handy. Long and comfortable handles make these cooking spoons easy to hold when stirring food for a long time and protect your hands from the heat of your dish. The angled edge also easily gets to the corner of the pots. It will not get warm and melt like silicone utensils or crack like bamboo spoons. It's destined to replace other out of date low-end kitchen utensils.
【EFFORTLESS CLEANUP AND MAINTAIN】The wooden cooking spoons of teak makes them easy to clean. Simply rinse them with warm water and light soap with a soft sponge. After cleaning, please make sure it is dried thoroughly and it is recommended that oil them occasionally when feel dry to prevent crack. The user-friendly design is easy to store and can be hung on the wall when not in use, helping you to organize the kitchen well.
【GREAT GIFT FOR COOKING ENTHUSIASTS】Beautifully crafted from teak wood spoons for cooking gives an aesthetically pleasing ambiance to any kitchen. It is the best Mother's Day Gift, Father's Day Gift, Christmas Gift, Birthday Gift, Housewarming Gift and Thanksgiving Gift. Perfect for loved ones that like to cook, chefs, or even for your own personal use. Our unique wooden spoons is the perfect and most affordable gift you can share with your loved ones for any occasion.
【100% HASSLE-FREE & GUARANTEE】We love and take pride in our wooden spoons and back it up with a lifetime guarantee. If there are any issues, just contact us, and we will make it right (even after the Amazon return window). We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn from your experience, and we’ll make it better. No risk to buy! What are you waiting for?

Bestseller No. 5

HANSGO 6PCS Wooden Spoons for Eating, 6 Inch Small Wooden Spoons for Honey, Coffee, Tea, Hot Cocoa, Jam, Bath Salts, Little Wood Table Spoon for Stirring, Smooth Finish, Unique Gifts for Men Women

Package Includes: This set includes 6 small wooden spoons, each measuring 6" in length with a spoon head diameter of 1.2". Perfect for stirring tea and coffee in small cups, these wooden spoons for eating make an excellent gift for beverage lovers
Exquisite Craftsmanship: Crafted from high-quality natural Schima Superba wood, these wooden tablespoons are polished to perfection, offering a smooth, durable surface. Often used at weddings, festivals, and special events, these wood spoons for honey make a versatile gift choice
Wide Application: These wooden tea spoons are ideal for DIY projects, allowing you to decorate the wooden honey spoons for kids' crafts, bridal showers, baby showers, chef souvenirs, or any special occasion. Let your creativity shine
Essential for Kitchen: Perfect for mixing batters, fudge, frosting, honey, jam, salt, sugar, ice cream, and condiments, these mini wooden spoons are also frequently used with spice jars. Their size and shape make the wooden soup spoons perfect for everyday culinary and confectionery creations
Safe and Easy to Maintain: Made from natural, wood without BPA, these wooden spoons for eating are dishwasher-safe and easy to care for. Combining modern design with functionality, the wooden coffee spoons are both comfortable and safe for daily use

SaleBestseller No. 6

Hefild 7 PCS Small Wooden Spoons, 5.8 Inch Honey Spoons for Tea, Hardwood Wooden Honey Teaspoon for Coffee, Little Tiny Wood Spoons, Bamboo Table Spoon for stirring, Wooden Spoons for Utensils Set

PREMIUM QUALITY & DURABILITY: Expertly crafted from sustainable responsible wood,our little wooden spoons for eating boast superior strength,splintering of wooden teaspoons for long-lasting use.Using a tiny wooden spoon retains the flavor of the honey
VERSATILE & MULTI-PURPOSE: This 7pcs mini wooden spoon set is terrific for honey,serving,and eating. These reusable wooden spoons are also handy for small spice jars,coffee,stirring and DIY projects
SUSTAINABLE RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE: Choose a good option with our sustainable small wooden spoons,designed to replace plastic or metal alternatives. ADD TO CART now
ELEGANT DESIGN & NATURAL AESTHETICS: Enhance your kitchen experience with our beautifully crafted wooden spoons,featuring a minimalist design that showcases the natural wood color and grain
LIGHTWEIGHT & COMFORTABLE: Our wooden serving spoons are designed to be lightweight and easy to handle,providing a comfortable grip and avoiding the heat transfer common in metal utensils. Can also be used as egg bamboo spoons and present

SaleBestseller No. 7

MORGLES 5 Pcs Wooden Spoons for Cooking, 12 Inches Long Handle Spoons for Mixing, Tasting Stirring Food, Large Wooden Cooking Utensils for Kitchen and Crafts

What You Get: 5 pcs high quality wooden spoons in a hardened cardboard box, effectively avoiding damage and stains during transport. We want the wood spoons to reach you in perfect condition
Natural Wood Material: Our cooking spoons are made entirely from natural wood, hand polished without any chemical processes, and the spoons themselves retain the natural odour of the original wood
Reasons To Choose Wooden Spoons: Have you ever scratched pots and pans with metal spoons? The heat-resistant nature of wooden tasting spoons goes a long way to avoiding this problem, and the long handle design greatly reduces the possibility of getting burned
Multiple Uses: The long handle spoons can be used for food mixing and food tasting, as well as for handmade DIY, engraving your name or your favourite pattern on the spoon. High quality kitchen utensils set is an ideal gift for cooking enthusiasts
Excellent Craftsmanship: Wooden spoons are more suitable for non-stick surfaces. The spoon is made of sturdy, lightweight material and is easy to use. Simply rinse or wipe clean with water

Bestseller No. 8

6 Piece Small Wooden Spoons Set - Premium Beech Wood Spoons in 3 Sizes (4.9", 5.9", 7.1") for Honey, Tea, Coffee, Multi-Purpose Mini Teaspoons Utensils for Ice Cream and Soup

TOP NOTCH CRAFTSMANSHIP: Wooden spoons are made from natural solid beech wood. Each spoon is carefully hand sanded and polished several times to maintain its beautiful lustre after daily use
SUSTAINABILITY: Choose our sustainable small wooden spoons—the perfect green alternative to plastic or metal. Beautifully crafted, lightweight, and extremely durable, these wooden spoons are defined by their exceptional quality
MULTI SIZED AND VERSATILE: The 6-piece wooden spoon set includes 2 long-handled spoons (7.1"), 2 small wooden spoons (5.9"), and 2 mini wooden spoons (4.9"). These spoons are perfect for serving or stirring coffee, frosting, honey, jam, salt, ice cream, condiments, spice jars, and DIY projects. The wooden spoons retain the flavor of honey when used for scooping, making it easier to enjoy its natural taste
EASY TO CLEAN: Hand-wash with mild soap and warm water—never soak or use the dishwasher. Dry upright or hang to air-dry completely, preserving the wood’s natural luster
SOPHISTICATED DESIGN & NATURAL AESTHETICS: Lightweight and easy to use, our wooden serving spoons feature a comfortable grip and a minimalist design that showcases the natural wood color and grain. It can also be used as a gift for your loved ones and family

Choosing the Best Wood for Your Wooden Spoons: A Buyer’s Guide

Making wooden spoons is a rewarding craft. The right wood makes all the difference. This guide helps you pick the perfect material for your next spoon project. Good wood carves easily. It also lasts a long time in your kitchen.

Key Features to Look For in Spoon Wood

When selecting wood, focus on a few important traits. These features determine how easy the wood is to work with and how safe it is for food.

1. Grain Structure

Tight Grain: Look for wood with very small, close-together grain lines. Tight grain means the spoon surface will be smooth. It also resists soaking up water and food stains. This makes the spoon more hygienic.
Straight Grain: Straight grain helps the wood split evenly. This makes carving easier. Avoid wood with wild or swirly grain, as it can lead to weak spots.

2. Hardness and Durability

Medium Hardness: Very soft woods, like pine, dent easily. Very hard woods, like some exotics, dull your carving tools quickly. Medium-hard woods offer the best balance. They hold their shape but remain carve-able.
Density: Denser woods generally make stronger spoons. A dense spoon will not break if you stir thick stew.

3. Food Safety and Porosity

Non-Toxic: Always choose wood that is safe for food use. Some woods release strong flavors or contain natural toxins.
Low Porosity: Porous wood soaks up liquids like a sponge. This can lead to bacteria growth. Choose woods that are naturally low in pores.

Important Woods for Spoon Making

Different woods give your spoon different looks and feels. Crafters often favor these types:

Hardwoods are Best

Maple (Hard Maple or Sugar Maple): Maple is the gold standard. It is very hard, durable, and has a light, pleasant color. It carves well once seasoned.
Cherry: Cherry wood darkens beautifully over time, developing a rich reddish-brown color. It has a fine, even grain.
Walnut: Walnut offers a dark, luxurious color right away. It is strong but slightly softer than maple, making it a joy to carve.
Beech: Beech is a very dense, hard wood. It resists wear and tear very well, making it excellent for heavy-use cooking spoons.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

The quality of your final spoon heavily depends on how the wood was treated before you started carving.

Quality Boosters

Seasoning (Drying): Wood must be properly dried, or “seasoned.” Green (wet) wood is easier to carve, but it shrinks and warps as it dries. Always use kiln-dried or air-dried lumber for lasting spoons.
Thickness: Thicker blanks give you more material to work with. You can correct mistakes without running out of wood thickness.

Quality Reducers

Knots and Burls: These are natural swirls in the grain. Knots create hard spots that resist blades and can cause the spoon to break later. Avoid them near the bowl of the spoon.
Improper Storage: Wood left outside or where it gets wet can grow mold or split. Store wood flat in a dry, temperature-stable area.

User Experience and Use Cases

Consider what you will use the spoon for. This affects the ideal wood choice.

Everyday Stirring Spoons: For daily use in pots, choose very durable woods like Maple or Beech. They handle high heat and constant washing best.
Serving Spoons/Salad Tossers: For decorative or serving pieces, Cherry or Walnut work well. Their beauty shines through, and they see less harsh scrubbing.
Beginner Projects: If you are new to carving, woods like Basswood (though soft) or softer grades of Cherry are often recommended. They are forgiving on beginner tools.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Spoon Wood

Q: Should I use green wood or dry wood for carving?

A: Most experts suggest using seasoned (dry) wood. Green wood is softer, but it shrinks unevenly after you carve it, often leading to cracks or warping.

Q: Is Pine wood good for cooking spoons?

A: No, Pine is generally not recommended. It is too soft, dents easily, and often contains resin that can affect food flavor.

Q: What is the best wood for a dark-colored spoon?

A: Walnut wood naturally provides a rich, dark brown color. If you want a lighter wood that darkens, Cherry is a great choice.

Q: How do I know if my wood is food safe?

A: Stick to common fruitwoods, maples, and walnuts. Avoid exotic woods unless you can confirm they are non-toxic and have no known skin irritants.

Q: Does the oil finish affect wood choice?

A: No, the finish (like mineral oil) protects the wood surface. It does not change the fundamental hardness or safety of the wood itself.

Q: What is “figure” in wood?

A: Figure refers to unusual or decorative patterns in the wood grain, like curly or quilted patterns. It looks beautiful but can sometimes make carving tricky.

Q: Can I use plywood or particleboard for spoons?

A: Absolutely not. These materials are held together with glues and binders that are not safe for food contact.

Q: How thick should my spoon blank be before carving?

A: A good starting thickness is usually between 1 inch and 1.5 inches. This gives you enough material for a strong handle and a deep enough bowl.

Q: What is the hardest wood I can reasonably carve by hand?

A: Lignum Vitae is extremely hard, but it is very difficult to carve without power tools. For hand tools, dense Maple is usually the hardest practical choice.

Q: How often should I oil a new wooden spoon?

A: When the spoon is brand new, oil it heavily for the first few days. After that, re-oil it whenever it starts to look dry, usually once a month with regular use.

Melody Smith

Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.