I'm looking for guidance on what types of wood to steer clear of when making utensils or drinking vessels. I've seen recommended woods online for cutting boards and spoons, but I couldn't find any information on which woods are unsafe or unsuitable. Specifically, I'm worried about woods that might be toxic or those that won't hold up well to water sealing or wax finishes. I'm working within a tight budget and want to make gifts for my friends with the materials I have access to. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
5 Answers
There’s a myth that some woods are unsanitary for food contact, but really, bacteria and viruses die on any wood surface. It’s true that porous woods might hold onto odors more, but they aren’t typically dangerous unless treated with harmful chemicals. Avoid softwoods for cutting boards and drunken vessels due to lower durability and staining issues with oak. What kind of wood are you working with?
You’ll want to choose hardwoods with closed pores to prevent food and water from sitting inside and rotting the wood. Good options are maple, acacia, ash, beech, cherry, teak, and walnut. But definitely avoid oak, as it can be problematic for kitchenware.
I’d avoid ash too since it has an open grain.
White oak is fine, but for cutting boards, stick to the others. Oak can stain easily!
Yew and sassafras are known to be toxic, but most other woods are safe for food use. If your project will get wet often, stick with rot-resistant options. Cherry is a solid choice if you’re looking for something budget-friendly.
How does sapele rank in this?
Cedar and elderberry are not good picks either. Cedar is particularly soft and absorbs water like crazy — definitely steer clear if you're making something that will be rinsed regularly.
Just confirming, you're asking for woods to avoid, right?
Absolutely! Cedar will deteriorate quickly due to its softness.
For sure, yew is a big no-no.
I have some pieces of red oak and ash left over from past projects, plus a bunch of planks from storage crates, which I assume are pine. I’m not sure how to identify them.