A wooden wick is a flat strip cut from cherry, maple or birch, seated in a metal base and standing upright in the wax. Its most obvious difference from a classic cotton wick is the soft crackle it makes as it burns, reminiscent of a fireplace.
At Studio Craftisan we use wooden wicks across most of our collection. In concrete vessels in particular they give a noticeably better melt balance and scent throw.
Benefits of a Wooden Wick
- The crackling sound makes an evening ritual noticeably more atmospheric.
- It produces a horizontal flame, melting the surface more evenly and reducing the risk of tunnelling.
- The wide melt pool spreads fragrance faster and more evenly through a room.
- Cared for properly, it leaves less soot.
- Its natural look sits especially well with concrete and ceramic vessels.
Full comparison with cotton: Wooden Wick vs Cotton Wick
How to Light a Wooden Wick
A wooden wick takes a little more patience than cotton. Hold the flame close to the base of the wick and wait a few seconds; the flame will spread along the wick and settle. If the wick is too long it may go out, so trim it to 3-5 mm before lighting.
Wooden Wick Care
- Snap off the charred tip with your fingers before every burn, or trim it with scissors.
- Keep the wick at 3-5 mm; any longer and the flame grows and soots.
- On the first burn, wait until the top surface liquefies fully.
- Never burn for more than 4 hours at a stretch.
- Avoid draughts; they make the flame flicker and soot.
Full guide: Candle Care: 5 Rules to Prevent Tunnelling and Soot
Our Wooden Wick Candles
- Winter Wonderland - multiple wooden wicks in a concrete vessel, wide pool of light
- Night Storm - deep woody and amber notes
- Olive Branch - olive blossom, the scent of the Aegean
- Bohemian Breeze - warm and lightly spiced
- Pure Cotton - clean cotton and fresh linen
Browse all our candles or see our concrete candles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the crackling sound distracting?
It is very soft and only audible in a quiet room. With a television or music on, you will not notice it.
Why does my wooden wick keep going out?
Almost always because it is too long. Snap off the burnt part to leave 3-5 mm and hold the flame close to the base.
Is a wooden wick healthier?
The wax matters far more than the wick. Lead-free cotton and wooden wicks are both safe; the real difference is between paraffin and soy wax. More: Soy Wax vs Paraffin Candles
Do wooden wick candles burn longer?
Burn time depends more on volume and wax type than on the wick. But because a wooden wick reduces tunnelling, you actually use the whole candle - which means longer life in practice. More: How Long Does a Soy Candle Burn?
Can I replace the wick myself?
Not once the candle is poured. But when you clean the vessel and pour a new candle, you can use whichever wick you prefer.