4 min read / 12 January 2024 / yasmin sharp
How to Make Wood Wick Candles
Learn the eco-friendly and enjoyable craft of making wood wick candles, a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional candles.
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If you are looking for a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to cotton wick candles, then you may be curious to learn how to make wood wick candles.
Of course, wood wick candles are far from a new invention, but a growing number of people are learning about how it can benefit them and their homes.
We’ve put together a short guide on how to make DIY wood wick candles, so you can start to mould and shape your new creations with ease.
What are wood wick candles?Wood wick candles are normal candles but with a difference – the wick is made from wood instead of cotton, as is the case with most candles. They can be made easily at home, and are cost effective and eco-friendly, as you can use materials such as pine, fir, cedar and other woods that produce natural oils once lit. |
What are the benefits of wood wick candles?
The main benefits of making DIY wood wick candles are:
- Longer life span: Compared to cotton-wick candles, wood wick candles tend to have a longer burn time. The wood takes longer to burn through, so you won’t find yourself having to replace them as quickly.
- Environmentally friendly: The sustainability factor is another important factor to consider. Look for candles that have sourced materials from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) mills, as it ensures the wood used is being replaced using sustainable forestry methods.
- Clean, even burning: Most cotton wicks have paraffin applied to help their burn profile. Cotton wick candles can also burn unevenly, causing the wax to drip down the sides. A wood wick candle doesn’t have the same issues, so you can enjoy a cleaner, soot-free burn.
- Subtle, warming ambience: Once lit, wood wick candles produce a crackling sound, which feels similar to a campfire. Combined with the soothing glow of the candle, it helps to create a warm, calming ambiance that can transform any setting.
How to Make Wood Wick Candles
Before you learn how to make wood wick candles, you’ll need to gather the following materials:
- Wood wicks and bases
- Candle containers
- Soy wax beads
- Candle making melting pot
- Wood wick stabilisers
- Essential oils
- Glue dots or wick stickers
Instructions for making wood wick candles
- Fill the container you are using with the wax beads. Once melted, they will melt to half the size, so fill the container twice, then decant into the melting pot.
- Place the wood wick in the container using the metal base provided. After you have inserted the wood wick, add a glue dot to the bottom of the base, then place inside the container.
- Place the wax beads into your melting pot and slowly heat until they have melted.
- Pour the melted wax into a heat-proof jug for 1-2 minutes to let it cool slightly ahead of receiving the essential oils.
- Add your essential oils to the wax (about 8-12 drops for smaller candles).
- Pour the wax into your container – investing in wood wick stabilisers is a good idea as this prevents the wick from falling to one side as the wax hardens.
- Once dry, trim the wood wick before lighting it for the first time.
It’s a good idea to let the wax cure for 24-48 hours before lighting the candle.
This allows the essential oils to settle so you can enjoy a stronger fragrance when the flame is alight.
What is the best way to light a wood wick candle?
The best way to light a wood wick candle is with a match or lighter (USB electric lighters are good for this).
Do not use pieces of paper or any other materials to light the candle. Also ensure that the wick is not too long, as if it is not trimmed the candle could burn out before it burns down.
How long do wood wick candles last?
This depends on several factors, including the type of wax being used, the size of the candle, the fragrance ingredients, the surrounding environment and how much maintenance is given to the candle.
Some people estimate wood wick candles can last upwards of 60 hours, whilst others state they can last between 50 to 100 hours.
Making DIY wood wick candles is easy and a lot fun, giving you more lighting options around the home to create the sort of ambience you enjoy the most.
They offer a cost-effective and eco-friendly method of candle making, so you can enjoy a warm, comforting ambiance for longer.
You’ll only need a handful of materials to make wood wick candles and you can also craft them to give away as gifts to family and friends, or even set up an online e-store to sell them as products to the public.
