Wooden bowls have a tradition that can be dated back to centuries, and it’s a bummer that it’s dying out. This is because, along with replacements, finding the right type of wood to work with these days is just hard. Not anymore!
In today’s segment, I’ll be taking you over the best type of wood you can choose to make your own wooden bowl. Let’s dive right into it!
Table of Contents
What’s the best wood for carving bowls?
If you’re a beginner and are just starting, basswood is the best type of wood there is to carve bowls. Not only does basswood have a good and consistent texture, but it’s also easy to cut and work with.
However, if you’re more seasoned and have a general idea of what type of results you’d like, I’d recommend maple as the best wood there is. It’s strong, sturdy, and will give you the old-school aesthetic that you’re aiming for.
What to look for when buying the best wood for carving bowls
When it comes to choosing the right type of wood starter kit, there are several things that you should consider. In this segment, I’ll bet taking you over a few factors that I think are super important!
Type
The first factor to consider is the type of wood and if you’re comfortable working with that or not.
Different wood responds differently to cutting and pressure; hence, it’s in your best interest to seek out wood that you are comfortable with. If you’re just starting out, I’d recommend Basswood!
Kit size
It’s always a good idea to get a pack that has several pieces of wood as opposed to one.
Not only does it give you a wider margin for error, but it’s also reassuring to know that you can start over if things don’t go as planned.
Dimensions
The dimensions are also important when it comes to choosing the right wood.
It will be a waste of time if you choose a wood piece that is too big for a bowl that will only fit your palm. And, of course, the opposite of this isn’t even applicable.
So make sure that you’re fully aware of the dimensions and if they’re task-appropriate or not!
Comparison table of Top 10 best wood for carving bowls
Product | Pieces | Dimensions (Inches) | Type | |
Legendary Maple Bowl Blanks | 16 | 5x5x3 | Maple wood | |
Walnut Bowl Blanks Block | 8 | 5x5x3 | Walnut wood | |
Egytree One Thick Kentucky | 1 | 8x8x4 | Kentucky coffee tree | |
Maple Bowl Blanks | 1 | 8x8x4 | Maple wood | |
Maple Lumber Bowl Blanks | 1 | 3x8x8 | Maple wood | |
KCHEX Ambrosia Maple Bowl | 4 | 6x6x3 | Ambrosia maple | |
Beautiful Walnut Bowl Blanks | 1 | 6x6x3 | Walnut wood | |
Osage Orange Bowl Blanks | 4 | 6x6x3 | Osage | |
Basswood Kiln Dried | Set of 6 | 2x3x4 | Basswood | |
Spanish Cedar Bowl Blank | 4 | 6x3x3 | Spanish cedar |
Our 10 Picks of best wood for carving bowls
I have now briefly reviewed all the models that I have mentioned in the comparison table above.
With each review, I’ve also highlighted the main pros and cons that each model has to offer, along with a brief bottom-line. This will help you in making a quick call if the need arises.
Without further ado, here are the top 10 picks of the best wood for carving bowls!
1. Legendary-Yes Maple Bowl Blanks by COLIBROX
The model that you all want, the Legendary-Yes Maple Bowl Blanks by COLIBROX, is my top choice for you all. One of the best wood for turning bowls, COLIBROX has once again outdone themselves.
The best thing about this model that I really appreciate is that it comes in a mass bulk quantity. This makes it a suitable choice for many reasons. Here’s why I think this is important for you as well.
The first is that it allows you to get your hands warmed and ready before actually setting out to do the work. You can use the Legendary-Yes Maple Bowl Blanks by COLIBROX as a template before actually getting started because, if anything, the quantity really allows for creativity to flow.
Another reason why it’s important is that this allows for getting a great deal in bulk quantity, saving you the hassle of re-ordering over and over again.
As far as the actual wood quality goes, it’s fair to say that the Legendary-Yes Maple Bowl Blanks by COLIBROX is easily one of the best there is. Consistently cut and dimensionally sound; this is a great choice to choose from regardless of your skill level.
There aren’t really any noticeable downsides or anything that you’ll need to watch out for. Just make sure not to rush and stain properly because maple wood does require proper attention to detail before it turns into something you like.
- Comes in a bulk quantity
- Allows for storage and future use
- Consistent and uniform dimensions
- Suitable for versatile jobs
- Doesn’t have a size variety
- Will require additional staining
The Legendary-Yes Maple Bowl Blanks by COLIBROX is my premium choice for you all, and I would highly recommend it if you want a complete kit to help you in turning bowls!
2. Legendary-Yes 8 Pieces Walnut Bowl Blanks
Next up, the Legendary-Yes 8 Pieces Walnut Bowl Blanks is another model that comes from walnut and will surely deliver.
Coming in a piece of 8, the Legendary-Yes 8 Pieces Walnut Bowl Blanks is more geared towards users who want a darker specimen of wood to get started.
This model is processed green and comes completely sealed with anchor seal rather than the traditional kiln dried. While some might argue that this is a little off-brand, this is one way of ensuring that the wood arrives fresh.
And that is exactly the best thing about this model, the fact that it is so meticulously packed and presented that you’ll actually have excellent quality wood when it comes to making bowls.
I think the Legendary-Yes 8 Pieces Walnut Bowl Blanks can be used by professionals and beginners alike, but it’s important to note that you need to put in time and effort before making it into something worthwhile.
This is because this wood brand isn’t that aesthetic to the eye and has a general robust frame that is more functional than pretty. So if you’re willing to put the hours in and start off with a reliable and strong base, then this is it!
- Comes with excellent presentation
- Easy to store and keep fresh
- Have a durable and strong interior
- Storage is easy due to the uniform build
- Doesn’t have any variety in size
- Requires a lot of additional staining
I recommend the Legendary-Yes 8 Pieces Walnut Bowl Blanks to all serious users who want walnut wood to get started. Just make sure to properly follow through with the preparation if you want results, this type of wood demands respect and meticulous attention to detail!
Read Also: Top 10 wood for dremel carving review
3. Egytree Kentucky Coffee Tree Bowl Blank
My third choice is geared more towards serious buyers and users looking for something a little more traditional.
As the name goes, the Egytree Kentucky Coffee Tree Bowl Blank comes from the Kentucky Coffeetree wood and is known for its structural integrity and resilience.
This model makes an excellent base and foundation if you’re looking for a model to make bowls out of. Let’s start off with the why!
The first reason why I like this model, and why I think you will as well is because it’s fairly rigid and sturdy. This means that once you’re set and done, this model will definitely stand the test of time.
Due to this, cleaning and maintenance are made so much easier.
Another reason why I feel that the Egytree Kentucky Coffee Tree Bowl Blank makes for an excellent choice is that it has refined grains that are really suitable for making bowls that are aesthetic.
Owing to its frame and texture, you might not even need to add any sort of staining or additional coloring. However, to make it really pop the way you want, you’ll need to condition it first.
It’s fair to say that the Egytree Kentucky Coffee Tree Bowl Blank is a pretty good choice without any downsides, so what are you waiting for?
- Provides a very firm and strong foundation
- Has a nice and aesthetic texture
- Easy to cut through
- Sourced and farmed locally and ethically
- Includes one block only
- Not cost-effective
The Egytree Kentucky Coffee Tree Bowl Blank is an excellent choice for the serious user if you want something strong, durable, something that can go through generations without giving into cracks. If that’s what you’re after, go for it!
4. Maple Bowl Blanks Lathe Turning Block
The next model on this list is the Maple Bowl Blanks Lathe Turning Block.
The Maple Bowl Blanks Lathe Turning Block has many things going on for it. For starters, it’s arguably one of the best wood for making bowls. But on that note, it also has a few demerits. More on that later!
On the surface and as far as application goes, the Maple Bowl Blanks Lathe Turning Block is one of the strongest samples of maple bowls that you can get your hands on these days.
Featuring a giant singular block, this model is well-suited for tasks that require long hours and can easily withstand pressure and environmental hazards.
For this reason, I would suggest this model only if you’re serious and really intend to follow through with the whole thing. If not, there are better and safer alternatives available.
On that note, the Maple Bowl Blanks Lathe Turning Block also has a few downsides which need to be noted before calling the final shots.
For instance, this model tends to be a little rough on the edge. If you’re not careful around it or don’t take the necessary precautions, it would be a bummer to get hurt.
Furthermore, since it’s a singular piece, the Maple Bowl Blanks Lathe Turning Block is also quite heavy, which means you’ll need to get it placed once and then work on it after all in one go.
- Provides excellent foundational strength
- Can be used for a multitude of wood-related jobs
- Suitable for heavy-duty wood crafting
- Not that easy to store
- Very heavy to move around
I would recommend the Maple Bowl Blanks Lathe Turning Block if you feel you’re up for the task and are certain that a singular piece of wood, as heavy as it may be, will suffice for the job at hand. If not, keep on reading!
Read Also: Top 10 Wood for Salad Bowls
5. Maple Lumber Bowl Blanks
Simple, easy to handle, and beautifully grained, the Maple Lumber Bowl Blank is a pretty fit choice if you’re looking for a single piece.
There are many reasons why I think the Maple Lumber Bowl Blanks might be just what you need.
For starters, the preparation step that this model employs during processing makes sure that this model is durable and can withstand the shipping journey without breaking down in terms of quality.
This is also helped by the kiln drying process and is another reason why I think the Maple Lumber Bowl Blanks is a good choice if you’re looking to make a durable piece.
Another reason why I feel that the Maple Lumber Bowl Blanks might actually be good for you is that it has beautifully defined grain. They don’t really stray from the traditional outlook; if anything, they’re quite what you might expect.
The X factor comes in when we look at the simplicity of it. With this model, you can literally choose to work in whatever direction you want or for whatever purpose.
And the simple interface also means that you can make as many adjustments as you need to get the best bowl out of it. And I think that’s what really makes the Maple Lumber Bowl Blanks, the ability to create to your heart’s desire.
- Holds paint quite well
- Cuts very easily
- A suitable choice for beginners
- Has beautiful and well-defined grains
- None
I think the Maple Lumber Bowl Blanks is a very suitable choice regardless of what your end goals are, and you should definitely consider giving it a shot. Even if you need a spare, this model would definitely suffice.
6. KCHEX Ambrosia Maple Bowl Blank
If you’re looking for something that is unique in its own way and deviates from what the masses would call normal, then the KCHEX Ambrosia Maple Bowl Blank is a great choice to start with.
With a brown frame, what really sets the KCHEX Ambrosia Maple Bowl Blank apart from the rest is the delicate brown grains that make their own unique patterns.
Often defined as chocolaty, this makes the KCHEX a great starting point if you’re looking to make a unique bowl piece or virtually any type of woodwork.
This model also gives you the additional benefit of standing out. Its wood material is rare in the world of everyday-craftsmanship, so if you want a unique touch to your dining kit, then this might actually help you get there.
When it comes to downsides, there isn’t really any imminent threat or anything that I think deserves to be mentioned or highlight. However, there are a few things that I believe are worth mentioning.
Firstly, it would have been better if this model came in various sizes. Owing to the grains, it would have been nice to be able to make smaller sculptures and utensils from this. With a big block, you’ll really need to do a lot of whittling before getting to the desired shape.
Another little downside is the paint. It doesn’t adhere well to the surface, so this process might take a little more time than anticipated.
- Has a brown chocolate texture
- Uniform and precise dimensions
- Easy to carve through
- Doesn’t stick well to paint
- Does not come in various sizes
The KCHEX Ambrosia Maple Bowl Blank is a must-have if you want unique wood to go about your business, and I would recommend it to all types of users out there!
Read Also: Most Advanced wood for carving spoons
7. Beautiful Walnut Bowl Blanks for Turning
The Beautiful Walnut Bowl Blanks for Turning is a versatile piece of wood that is known for its versatility.
I think the reason the Beautiful Walnut Bowl Blanks for Turning deserves an honorary mention on this is because of its texture, dimensions, and what these two qualities can provide for you.
Owing to its frame and structural integrity, this model can make a really good choice if you want a piece big enough to work on more than one project.
It’s even better so if one of those projects require making small pieces of furniture around the house. However, even if you intend to store wood for later use, I would highly recommend going for this.
Due to this appraise, it’s fair to say that the Beautiful Walnut Bowl Blanks for Turning is one of the best wood for dough bowl.
I don’t really think there are any considerable or important downsides to this model that might render it useless or anything. However, I would advise that you be careful with the cutting process because the model does have many sharp edges.
This can lead to cuts, or other injuries, especially if you’re not careful. But once you take the relevant precautions, you’re basically good to go!
- Easy to cut through
- Can be used for a multitude of projects
- Has a very strong and firm texture
- Requires careful handling
- The texture is a little bit too dark
I would suggest the Beautiful Walnut Bowl Blanks for Turning to you if you want a model that is versatile and big enough to handle workloads other than your primary objective of making a bowl. With this piece, you can do so much!
Read Also: Wood for Cutting Board and Butcher Block
8. ZCH NIFER Osage Orange Bowl Blank
The ZCH NIFER Osage Orange Bowl Blank is a unique model that is noted for its texture and aesthetic.
I really like the ZCH NIFER Osage Orange Bowl Blank because it allows me to spice things up and make something different once in a while.
It has a very unique and interesting texture that is literally orange under white light. This means you can use this wood to make a unique utensil set for special occasions, especially Halloween.
As far as the overall performance and durability go, it’s fair to say that the ZCH NIFER Osage Orange Bowl Blank can easily hold its own when it comes to other types of wood.
It has lined grains that have set boundaries and ensure that the model can hold its structure even when under duress or stress. This makes them suitable for rough work, but I would still advise that you only utilize them for these small wood-craft projects.
This is because the ZCH NIFER Osage Orange Bowl Blank loses its appeal if it’s used out of place, which is why I think this model can be more useful and beneficial to you as a self-contained kit.
There aren’t really downsides or anything to this model, but it would have been nice to have several different sizes and varieties with this wood.
- Excellent wood choice for self-contained kits
- Easy to handle and use
- Has an interesting orange texture aesthetic
- Easy to cut through and work with
- Doesn’t come in many shapes and variety
- The edges are a little sharp
I would recommend the ZCH NIFER Osage Orange Bowl Blank if you’re looking for something unique and different, a piece and kind of wood that deviates from the normal and can actually help you define a taste for yourself!
9. Basswood Kiln Dried Lathe Turning Exotic Wood Bowl Blank
On the 8th spot, the Basswood Kiln Dried Lathe Turning Exotic Wood Bowl Blank is a beginner-friendly and budget-friendly model that I would recommend if you’re on a budget.
As the name implies, this model is made from Basswood, which is arguably one of the easiest ones to carve there is.
Not only is the carving process easy to get the hang of, what really sets it apart from the rest is that it comes in sufficient quantity to ensure that you can really get your craft right before executing the final piece.
If not that, the Basswood Kiln Dried Lathe Turning Exotic Wood Bowl Blank provides you with a set of 6 blocks that you can use to make your complete utensil kit as needed.
As far as durability goes, I wouldn’t really rate this model that high up in the list because it isn’t that durable. That’s why it’s not higher on the list.
However, when it comes to the overall ease of operation that this model allows for, I genuinely believe that you can use this set actually to make good things happen.
There aren’t really any noticeable downsides or de-merits. The boxes are evenly cut out and of sound dimension to allow complete control when cutting.
Plus, the grain quality is fine, and the surface sticks to paint well. So if you’re just starting out and need wood to make into a bowl, this is a great choice to go with!
- Easy to handle and use
- Comes in a bulk quantity
- User-friendly cutting
- The structure isn’t that durable
- No variety in shapes or size
I would recommend the Basswood Kiln Dried Lathe Turning Exotic Wood Bowl Blank to beginners and people just getting started out!
10. Spanish Cedar Bowl Blank
Last but not least, the Spanish Cedar Bowl Blank is my 10th pick for the list and the final one.
The Spanish Cedar Bowl Blank deserves many merits, which is why I think it was necessary to feature this on the list.
For starters, this model comes in various sizes, which makes it awfully easy to versatile your craft and make whatever you want. This makes this kit a handy choice when it comes to wooden bowls.
Another great benefit that they present is that they have a very neat texture that looks good as is. This means you won’t really have to go through the process of staining or painting to actually prepare the wood when it comes to displaying.
As far as the actual performance and durability go, it’s fair to say that Spanish Cedar can definitely hold its own on impact. Not only are they exceptionally strong, but they’re also lightweight, making it a perfect fusion of all the features you would need for a complete bowl kit.
I would highly recommend this model for anyone and everyone who want a unique woodwork base to start off their bowl-making journey with.
- Is evenly surfaced on both sides
- Comes in various shapes
- The dimensions are uniform and precise
- The texture doesn’t require additional staining
- None
Since the pros heavily outweigh the cons, it’s fair to say that the Spanish Cedar Bowl Blank is arguably one of the best models that you can get this year, and I would highly recommend it to all types of users out there. Not only is it reliable, but it also looks good while at it. So go for it!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here’s a list of the most commonly asked questions by users that can help you out!
- Are wooden bowls better?
- Are wooden bowls sanitary?
- Is oak good for turning bowls?
- Is cedar a good wood to turn?
- How long do wooden bowls last?
- How do you maintain a wooden bowl?
- Is wooden bowl hygienic?
- Does olive oil go rancid on wood?
- Can you eat out of a wooden bowl?
- Can you have soup in a wooden bowl?
Wooden bowls are objectively better or present any type of advantage over other traditional bowls. They’re more durable, though, and have a very aesthetic look to them.
Yes, wooden bowls are sanitary as long as you make sure to clean them thoroughly after use. However, don’t let them get moist too often, or they’ll go bad!
Live oak is an excellent choice when it comes to turning bowl. It’s reliable and sturdy and is fun to work with. What’s even better is that they’re also readily available.
Just like Oak, cedar is also a good wood to turn and will give you good and consistent dimensions when you’re done with the work.
Wooden bowls, if looked after properly, can easily last a century or two. However, this depends on the job done as well, and if you take proper care of it or not.
The best way to do that is by cleaning it with warm dish soap and then drying it thoroughly afterward. Don’t let the moisture stay, or it will permeate the upper layer and make it go bad.
Yes, wooden bowls are completely hygienic as long as they’re cleaned.
Yes, olive oil can go rancid on wood.
Yes, you can eat out of a wooden bowl. In fact, you can do almost everything with a wooden bowl just as you’d do with a normal one.
Indeed, soup is one delicacy that should be enjoyed from a wooden bowl due to the aesthetics and sophisticated charm it brings.
Conclusion
Starting with the right type of wood is very important when it comes to making bowls, especially if you want your craft to turn out the way you envisioned. This is why it’s important to review all your options and then choose something that you can work with best.
If you have any questions or queries or have any general recommendations or suggestions about the models mentioned above, do share in the comment section below!
Leave a Reply