Are Wooden Wick Candles Better? Here’s What to Know Before You Buy

Wooden wicks are everywhere these days, from TikTok trends to boutique candle shops. But are wooden wick candles actually better?

Short answer: not necessarily.

The truth is, both cotton and wooden candle wicks have their pros and cons. It all comes down to what kind of burn experience you're looking for, how you use your candles, and what matters most to you: sustainability, sound, maintenance, or ease.

Let's break it down.

What Is a Wooden Wick Candle?

A wooden wick candle uses a thin strip of wood in place of the traditional braided cotton wick. They're often marketed as luxe, modern, and crackling (literally).

But a crackle doesn't always mean better. And just because it looks cool doesn't mean it burns better or cleaner.

Wooden wicks can be made from various wood types including cherry, maple, or birch. Some are single-ply strips, while others are multi-layered for a wider flame. The construction affects everything from how easily they light to how much smoke they produce.

Wooden Wick vs. Cotton Wick: Side-by-Side Comparison

The Performance Reality: How Wooden Wicks Actually Burn

Wooden wicks sound romantic in theory, but they come with some practical quirks.

Lighting Challenges

Unlike cotton wicks that catch flame immediately, wooden wicks can take 20 to 30 seconds to ignite. You need to hold the flame along the entire top edge until the wood catches. If you're not patient, you'll end up with a wick that never fully lights.

The Self-Extinguishing Problem

Wooden wicks are more prone to going out mid-burn, especially if they weren't trimmed correctly or if there's any draft in the room. This is because wood doesn't draw wax as consistently as braided cotton does (more on how candle wicks work).

Uneven Wax Consumption

The wider flame of a wooden wick can create a larger melt pool faster, which sounds good until you realize it also means you're burning through wax more quickly. Cotton wicks create a more controlled, even melt.

Are Wooden Wick Candles Better for the Environment?

Not automatically.

While wooden wick candles sound eco-friendly, many are made from composite woods, treated materials, or wood chips held together with adhesives. Unless the brand explicitly states they're using sustainably sourced, untreated wood, you can't assume it's better for the planet.

Here's what to look for if you're evaluating wooden wicks for sustainability:

• FSC-certified wood sources
• No chemical treatments or fire retardants
• Single-origin wood (not composite blends)
• Transparency about sourcing

At ReCandle Co., we use cotton wicks that are:

• 100% natural and biodegradable
• Free of lead, zinc, and other metals
• Designed to burn cleanly with our soy wax refills and non-toxic scents

Plus, our cotton wicks are easier to reuse again and again in our refillable candle system, which is where the real sustainability magic happens. Less waste overall beats a trendy wick material every time.

Maintenance: The Hidden Cost of Wooden Wicks

Wooden wicks require more upkeep than cotton. Here's what you're signing up for:

Precise Trimming

You need to trim wooden wicks before every burn, but not just to any length. The edges need to be clean and even, or the flame won't distribute properly. Unlike cotton wicks where you can eyeball ¼ inch and be fine, wooden wicks demand more precision.

Ash Removal

Wooden wicks create charred debris that needs to be removed before relighting. If you don't clear it away, it can interfere with the next burn or create excess smoke.

Positioning Matters

If a wooden wick shifts even slightly off-center, it can cause tunneling or uneven burning. Cotton wicks are more forgiving. For more on preventing tunneling issues, see our guide on how to properly trim candle wicks.

The Soot and Smoke Factor

One of the biggest misconceptions about wooden wicks is that they burn cleaner. They don't.

Wooden wicks can produce more candle soot than cotton, especially if:

• The wick isn't trimmed properly
• The wax isn't perfectly matched to the wick size
• There's a draft in the room

Cotton wicks, when paired with clean-burning wax like soy and phthalate-free fragrance, produce minimal soot and smoke. It's one of the reasons we chose cotton for our candles.

Why We Don't Use Wooden Wicks at ReCandle Co.

We get the appeal of candles with wooden wicks. They're trendy, they crackle, and they look cool on Instagram.

But we built our system for consistency, safety, and ease. Wooden wicks just didn't make the cut. Here's why:

• They can be finicky to light, especially after the first burn
• They don't always stay lit unless trimmed and placed just right
• They're prone to smokier burns if the wax isn't perfectly matched
• They don't work as seamlessly in a refillable system where people are swapping wicks regularly

We wanted a candle that works every single time. No flicker fights. No tools. Just pop in your zero waste candle refill, light your wick, and enjoy.

When to Choose a Wooden Wick Candle

Despite the drawbacks, wooden wicks aren't all bad. Here's when they might be the right choice:

• You love the crackling sound. If ambiance is your top priority and you want that fireplace vibe, wooden wicks deliver.
• You don't mind extra maintenance. Some people enjoy the ritual of trimming and caring for a more finicky candle.
• You're burning occasionally, not daily. If you only light candles once in a while, the upkeep isn't as much of a burden.
• You're buying from a brand that sources responsibly. If they're transparent about using sustainable wood and clean wax, go for it.

When to Choose a Cotton Wick Candle

Cotton wicks are the better choice if you want:

• A candle that lights fast and stays lit. No babysitting required.
• Minimal soot and smoke. Especially important for smaller spaces or homes with pets.
• Low-maintenance burning. Trim once before each use and you're good to go.
• A refillable system. Cotton wicks work perfectly with refill systems where you're swapping in new wax regularly.
• Reliability over aesthetics. Cotton gets the job done without the fuss.

Final Verdict: Are Wooden Wicks Better?

Not better. Not worse. Just different.

Wooden wick candles offer ambiance and a sensory experience. Cotton wick candles offer reliability, reusability, and simplicity.

If you're after a low-maintenance, clean-burning candle that fits seamlessly into your everyday rituals (and doesn't get in the way of your sustainability goals), you'll feel right at home with cotton wicks and a refillable system.

At the end of the day, the "better wick" is the one that works best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wooden Wick Candles

Do wooden wick candles burn longer than cotton wick candles?

Not necessarily. Burn time depends more on the wax type, jar size, and how well you maintain the wick. Wooden wicks can actually burn through wax faster because their wider flame creates a larger melt pool.

Why won't my wooden wick candle stay lit?

Wooden wicks go out if they're not trimmed properly, if there's too much charred debris on the wick, or if the wick has shifted off-center. They're also more sensitive to drafts than cotton wicks.

Are wooden wicks toxic?

Most wooden wicks themselves aren't toxic, but some are treated with chemicals or made from composite materials that aren't ideal. Always check if the brand discloses what their wicks are made from and whether they're untreated.

Can you trim wooden wicks with regular scissors?

Yes, but wick trimmers work better because they create a cleaner, more even edge. Wooden wicks need to be trimmed flush and evenly across the top, which is easier with the right tool.

Do wooden wicks create more soot?

They can, especially if not trimmed correctly or if paired with the wrong wax. Cotton wicks tend to produce less soot overall when used with clean-burning wax like soy.