What Are Custom Wooden Smoking Components?

Custom wooden smoking components are important elements in the tobacco smoking industry, with opportunities continuing to emerge to differentiate product offerings. As the industry evolves, sourcing high-quality wooden smoking materials and components from reliable partners is critical for success.

Custom wooden smoking components are precision-manufactured parts designed for integration into smoking accessories and tobacco products. These range from functional elements like tips and mouthpieces to decorative features that enhance product aesthetics.

Common Types of Custom Wooden Smoking Components

Manufacturers source several categories of components for wooden smoking products. These include:

• Pipe tips and mouthpieces. Precision turning ensures a proper fit, while careful wood selection delivers durability. Wooden tips for tobacco pipes can come with specific bore diameters and taper angles to match your application requirements.
• Decorative and functional components. Beyond primary functional parts, consider any ornamental rings, inlays, and custom-shaped elements that can help distinguish your brand in the market.

Why Choose Custom Wooden Smoking Components

Natural materials and tailored processes can provide distinct advantages for custom project requirements:

• Natural feel and premium aesthetic. Wood offers visual warmth and tactile qualities that synthetic materials cannot replicate. Each wooden smoking component displays unique grain patterns, creating products with inherent character.
• User comfort. Properly finished wooden components feel comfortable during extended use. Compared to metal or plastic, wood maintains neutral temperatures and provides pleasant tactile feedback.
• Brand differentiation. In crowded markets, custom wooden smoking tips and other components can help products stand out. Custom designs enable manufacturers to create distinctive visual identities that support premium positioning.
• Sustainability. Sourcing sustainable wooden smoking components from responsibly managed forests addresses environmental concerns while maintaining product quality.

How the Custom Manufacturing Process Works

Successful projects begin with the right materials and clear specifications. With wooden smoking components, customization extends to the use of functional design elements that ensure seamless integration into the final assembly.

Wooden smoking components from E.W. Hannas can be tailored to meet specific performance standards and aesthetic goals. Custom turning can be used to achieve tight tolerances in wooden smoking components, which ensures a reliable fit each time. Each batch of components also undergoes inspections to verify dimensions and finish consistency.

FAQ: What To Provide for an Accurate Quote

To provide accurate pricing and lead times for your custom wooden smoking tips or components, E.W. Hannas works with you to gather information relating to:

• Product type. Identifying the component (e.g., tip, decorative ring).
• Wood type. Specifying preferred species or describing your application requirements so we can recommend suitable wooden smoking materials.
• Dimensions. Providing any specs, including critical tolerances.
• Desired quantity. Sharing initial order quantities and projected annual volumes to help optimize pricing.
• Additional needs. Specifying finishing requirements, custom labeling, or logistics support.

Contact E.W. Hannas to Learn More

Custom wooden smoking components offer manufacturers distinct opportunities for product differentiation and quality enhancement. From precision-manufactured tips to decorative elements, these components help brands stand out while meeting consumer expectations for natural, high-quality materials.

Since 1918, E.W. Hannas has specialized in precision wood component manufacturing. Our experience with sustainable wooden smoking products, combined with modern machining and quality finishes, positions us as a trusted partner for your next project.

Ready to explore custom wooden smoking component options? Request a quote today to discuss your specifications with our team.

Are Wooden Smoking Filters Safe? A Deep Dive into Non-Toxic Wood Components

Wooden smoking filters can be safe when using food-grade and non-toxic wooden smoking materials, including food-safe woods and finishes that undergo compliant and controlled manufacturing processes.

Find out what goes into a safe wooden smoking filter and the benefits of using E.W. Hannas’ smoking filter products.

What Makes a Wooden Smoking Filter Safe?

Multiple factors contribute to sustainable wooden smoking filters for food-grade applications, including:

• Wood selection. One of the most important considerations is the type of wooden smoking material, specifically the wood used, with natural woods like walnut and maple offering superior moisture absorption, heat resistance, and the ability to trap a certain level of tar.
• Eliminated toxic resins and contaminants. The right wooden smoking filter materials will also be devoid of potentially harmful toxic resins and contaminants that might otherwise compromise safety and quality.
• Resistance to damage from heat and moisture. The wood used should be able to withstand certain levels of heat and moisture to keep the filter intact, maximizing durability and overall reliability.

Manufacturing Standards for Non-Toxic Wood Components

Additionally, wooden smoking filters must meet certain requirements to ensure sustainability and regulatory compliance throughout the manufacturing process.

Key factors here will include:

Precision Manufacturing

To mitigate the risk of splintering and degradation, facilities must implement precision manufacturing that maintains the integrity of the wood materials. The right processes will be able to maximize the end quality of the filter while producing a safe product with minimal waste.

Clean Production Environments

The environment in which the filter undergoes manufacturing will also need to be free of potential contaminants that could affect the quality and safety of the wooden smoking filter.

Consistent Quality Controls

Throughout and following the production process, manufacturers need proper quality control procedures in place to further ensure the wooden smoking filter is safe and reliable. Effective quality control will also keep products compliant with food industry regulations and standards.

Finishing Processes and Sealants Explained

Another wooden smoking component to consider is the specific finishing process that these products use, along with sealants.

Food-safe finishes and sealants will be able to maximize the longevity of the wooden smoking filter while preventing potential issues like chemical off-gassing.

Food-safe oils like coconut oil and beeswax are often best to use, as well as natural lacquers. However, you should avoid varnishes and polyurethane coatings that facilitate off-gassing.

Food-Grade Certifications and Compliance

To keep wooden smoking filters compliant with industry regulations, your manufacturer should have certain key certifications, such as:

Manufacturers of food-safe products should both maintain and advertise these certifications across their offerings. A well-established company like E.W. Hannas, which has over 100 years of experience in the industry, will work to keep all products compliant with consistently up-to-date certifications under the SGS, Bureau Veritas, and other reputable certifying bodies.

For even better compliance, your manufacturer should also facilitate documentation and traceability with every product, confirming certifications and food safety.

Safe Wooden Smoking Filters From E.W. Hannas

When looking for non-toxic and compliant wooden smoking filters for pipes, E.W. Hannas has some of the best solutions available. We can help you make the right choice with custom food-grade products that comply with the latest industry regulations while working to maximize quality and safety.

In addition to sustainable wooden smoking filters, we provide our customers with many other top-quality wood products, from food-grade kitchenware and skewers to crates, wood handles, advertising novelties, and many other custom products. Whatever your needs, we can meet them with the right solutions for your application.

Request a quote from us today to learn more about our offerings and discuss your needs for a custom wooden smoking filter or another wood product.

How E.W. Hannas Supports Tariff-Proof Supply Chains

2025 Tariff News

The United States recently increased wood tariffs on imported timber, lumber, and wooden products, sending a shockwave with ripple effects through the construction, manufacturing, and retail sectors. These new wood component tariffs are straining operating budgets and having a drastic impact on costs, making companies reevaluate their current supply chain management practices.

The Importance of Domestic or Diversified Supply Chains

As companies face longer lead times, higher unit costs, and potential delays, they are seeking innovative ways to navigate supply chain uncertainty, prompting a shift toward alternate materials or domestic sourcing. Inventory planning, cost forecasting, and strategic sourcing have become essential business practices to maintain operational continuity and mitigate the financial impact of these evolving trade regulations.

Developing a diversified supply chain has also become crucial for many businesses, as they assess their exposure to import duties and potential inventory shortages. A tariff-proof supply chain relies on continuous monitoring of potential risks to ensure uninterrupted production despite changing tariffs.

Tariff Impact on Imported Wood Components

Pursuant to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the imposed wood supply chain tariffs, which went into effect on October 14, 2025, will affect the following imported materials:

• Softwood Lumber and Timber: 10% tariff
• Upholstered Wooden Products: 25% tariff, increasing to 30% tariff effective January 1st, 2026
• Kitchen Vanities and Cabinets: 25% tariff, increasing to 50% tariff effective January 1st, 2026

Comparing Onshoring vs. Nearshoring

Onshoring and nearshoring offer distinct benefits and are viable options for offsetting the rising costs of the newly imposed tariffs.

Onshoring

Onshoring wood components involves moving a company’s manufacturing and business operations back from overseas to its home country. Advantages include:

• Achieving greater control of the supply chain
• Aligning with local standards and regulations
• Boosting communication
• Enhancing public perception (Made in USA)
• Improving quality control
• Simplifying logistics
• Strengthening IP protection

Nearshoring

Many tariff-auditing manufacturers are beginning to consider nearshoring to alleviate the impact of rising tariffs. The practice involves outsourcing production to a nearby country, often within the same time zone or region, to reduce potential risk factors and optimize the following benefits:

How Lead Times and Duties Affect Unit Costs

Long lead times can result in delays and contribute to the following issues:

Import duties, customs fees, and tariffs can further compound the costs for high-volume or high-value items, widening the gap between estimated and actual per-unit pricing.

Strategic Sourcing and Inventory Planning Services

Strategic sourcing is a data-driven, systematic process for acquiring specific goods and services that align with a company’s long-term business goals. Inventory planning optimizes safety stock, reorder points, and forecasting accuracy to avoid excess or shortages while meeting consumer demand.

Both services rely on market trends and sales data to predict future needs, ensuring raw materials and finished goods are available when needed. To develop a resilient supply chain that improves operational efficiency and long-term competitiveness, businesses must continuously:

How E.W. Hannas Builds Resilient Supply Chains

E.W. Hannas is a strategic partner in navigating supply chain risk and tariff volatility. Since 1918, we have supplied our customers with precision wood products that meet or exceed their expectations. Over 100 years later, we remain committed to providing innovative solutions and real-time insights that support a tariff-proof supply chain.

Contact us to discuss the challenges associated with supply chain visibility and see how the team at E.W. Hannas can meet your evolving needs. You can also request a quote to get started today.

Wooden Dowel Sizing Explained: A Full Breakdown

Wooden dowels and pins have a long history in woodworking, particularly for reinforcing joints and shelves. These simple components offer many benefits for furniture, construction, consumer products, and more. Dowels have broad application for several reasons:

• Versatility
• Little to no need for hardware
• Clean finishes
• Durable joints
• Use as positioning guides
• Added tensile and shear strength for joints with low-density materials

At E.W. Hannas, we provide high-quality wooden dowels in many sizes, along with many other wooden products and components used in applications and industries around the world. We work to provide a consistent inventory of raw wood materials and products from our mills to our customers. Here, we’ll look at the features to consider, including sizing, when choosing dowel products.

The Importance of Selecting the Right Size Dowel

Understanding dowels and their sizing is important for selecting the right material for the job. Dowels are small wooden rods that come in many standard diameters and lengths. They are commonly unfinished, but may have a special texture, such as grooves, added to assist with grip and bonding.

Dowels are also easy to cut to length, which makes them useful for different applications and simple to customize. Generally speaking, it is difficult to reduce a dowel’s diameter; however, they are available in many imperial and metric size increments to suit most project needs.

Sizing is one of the most important considerations when selecting dowels because it is directly relevant to fit, grip, durability, and the effects of expansion and contraction on the workpiece. Some of the specific factors to look at include:

• Diameter. For many applications, a dowel with a diameter around ⅓ to 1/2 of the thickness of the designated wood fitting usually creates a secure fit.
• Bore Dimensions. The bore and dowel diameters should correspond closely.
• Length. A dowel length that leaves a 1/16 in. gap in the boring after it’s inserted is usually adequate to allow for proper glue distribution in the joint.
• Groove Type. Spiral or multi-grooved dowels can offer additional surface area and friction to improve bonding and holding power.
• Adhesive. Standard polyvinyl acetate (PVA) wood glue often works best; however, it’s important to avoid excessive glue so that it stays contained within the bond.

Wooden Dowel Types, Sizes, and Options

There are many types of dowels available, made from different materials, with a range of finishes and textures. The details of the application, the strength required, and the primary function of the dowel will determine which is best. Examples of dowel features include:

Dowels come in many diameters, including these common sizes:

Flexibility with Standard and Metric Sizing

Dowels are available in both imperial and metric sizing for diameter and length. While it’s common to use only imperial or only metric measurements for a project, in practice, it may be preferable to focus on the dimension that provides the best fit and functionality for the application, regardless of the system of measurement.

Metric-sized dowels in particular often come in more, and smaller increments than inch measurements, for more flexibility in finding the right fit. For example, a ¼ in. dowel may be the closest imperial size for a bore, but a slightly larger 6.5 mm dowel might be preferred for a secure hold, even if the rest of the project is measured in inches or feet.

Standard/Imperial Sizes

Many pre-cut wooden dowels have a length of 30mm (13/16″) and a width of 6mm (1/4″) or a length of 40mm (19/16″) and a width of 10mm (3/8″).

When applying these dowels to joints, applications may use drill stops, drill bits, and center points, among other dowelling equipment.

Metric Sizes

In some applications, you might opt for metric dowel sizes for increased precision, with the ability to measure in millimeters instead of fractions of inches. There’s no doubt about what you’ll get with these dowel sizes.

Ultimately, metric sizes are ideal to use if you need more precise manufacturing, are using automation systems and robotics, or are working with imported furniture parts.

Wood Dowels from E.W. Hannas, Sized for Any Application

In many woodworking applications, dowels and pins can reduce or eliminate the need for hardware, strengthen joints, and create a clean and simplified aesthetic. E.W. Hannas offers wooden dowels and pins in a range of sizes, lengths, and types so you can find the best product for your application.

Learn more about us, or request a quote to get started on your next project.

Food Grade Applications for Wooden Dowels

Food may not be the first thing that comes to mind in a discussion of wooden dowels; however, there are actually many culinary applications for food-safe dowels. They can be used to secure food items together, provide structure for cakes, or serve as holders or “handles” for confections.

Learn more about what food-safe wooden dowels are and the many ways they can be used in home and commercial food applications.

What Makes Wooden Dowels Food-Safe?

While dowels can be made from almost any type of wood, not all woods are food-safe. It’s important to verify that any wooden item used in the preparation or serving of food is made from a type of wood that is considered safe for food and cooking applications.

Common food-safe woods include white birch, maple, beech, walnut, cherry, and teak. These are all durable, close-grained woods that are unlikely to splinter. They are also moisture resistant and not prone to supporting bacteria thanks to their fine grain. These dowels are sanded smooth, cut to length, and machined with a chamfered head. These features make it easy to insert the dowels into a variety of foods without causing damage to delicate items or transferring splinters into the food.

Wooden Dowels for Cake Support

More structurally complex than a traditional sheet cake, multi-layer cakes for weddings and other large celebrations often require extra structural support to retain their shape. Rather than relying on the holding power of frosting, filling, or fondant alone, bakers often secure the layers of a cake with strategically placed wooden dowels. The dowels disappear into the layers, where they align each section and help distribute weight. As a result, the design is not compromised but the cake can still be stored and transported without damage.

Wooden Dowels as Grilling Skewers

Another food-grade application for wooden dowels is skewering bite-sized pieces of food, like vegetables, meat, fruit, or cheese. This is a simple way to portion food for marinating, cooking, and serving. Food-grade wooden dowels are also available in different lengths and diameters to be used with different sizes and shapes of food.

Because they are non-reactive and do not conduct heat, they do not affect the food’s flavors and prevent burns when handling. It’s commonly recommended to soak wooden dowels and skewers in water prior to grilling, broiling, or roasting. This helps prevent any charring to the wood.

More Food Applications for Wooden Dowels

In addition to the above applications, wooden dowels can be used for food applications like these:

• Skewered hors d’oeuvres
• Corn dogs or cheese on a stick
• Frozen bananas
• Rock candy
• Honey dippers
• Candied or caramel apple sticks
• Lollipops
• Roasted marshmallows
• Vertically arranged fruit or cake pop “bouquets”
• Stir sticks or miniature decorations for baked goods
• Storage rungs for drying or curing food items

And because they are food-safe, these dowels can be safely used for some health and personal care applications, such as applicators for medicine or cosmetics and manicure tools.

Advantages of Wooden Dowels for Food Applications

There are a number of reasons to choose food-grade wooden dowels for culinary applications, such as:

• Non-conductive. Wooden dowels don’t conduct heat which is why they’re more popular than metal and other thermally conductive materials like metal for high-heat applications, including grilling and baking.
• Durability and Strength. Sturdy wooden dowels can pierce large or dense food items like cakes, meat, or cheese without breaking. This provides reliable support and keeps small items together.
• Non-Toxic. Beech, birch, maple, and other close-grain hardwoods keep food items safe from potential contamination and splinters.
• Versatility. Wooden dowels can be manufactured in a range of lengths and diameters to suit many applications.
• Visual Appeal. Dowels have a natural aesthetic that makes for a pleasing presentation of edible products.

Explore Food-Grade Wooden Dowels From E.W. Hannas

For four generations E.W. Hannas has been a leading manufacturer of wooden products for the food, carpentry, furniture, packaging, craft, and other industries. We provide high-quality customized wooden dowels, sticks, skewers, ornamental picks, stirrers, and kitchen tools for us in applications from baking and grilling to food displays and more.

Our food-grade products are great for home cooking and commercial kitchens and bakeries, and our team is always here to help meet your product requirements. Request a quote for custom dowels or other food-safe wooden products today!

What To Look For in Ordering Parts for Wood Flags

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Properly sourcing wood flag parts is crucial since the longevity and effectiveness of these components affect how sturdy and useful a flag would be. Substandard parts will shorten flag setup lifespans, while premium materials will maximize the usability of wood flags.

When choosing wood flag parts for your application, it is vital to look at several significant factors before making the purchase. This article will dive into the things to consider when ordering parts for wood flags.

Flag Parts Size and Pole Height

Consider the best sizing specifications for your flag to ensure they complement one another. As a general guideline, the flag’s width should be around 20% of the height of the pole. For instance, a 20-foot flag pole would generally hold a 4 feet x 6 feet flag.

Wood Quality

Birchwood is often used to manufacture wood flag parts, but pine or oak wood are equally common options. Birchwood is notable for its straight wood grain and appealing pattern. It is also light in color yet strong and long-lasting. Further, this wood resists deterioration and dyes and polishes well.

Wood Flags Finish

The wood flag should be well-sanded before applying several coats of the chosen finish. The typical finish consists of a white primer, two coats of undercoat, and two coats of gloss. Flags can also be supplied with several coats of clear varnish to highlight the grain and figure of the wood.

Reliability of Parts

The product must work and function as advertised or promised by the manufacturer. The more reliable your flag parts are, the more likely your company will have a solid reputation in the eyes of your customers.

Other Considerations

Aside from the things to consider when ordering parts for wood flags, there are also other factors to take into account:

Additional Services Provided

In addition to their primary services and solutions, it is a good idea to explore a wood flag parts supplier’s other products and see what more they offer. Rather than focusing on individual services, you’re best served by a manufacturer offering comprehensive solutions completely suited to our various business concerns.

Manufacturer’s Reputation

We live in a global economy where products and services may be sourced from all over the world. Still, it is best to patronize American-made products in buying wood parts for your flag, as the influx of foreign goods does not guarantee superior products or materials. Moreover, American-made benefits the economy, communities, and our collective awareness as a country.

Competitive Pricing

Look beyond the price tag to see whether a product will be cost-effective in the long run. After all, you don’t want to purchase parts at below-market prices just to end up with massive expenses for defective components.

Top Quality Wood Flags From E.W. Hannas

Wood flags are often more affordable than their metal counterparts. Their low price makes them an appealing option for homes and business owners wishing to cut costs while purchasing a durable product. Aside from the aesthetic value it provides, it also cannot corrode since they do not contain iron.

Since the 1940s, E.W. Hannas has been a major supplier of wood flag parts to the top American flag makers. Our products are 100% Made in America, and we have a fast, dependable workforce constantly focused on flags.

Contact us today, and our Customer Care Professionals will assist you in selecting, purchasing, and installing the wood flag parts you need. If you want immediate assistance with your wood flag parts purchase, you may also request a quote from one of our expert salespersons.

What Are Wood Biscuits Used For?

Wood biscuits are oval-shaped, compressed beech or engineered wood pieces used to join two wood elements together. Utilizing a method invented in 1956 by Hermann Steiner in Liestal, Switzerland, the use of wood biscuits remains a popular choice for many craftsmen today. 

What Are Wood Biscuits Used For?

When joining two wooden pieces together, wood biscuits are often used to create a strong bond that is easier than utilizing other joining methods such as mortise and tenon joints. The process of using a wood biscuit involves creating a crescent-shaped hole in the two pieces of wood being joined. An adhesive is placed into both holes, and a single wood biscuit is inserted into both slots, seamlessly bringing the two pieces together. Some of the most frequently used applications for wood biscuits include:

• end-to-edge joints
• edge-to-edge joints
• rail-to-leg offset joints
• face-to-edge joints

Used in cabinet making and other areas where a joint spans a large area, wood biscuits provide a strong, straight alignment, which needs much less sanding than other methods. While these are the most popular uses, there are a wide variety of applications that utilize wood biscuits as a wood-joining method. 

Common Sizes for Wood Biscuits

There are three commonly used engineered wood biscuit sizes:

• #0: 5/8″ x 1 3/4″
• #10: 3/4″ x 2 1/8″
• #20: 1″ x 2 3/8″

Engineered wood is comprised of strands, fibers, veneers, or even thin wooden boards that have been compressed together with adhesive to form a solid piece. Common types of engineered wood include medium-density fiberboard (MDF), particleboard, and plywood.

• MDF utilizes a hot press to compress the wood fibers. This process creates a higher density and, therefore, a more robust engineered wood product.
• Particleboard is formed by using synthetic resins to bind wood chips, sawmill shavings, or sawdust together. 
• Plywood consists of cross-laminated wood veneer sheets that have been bonded together using heat, pressure, and moisture-resistant adhesives.

While each of these processes is slightly different, they all create engineered wood products that continue to prove their value year after year. Durable and water-resistant, engineered wood is affordable and easy to manufacture. In addition, engineered wood creates a much more efficient construction process. By using fewer trees and creating less waste than other wood products, engineered wood is also an environmentally sustainable product.  

EW Hannas Manufacturing Buttons, Plugs, and Biscuits

Whether your needs are best suited to standard biscuit sizes or require custom sizing, EW Hannas provides quality biscuits with the close tolerances needed for exceptional craftsmanship. In addition, we can meet any packaging needs you have in order to supply or display biscuit products on your shelves. 

EW Hannas applies the same quality assurance to our buttons and plugs in order to meet all of your precision wood product needs. Request a quote or contact us for more information on how our quality wood biscuits can drive your business forward. 

Understanding Dowels & Dowel Pins

While working on any wood project, you need dowel pins to secure wooden parts firmly. This ensures your crafts are strong enough in every joint. You can use dowel pins in structural reinforcements such as shelf support, cabinet making, toy wheel axles, movable game pieces, and more. Read on to learn more.

What Are Wood Dowel Pins?

Wood dowel pins are straight, solid pins that contain chamfered ends. These pins help during alignment and insertion, usually utilized as fasteners.

What Are Wood Dowels?

They are made from a cylindrical wooden rod, usually cut into shorter lengths. You can purchase a wide range of pre-cut dowels that are ready for use in your project.

How Do Dowel Pins Work?

For dowel pins to work, you should first drill holes in your wooden pieces that will fit your dowel pins perfectly. You can then squeeze the dowel pins inside the holes to subsequently attach the other pieces of wood. When you insert a dowel pin in concentric holes through two or more components, it locates and securely keeps them together. A slight transitional fit or interference is also used to compress the pin and generate enough friction to firmly hold the pin in the hole.

Advantages of Using Wood Dowel Pins and Dowel Joints

No Need for Hardware

When using dowel joints in your woodworking project, you can forgo nails, screws, and staples. This means you will also avoid the potential injuries caused by these hardware items when connecting wooden pieces. Aesthetically, your project will have a professional, finished look, because screws won’t interrupt the grain pattern.

Versatility

You can use dowel joints in flat or angle joints as well as complex joints. You can make reinforced dowel joints for use in items such as shelves and cabinets that need extra accuracy.

Stronger Joints

Dowel joints provide extra strength to parts that are constantly pulled or twisted. These joints provide an even more secure connection than using a tail and pin.

Different Types of Wood Dowel Pins

When wood dowels are cut to dowel pins, they are utilized as reinforcements to joints. Note that you should always leave a path for air and excess glue to escape once you press the dowel into place. If you decide to hammer the dowel to relieve the hydraulic pressure, it can lead to a split in the wood.

If you join two wooden pieces using dowels embedded in blind holes, you can place pieces of shot between the wood to produce indentations once you clamp them. After releasing the clamp, the indentation indicates the center point where you can drill.

Here are different types of dowels:

• Pointed Dowels
• Color-Coded Dowels
• Stained and Finished Dowels
• Slotted Dowels
• Tenoned Dowels
• End-Bored Dowels
• Ladder Rungs
• Engraved or Imprinted Dowels
• Stakes – Sod Stakes, Plant Stakes
• Craft Dowels
• Skewers
• Apple Sticks
• Cosmetics & Healthcare – cotton tip applicator, make-up sticks, and cuticle sticks
• Poles
• Marshmallow Sticks
• Mop Handles
• Pennant Sticks

E.W. Hannas Manufactures Superior Dowels for Your Needs

Dowel pins make your woodworking projects easier because you don’t need hardware, and you actually achieve stronger joints. Even better, your final project has a professional, finished look. As you plan to work on your next wood project, get the highest standard dowel pins from E.W. Hannas. Contact us today for the custom wood part you need.

Solid Wood vs. Manufactured Wood

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Houses, furniture, boxes, decor, cutting boards, skewers, popsicle sticks, and so many other items are made of wood. Durable and reliable, wood is a go-to material in a number of industries. However, different applications call for different types of wood, and the first big decision is whether to use solid wood or manufactured wood.

Solid Wood

Solid wood is wood that comes directly from the tree. It’s divided into two primary categories: hardwood, like oak, walnut, and maple, and softwood, like pine and cedar. Each has its advantages and disadvantages in certain applications.

While solid wood is more expensive than manufactured wood, many people prefer it for its natural beauty, density, and strength. Because every tree is different, every item made of solid wood features unique grain and coloring. It’s incredibly durable—many pieces of solid wood furniture can be passed down for generations—and is commonly used for flooring, construction, fine cabinetry, and more.

Engineered Wood

Engineered wood is a composite made of wood fibers held together with adhesives. These manufactured woods include plywood, particleboard, and fiberboard. While it’s not as strong or durable as solid wood, it offers its own advantages.

Manufactured wood is much less expensive than solid wood. It’s as versatile as solid wood, with the added advantage of being easier to work with and install, and it’s available in a wide range of colors and patterns to suit your aesthetic preferences. When used for flooring, for example, it’s more affordable than a solid hardwood floor, but it can be made to look like real wood with better resistance to scratches and stains. Manufactured wood is not as susceptible to water damage.

Engineered wood is also more sustainable than solid wood. A home made of manufactured wood, for example, demands fewer trees than a home made of solid wood. Some types of engineered wood are made of waste products like sawdust and wood chips, and they may also incorporate the use of bamboo or hemp, both of which are rapidly renewable.

E.W. Hannas Manufacturing Wooden Products

Manufactured wood is a great choice for packaging, affordable furniture and cabinets, interior doors, cost-effective construction, and products that aren’t subject to a lot of wear and tear or aren’t meant to last for decades. From crates and advertising novelties to handles, drink stirrers, and more, manufactured wood is often a practical choice.

E.W. Hannas is a fourth-generation family company specializing in custom wood products. For more than 100 years, we’ve been your go-to source for high-quality wooden crates, handles, food-safe products, dowels, crafts, and more. We uphold the highest industry standards, as evidenced by our certifications, including ISO 9001:2008, FSC, and C-TPA, and our involvement with industry associations like the National Association of Home Builders, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, the Wood Products Manufacturers Association, and the Global Food Safety Initiative. Contact us to learn more about our standard and custom wood products and our range of services, including private labeling, shipping and warehousing, and more, or to request a quote for your project.

What Kind of Wood Are Popsicle Sticks Made of?

What Kind of Wood Are Popsicle Sticks Made of?

Though it can vary from company to company, popsicle sticks are typically made of birchwood. Occasionally, plastic or another type of wood is used for ice cream sticks and holders, but birchwood remains popular for many reasons. It’s accessible and sustainable, and its unique properties are well-suited for use alongside food items.

Benefits of Birchwood

Because it’s smooth and durable and offers a neutral smell and taste, birchwood is a prime choice for food grade products:

• Smooth: Choosing the wrong wood for an ice cream stick could result in a consumer getting splinters, which would be a nightmare for both the consumer and the company that produced the dangerous treat. The smooth, even texture of birchwood is safe, and it feels better in your mouth as you eat a popsicle.
• Durable: Popsicle sticks made of birch are unlikely to break during normal usage; if they do, the properties of the wood allow for a cleaner, safer break. 
• Tasteless: Birch offers a neutral taste that doesn’t interfere with the ice cream or popsicle flavor. 
• Food Safe: Food manufacturers must use food grade materials to package their products, and that includes any wooden components. Birch features a fine grain, making it harder for food to get trapped in the wood. It’s used to make a number of products that are used with food, including cutting boards, rolling pins, skewers, corn dog sticks, drink stirrers, and more.
• Biodegradable: Whereas a plastic popsicle stick will stay nearly forever in a landfill, a wooden popsicle stick will decompose.

Food Safe Products at E.W. Hannas

At E.W. Hannas, we have decades of wood-based experience. We work with birchwood for a variety of our food safe products, and we take our responsibility to you seriously. We monitor the entire process involved in creating our ice cream and popsicle sticks, from harvesting the tree to enjoying a frozen treat. We offer extensive testing, backed by industry certifications, to ensure ecological responsibility, efficient production and quality control, and consumer safety. 

Contact E.W. Hannas for Your Popsicle Stick Needs

We offer wood assemblies ranging from popsicle sticks and other food safe products to crates, handles, dowels, advertising novelties, crafts, and custom wood products, but we don’t stop there. Our full line of services includes private labeling, supply chain management, and shipping and warehousing. 

With both third-party inspectors and internal auditors, we ensure our entire operation is held to the highest standards for safety and quality. We hold ISO 9001:2008, FSC, and C-TPAT certifications and belong to leading industry associations like the Global Food Safety Initiative, the National Association of Home Builders, the Wood Products Manufacturers Association, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and others. Founded in 1918, E.W. Hannas is a fourth-generation company committed to ongoing growth, a renewable future, and complete client satisfaction.

Contact us for more information about our popsicle sticks, corn dog sticks, kitchenware, and other food-safe wooden products, or to get a quote for your project.