Creating Montessori toys at home can be a rewarding experience.
Not only do you get to craft something meaningful with your own hands, but you also have full control over the materials, safety, and long-term durability of the toys your child interacts with every day.
As more parents look for natural, non-toxic alternatives to plastic toys, understanding how to choose the right wood has become more important than ever.
At Dannico Woodworks, this is something we think about every single day.
As a father of two and the founder of a brand built on child-centered design, I’ve learned that the type of wood you choose plays a major role in how well a Montessori toy performs, how safe it is, and how long it lasts.
Kids learn through touch, movement, and repetition, so the materials in their environment must be strong, smooth, and thoughtfully selected.
If you’re planning to build your own Montessori toys—or you’re just curious about how professionals choose their wood—this guide will walk you through everything you need to know in a clear and practical way.
Why the Type of Wood Matters for Montessori Toys
Montessori toys encourage independence, creativity, and hands-on exploration. Because of that, the materials need to be:
- Safe: splinter-free, non-toxic, and stable.
- Durable: able to withstand chewing, throwing, stacking, and years of play.
- Natural: wood with visible grains helps children connect with nature and builds sensory awareness.
- Weight-balanced: not too heavy for little hands, but not so light that they feel cheap or unsafe.
The right wood elevates the entire experience for your child. That’s why, at Dannico Woodworks, every product—like our Montessori Bookshelf found here:
—is crafted using premium, child-safe wood that aligns with the Montessori philosophy.
The Best Types of Wood for DIY Montessori Toys
Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used woods, how they differ, and which ones are ideal for different types of Montessori toys.
1. Maple: The Montessori Classic
Maple is one of the most popular choices for high-quality wooden toys—and for good reason.
Why it’s great:
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Naturally smooth and fine-grained
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Extremely durable and long-lasting
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Resistant to dents and heavy play
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Doesn’t splinter easily
Maple is perfect for toys children will handle repeatedly, such as stacking toys, shape sorters, counting blocks, and tools with moving parts.
Best for:
Montessori materials that require precision, like tracing boards, knobbed puzzles, and stacking rings.
2. Birch: Affordable and Reliable
Birch is a favorite among woodworkers because it strikes a balance between durability and affordability.
Why it’s great:
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Strong but lightweight
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Consistent grain pattern
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Works well for both solid wood pieces and plywood
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Smooth finish with minimal sanding
If you’re building larger Montessori toy structures—such as toddler towers, shelves, balance boards, or activity trays—birch (especially birch plywood) is an excellent option.
Best for:
Larger items requiring structural strength, including DIY shelves or practical-life stations.
3. Beech: Smooth, Hard, and Beautiful
Beech wood has been a staple in European toy-making for centuries.
Why it’s great:
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Dense and extremely strong
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Subtle grain that finishes beautifully
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Splinter-resistant and safe for teething babies
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Stable even with temperature and humidity changes
Beech is commonly used in teething toys, rattles, sensory blocks, and toys for younger children.
Best for:
Infant-friendly toys and anything intended to withstand drool, dropping, or chewing.
4. Pine: A Budget-Friendly Option (With Limits)
Pine is often the first wood people think of because it’s easy to find and affordable. While pine can work, it does come with limitations.
Why it’s tricky:
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Softer wood; dents easily
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Grain can be inconsistent
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More likely to splinter if not finished extremely well
That said, pine can be used for simple, low-impact toys or decorative pieces. Make sure to sand thoroughly and seal properly.
Best for:
Decorative items, simple trays, or toys with minimal strain.
5. Oak: The Strongest Option
Oak is incredibly durable, dense, and visually striking—but it’s also heavier than other woods.
Why it’s great:
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Very strong and long-lasting
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Visually rich grain pattern
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Resistant to wear and rough handling
Because of its weight, oak is not ideal for small-handheld toys, but it works beautifully for large objects like climbing toys or furniture.
Best for:
Climbing triangles, wobble boards, or furniture-style Montessori items.
6. Bamboo: The Eco-Conscious Choice
Bamboo isn’t technically wood—it’s a fast-growing grass—but it behaves like wood and is extremely sustainable.
Why it’s great:
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Environmentally friendly
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Lightweight yet strong
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Naturally smooth and safe
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Modern, clean look
Bamboo also resists swelling and cracking, which makes it a great choice for toys used in humid climates.
Best for:
Eco-focused projects, trays, building blocks, and utensils for practical-life work.
Solid Wood vs. Plywood: Which Should You Use?
Both have their place in Montessori toy making.
Solid Wood
Pros:
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Natural grain and texture
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Strong and aesthetically pleasing
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Great for small toys and handheld items
Cons:
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More expensive
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Can warp if not dried properly
Plywood (especially Baltic Birch)
Pros:
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Extremely stable and strong
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Ideal for large structures
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Smooth and consistent
Cons:
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Must use high-quality plywood to ensure safety
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Edges must be well-sanded
At Dannico Woodworks, many of our Montessori-inspired furniture pieces use premium-grade birch plywood for strength and stability. You can explore our full collection here:
How to Tell if Your Wood Is Child-Safe
Not all wood is created equal. Before working with any material, check these three key factors:
1. Make sure the wood is untreated.
Avoid chemically treated lumber, often used in outdoor construction. Choose natural, kiln-dried wood.
2. Check for non-toxic finishes.
Only use child-safe oils, beeswax, or water-based finishes. For raw-wood toys, a simple beeswax and oil blend works beautifully.
3. Inspect the grain and texture.
The smoother and more consistent the grain, the safer it is once sanded.
Practical Tips for Working With Wood for Montessori Toys
Here’s what will make your DIY experience smoother:
Sand thoroughly.
Start with 120 grit, move to 180, and finish at 220. Kids explore with their hands—and sometimes their mouths—so smoothness is essential.
Avoid sharp edges.
Gently round corners using a router or sandpaper.
Plan your cuts based on grain direction.
This keeps pieces strong and reduces splintering.
Test your finish before applying.
Make sure it absorbs evenly and doesn’t leave stickiness behind.
Dry your wood properly.
Moisture causes warping, which is especially noticeable in Montessori toys requiring precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hardwood always better than softwood?
Not always. Hardwoods like maple and beech last longer, but softwoods like pine can still be used for decorative or low-impact toys. The key is matching the wood to the purpose.
Can I leave the wood unfinished?
Yes—many Montessori toys are intentionally left raw. Make sure the wood is thoroughly sanded and naturally safe. If finishing, use non-toxic oils.
What finish is best for Montessori toys?
A blend of beeswax and mineral oil (or linseed oil) is a trusted choice. It’s natural, safe, and gives the wood a warm sheen.
Is plywood safe for kids?
High-quality birch plywood is safe when properly sanded and sealed. Always avoid cheap plywood that may contain harmful adhesives.
Why Wood Choice Matters at Dannico Woodworks
Our mission is to create child-friendly furniture that is both functional and beautifully crafted—pieces that support independence, creativity, and safety. Every product we create reflects our belief that children deserve environments designed with intention.
- You can learn more about us here:
- And if you’d prefer ready-made Montessori-aligned pieces crafted with premium, kid-safe wood, our full collection is here:
Choosing the right wood is the first step toward creating toys that last—and toys that support your child’s development in meaningful ways.
Conclusion
Crafting Montessori toys at home gives you the freedom to choose materials that reflect your values—quality, safety, and intentional design.
With the right wood, your DIY toys can become lasting pieces your child will treasure for years.
And if you ever want professionally designed, Montessori-focused furniture to complement your projects, the team at Dannico Woodworks is here to help.
What will you create next that helps your child explore, learn, and grow?
