Curious about wooden yoga blocks? Yoga blocks come in a few different types of materials. Foam blocks are the ones most often seen in yoga studios. Occasionally, you’ll see cork blocks.
Wood blocks and bamboo blocks, on the other hand, aren’t quite as common. But some yogis prefer them because of their stability and durability. Foam and cork blocks often fray and chip away over time, while wood blocks can last years without any noticeable wear.
If you’re considering picking up wooden yoga blocks to enhance and deepen your poses, read on to learn about the difference in materials (true wood vs. bamboo), and read our recommendations for the best wood blocks on the market today.
Also check out our list of recommended cork blocks here, and our list of the top foam blocks here.
Are Wood and Bamboo Yoga Blocks the Same Thing?
Most of the products you see advertised as “wooden yoga blocks” are actually made from bamboo. What’s the difference?
Wood, obviously, comes from trees, while bamboo comes from the bamboo plant, which grows primarily in warm, tropical regions. Bamboo is technically a grass! Both materials are strong and long-lasting, which is why they’ve been used by humans for centuries to make shelters and houses. When it comes to what is known as the “strength-to-weight ratio,” bamboo and timber score very closely.
Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world. Under optimal conditions, it can grow as much as three feet in a single day! That ability to quickly replenish itself makes bamboo a popular choice among environmentally-conscious yogis.
After all, trees can’t grow that quickly, so bamboo is a slightly more sustainable and renewable choice. If everyone in the world started using wooden yoga blocks, it would be much easier to produce bamboo ones than wooden ones.
Ultimately, both true wood and bamboo are eco-friendly choices since they’re natural materials. They are much better for the environment than foam blocks made from synthetic materials produced in a lab!
There aren’t major differences between true wood and bamboo blocks in terms of how they affect your yoga practice. For our purposes, we’ll consider bamboo and wood blocks as essentially being the same thing. We’re reviewing both types of blocks in this article.
The Best Wooden Yoga Block
Maji Sports Bamboo Block
The Maji Sports Bamboo Block for yoga and pilates has a hollow core, so it weighs in at just 1.5 pounds. It’s super-lightweight and easy to transport!
It’s also quite affordable by bamboo yoga block standards. That means you’re not risking much by taking a chance on it. There are no sharp edges – it has a smooth finish and rounded corners.
The Maji Sports brick measures 9 inches long by 6 inches wide by 3 inches tall. Most foam blocks are 9 x 6 x 4, so you’re getting one inch less of thickness with the bamboo block. But because it’s made from bamboo, this block is still more sturdy and durable than any foam block.
Other Top Wood Blocks Available
Here are some other wooden yoga blocks available on Amazon at the time of this writing. Since most of the prominent yoga companies don’t manufacture wooden bricks, you’ll see some unfamiliar brand names in this list.
YogaAccessories New Zealand Pine Wood Block
If you want a block made from true wood rather than bamboo, go with the YogaAccessories Pine Wood Block. Made from strong New Zealand pine, these blocks are among the sturdiest you will find anywhere.
They are hollow, but they’re still quite strong due to the pine wood. They measure 9 x 6 x 4 inches, so that gives you an extra inch of thickness as compared to the Maji Sports block.
The YogaAccessories pine wood yoga block also looks great in addition to being reliable. It’s cool seeing that prominent wood grain running down the length of the block.
Hugger Mugger Bamboo Block
The Hugger Mugger Bamboo Block is currently out of stock on Amazon, which is a shame, since it was the most popular wooden brick on the market. Hopefully by the time you read this, it will be available once again.
Hugger Mugger is a reputable name that also makes some of our favorite yoga mats, bolsters, and stretching straps. This item comes with the brand’s logo on one side of the brick.
This particular block is made from bamboo with a hollow center. It’s plenty strong enough for serious use in just about every yoga pose you want to try.
Kakaos Hollow Bamboo 2-Block Set
With the Kakaos Hollow Bamboo Set, you can grab two blocks in a convenient package. These hollow bamboo blocks measure the standard 9 x 6 x 4 size.
Kakaos is an emerging name in the world of yoga products. They also manufacture several bolsters and cotton yoga blankets.
As with most wood or bamboo blocks, the shiny finish means they don’t have a lot of traction or grip. Use the blocks atop a yoga mat so that they don’t slide over the floor.
Wooden Blocks vs. Cork and Foam Ones
Cork is also made from trees, but it’s a totally different product. Cork yoga blocks are less heavy and dense, and therefore less sturdy than wooden ones. Cork tends to degrade over time, and pieces of cork blocks often start to chip away (especially the corners.)
Foam blocks are far less sturdy as well. That’s by design – foam blocks are meant to be more malleable. So you have to decide whether you want a block that is softer and more squishy, or whether you prefer the solid support you’d get from a wood brick.
Foam blocks also degrade after sustained use. Once you start seeing permanent creases in the blocks, and small pieces or chunks start to fall out (and they will), it’s time to find a replacement.
Wooden yoga blocks are sometimes more expensive than cork and foam ones, for the very reasons mentioned here. If you find a good wood block you’re happy with, that could last you several years – a far longer lifespan than you’d get with foam.
There are a few blocks made of solid wood, but the majority of wood and bamboo blocks have a hollow core. Hollow wood bricks are fine, as long as they are well-made.
More FAQs About These Products
Should I buy multiple blocks?
Many people who incorporate yoga blocks into their practice choose to buy two blocks. This is ideal, as you need two blocks for certain poses. However, you can certainly get by with one block for many postures.
Alternately, you could try using knee pads or gel cushions if you can get by with a smaller level of support.
How do you wash bamboo and wooden yoga blocks?
As with cork blocks, you want to be gentle when cleaning them. Maji Sports recommends cleaning their blocks using a damp cloth and a cleaning solution. This can be either a gentle household cleaner, or a homemade mix such as 50% apple cider vinegar and 50% water. Use the smallest amount of liquid possible to clean the block.
Is it possible to find a solid wood block that isn’t hollow?
Anything’s possible, but I have only come across a couple of solid wood blocks that aren’t hollow inside. Both either sold out or were removed from Amazon because they didn’t sell. Solid wood blocks are obviously much heavier and therefore much more expensive, which explains why they aren’t common. Feel free to notify us if you come across any solid wood blocks online.
Do major yoga companies make wood yoga blocks?
Most prominent companies do not currently offer wood or bamboo blocks. Some companies used to make them but took them off the market when they weren’t profitable. Manduka, for instance, used to sell an Artisan Wood Block made of a striking white-gray wood, but it’s very difficult to find that product anymore.
Where else can I find wooden yoga blocks?
As noted, wood bricks are still kind of a niche product, so there aren’t a ton of places to purchase them. Amazon is still your best bet. Some yoga accessories stores may carry them. Etsy also has some, but as they are hand-crafted, there may not be a guarantee on quality.
Have you ever used wooden yoga blocks?