Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
The main types of wooden buttons differ by the wood they are made from: beech and maple are light and even, olive has striking grain, walnut is dark and refined, and bamboo is light, lightweight and fast-renewing. Buttons are made from dense hardwoods that can be turned precisely and withstand everyday wear.
Why the wood matters
The type of wood determines more than just the colour of the button. It also governs density, wear resistance, how the button takes dye and lacquer, and how visible the grain is. Softwoods such as pine are not suitable – they chip, absorb moisture and do not hold a clean edge when drilled. That is why manufacturers choose hardwoods with a fine, even structure.
Types of wooden buttons by wood
Beech
Beech is light, with a pinkish-cream tone and a very fine, even structure. It is the most widely used wood for buttons because it is hard, easy to work and takes dye evenly. Beech buttons are versatile: they suit shirts, children's clothing and knitwear, and when dyed they fit almost any collection.
Olive
Olive wood has striking dark veins on a light, golden background. Every button looks like a small work of art. The material is dense and hard, with a natural oiliness that gives it a slight sheen. Olive wood buttons are chosen for premium knitwear, coats and accessories where the grain should be on show.
Walnut
Walnut is dark brown, sometimes with chocolate and grey hues. It looks elegant and classic, so it pairs well with tweed, wool, cashmere and dark autumn palettes. It suits blazers, waistcoats and coats.
Maple
Maple is very light, almost white, with a fine texture. It takes pastel dyes well and keeps its clean look. It suits summer clothing, babywear and Scandinavian-style collections.
Bamboo
Technically bamboo is a grass, not a wood, but it is processed in a similar way. It is light, with characteristic stripes, lightweight and very fast-growing, which is why it is associated with sustainability. Bamboo buttons are popular in eco collections, linen garments and children's clothing.
Other woods
You will also find buttons made from cherry, rosewood, ebony, acacia and coconut wood. Some exotic species have very beautiful grain, but with these it is important to check the origin of the wood and availability in larger quantities.
Comparison of the types
| Wood | Colour | Grain | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beech | light, creamy | fine, even | versatile, dyed models |
| Olive | golden with dark veins | striking | premium knitwear, coats |
| Walnut | dark brown | moderate | blazers, waistcoats, tweed |
| Maple | almost white | very fine | summer clothing and babywear |
| Bamboo | light, straw-coloured | stripes | eco collections, linen |
How the wood affects the finish
- Natural look – works best with olive and walnut, where the grain is beautiful in its own right.
- Oil and wax – bring out the grain and give a soft, silky sheen.
- Lacquer – protects against moisture; matt or gloss.
- Dyeing – suits light woods such as beech and maple, which take colour evenly. The texture remains visible under the dye.
- Laser engraving – gives the highest-contrast result on light woods, while on dark woods it is more subtle.
Natural variation
Wood is a living material, so buttons in one batch vary slightly in tone and grain. This is part of their value, but it should be taken into account when planning a collection. On garments with many buttons placed side by side, more even woods such as beech and maple give a calmer result. For single large buttons, striking woods such as olive stand out best.
Wood and other natural materials
If you like the natural look, compare wood with other materials too. Coconut buttons have a darker, grainy texture, while bone buttons are lighter and matt. All these materials work well with linen, cotton and wool.
Hardness and durability
The denser the wood, the better the button withstands friction in the buttonhole and knocks in the washing machine drum. Olive and beech are among the most durable, walnut and maple are also suitable for everyday wear, and bamboo is light but strong enough if the button is of normal thickness.
Origin and sustainability of the wood
For brands that focus on sustainability, what matters is not only that the button is made of wood but also where the wood comes from. European species such as beech and maple are widely available, and olive wood is often obtained from old or pruned trees. Bamboo grows very fast and regenerates without replanting. With exotic species it is sensible to ask for information on origin. If you communicate sustainability to your customers, word it carefully and only on the basis of information you can document.
Which type to choose for your collection
If you are not sure where to start, here is a simple rule. For a large series dyed to a colour sample, choose beech – it is predictable and takes dye evenly. For premium knitwear or a coat where the button should be a highlight, choose olive or walnut. For baby and summer collections in light tones, choose maple or bamboo. When you want everything on the garment to tell the same story, coordinate the wood with the thread colour and the tone of the labels.
Wooden buttons from Polkom
Polkom offers wooden buttons in various woods, sizes and finishes, as well as custom production – dyed to a colour sample and with your logo. Send an inquiry stating the type of garment and we will suggest a suitable wood and send samples.
