Wooden Bowls, Plates, Trays, and Platters

Wooden Dinnerware: What You Need to Know

Wooden plates and bowls impart a unique aesthetic to your table setting. Something about the natural look of wood and bamboo brings a different feel to the dining experience, making these pieces a great fit in any establishment wanting a rustic or farm-to-table look. As customers become more interested in the origin and sustainability of their meals, many restaurants are looking to wood dishes to complement their eco-friendly presentation.

Caring for wooden bowls and plates can be tricky because not all wooden dinnerware can be sanitized in a commercial dishwasher. Some wooden serving bowls require oiling and regular care to keep them shining throughout their service life.

Common Questions About Wooden Dishes

What types of dishes can be made of wood?

We carry an array of wooden dinnerware, ranging from decorative bowls with chalkboard signs to functional platters, plates, and bowls. Because wood is a natural material, each piece will have slightly different coloration and patterns, so each guest has a unique bowl. The downside to working with wood is it can be expensive to form into complicated shapes, leading to most wooden dishware being relatively straightforward bowls and plates. Wood does lend itself to squared-off serving trays and bowls, which can be eye-catchingly different from standard curved options.

We carry wooden bowls, wooden plates, and wooden serving bowls, but we also carry some unique wooden combination dishes, such as the aluminum and wood salmon-shaped dish. Our selection is constantly changing, so check back here periodically to see what new pieces we've added.

How should I maintain wooden dishes?

Many of our wooden pieces are safe for use in a commercial dishwasher. Unlike residential woodware, commercial pieces are often finished with a strong glaze that will endure the heat and chemicals of a commercial dishwasher. However, not all wooden plates and bowls are coated with this glaze. Serving platters are more likely to have a natural, unglazed finish than other dinnerware. Anything not covered with a strong glaze will need special care because heat, strong chemicals, and prolonged contact with water can damage wooden dishes.

Here are a few steps for taking care of wooden pieces that are not dishwasher safe:

1. Wash the dishes with soap and water. Do not leave them to soak in the water for too long.
2. Wipe water from the bowl with a soft cloth and let it dry thoroughly before the next step.
3. Season the wood with an odorless cooking oil or mineral oil. This oil will be absorbed into the wood, so don't use anything that will leave a scent.
4. Leave the oil on the wood for about thirty minutes and then dab off the excess with a paper towel before storing the dinnerware.