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Article: Wooden Puzzle vs Plastic Puzzle - What You Need to Know

banner-Wooden Puzzle vs Plastic Puzzle - What You Need to Know
How to 8 minutes to read

Wooden Puzzle vs Plastic Puzzle - What You Need to Know

Do you want to unlock your puzzle-solving potential but can’t figure out whether to choose wooden or plastic puzzles?

Using puzzles with so many options around, finding the best material for you can be a tasking process.  So whether you are a casual player or a serious puzzler, we’re delighted to help you make the best choice.

Why are wooden puzzles better than Plastic puzzles?

Craftsmanship

The wooden 3D puzzles have a premium appeal that is complemented by a smooth polish, making the pieces pleasing to the touch. This exclusive craftsmanship is complemented by the unrivaled attention to detail. 

In contrast, plastic puzzles are produced in bulk. The speed of production is quicker, and though the pieces tend to fit more precisely, their warmth and personality are less than that of wood. Of course, plastic can be fun in shapes and colors but offers a lighter feel that diminishes its quality. 

Durability

On the other hand, the craftsmanship of a wooden puzzle can be defined by its longevity as well. They can stand the test of time when maintained properly, turning into family heirlooms. Although plastic puzzles are durable to some degree, they tend to show more wear and tear over time, especially with frequent use.

Quality

That being said, quality also pertains to how a wooden jigsaw puzzle feels like in one’s hands while considering the design and intricacy of the pieces. In comparison, wooden puzzles tend to have more complex designs, which are more rewarding when finished. 

Plastic Might Be Cheaper, But Wooden Puzzles Are Built to Last

Even though plastic puzzles are without doubt the cheaper alternative, wooden puzzles possess a particular artistic touch. Wooden puzzles can be a little bit costly, but their price justifies the qualities they possess. It starts with $8.99 to as much as $223. To check out the costs, visit Robotime.

Wooden puzzles have superior durability and longevity compared to plastic ones. If you’re looking to invest in a puzzle that is going to last, then wooden puzzles are the choice. Wooden puzzles retain their shape for a long time.  

The solid nature of wood helps it survive the pressure of assembling and disassembling without changing its shape. Unlike plastic, which tends to soften or lose shape with time, wooden puzzles can be trusted to stay as they were intended to be.

In addition, wooden puzzles do not show much wear and tear compared to others. Unlike plastic puzzles that tend to loosen or crack with excessive use, wooden ones maintain their durability. It’s also worth mentioning that plastic puzzles tend to distort due to heat or humidity. Gradually, the pieces might start to warp or misalign, making it increasingly difficult to solve the puzzle. Wooden puzzles are far more resilient and remain stable, even when subjected to changes in heat or moisture.

Comparison of Wooden and Plastic Puzzles by Age Group

Age Group

Wooden Puzzles

Plastic Puzzles

Kids

- Safe, non-toxic materials
- Helps develop motor skills and problem-solving abilities
- Durable and long-lasting

- Bright, colorful, and fun designs
- Easier to handle for smaller hands
- Often more affordable and accessible

Adults 

- Premium feel and craftsmanship
- Perfect for relaxation and creative challenges

- Quick and convenient puzzles for a fun break
- Tons of themes and puzzle styles to choose from

Seniors

- Engaging the mind helps with focus
- Therapeutic and relaxing

- Lighter, easier to handle

- Fun, interactive, and great for social settings

Why Are 3D Wooden Puzzles Considered Safer Than Plastic?

As far as safety is concerned, 3D wooden puzzles stand out for families with very young children. A lot of wooden puzzles are made using chemically untreated wood. Moreover, they are usually finished with nontoxic stains or paint. 

Robotime's wood is FSC certified so you don't have to worry about any safety issues when buying for your kid. 

On the other hand, some plastic puzzles are not safe. Though a good number of plastic puzzles are made considering safety, poorer quality plastic ones may have dangerous substances like BPA (Bisphenol A) and phthalates that are dangerous when taken in or exposed to skin for a prolonged time. Also, with heavy usage, plastic puzzles are more likely to shatter into dangerously sharp fragments. These tiny, razor-sharp pieces are hazardous, especially for younger children, as they are likely to choke on them or get sliced.

Puzzles made from wood are more durable since they are crafted from a single piece of solid wood compared to ones made from weaker materials. They are also less likely to inflict injury or pose a choking risk, which enhances their safety. Because of the non-toxic materials used in making the wooden puzzles, they are safe and suitable for families, which adds to their reliability.  

Touch - Wooden vs Plastic Puzzles!

From a touch perspective, 3D wooden puzzles are the most advanced and feel more engaging compared to plastic ones. The first time you handle a wooden puzzle, you’ll instantly notice the difference in weight and texture. The materials utilized in making the puzzles give the pieces a heavy and solid texture, which makes them easier to grasp or hold. Blocks that are wooden have greater tactile appeal than those crafted from plastic, which results in better enjoyment while completing them.

The variety in shape and texture of the wooden pieces gives a puzzle a sense of satisfaction as the pieces fit together, elevating the overall experience. Plastic puzzles do not provide the same level of engagement because they are bland and undergo mass production.  

Eco-Friendliness - Why Wooden Puzzles Are the Eco-Conscious Choice Than Plastic?

Usually, 3D wooden puzzles are made from renewable sources of wood, which makes them more eco-friendly as they are biodegradable and much easier to recycle than plastic. Wooden materials are nature’s gift to the world, and they decompose over time, which is better for the environment. If you are a person who espouses sustainability, then wooden puzzles are the solution as they have less impact on the environment because their production processes do less harm to the earth in the long run.

As for Plastic, it is a form of synthetic material and can be difficult to biodegrade. In comparison to other materials,  plastic has long-term environmental impacts, as it takes hundreds of years to decompose in landfills, further adding to the environmental crisis. 

If you’re someone who truly cares about reducing waste and opting for sustainable products, puzzles made of wood are an excellent choice. 

Why Wooden Puzzles Just Look Better Than Plastic Ones

3D wooden puzzles have an unrivaled value in both aesthetics and display.  Many wooden puzzles have great details, which make them look intricate yet have aesthetic value for your dwelling. They are easily frameable or shelf displayed due to the polish and smooth finish alongside their naturally stunning wood tones which further enhance the beauty.  

Plastic puzzles often lack elegance and artistic appeal, unlike wooden puzzles. They are not considered timeless accessories suitable for display in offices or homes. Although enjoyed for their fun value, plastic puzzles lack sophistication and beauty when compared to wooden puzzles, rendering them unfit for display.  

Takeaway

If you are considering both 3D wooden and plastic puzzles, surely the wooden option is better, more attractive, satisfying and sustainable. 3D Wooden puzzles offer great options from being eco-friendly to quality designs. For people who love handcrafted designs, wooden puzzles are best as they are not only aesthetically perfect but also serve a functional purpose. Also, they are biodegradable and made of renewable materials, aligning perfectly with a sustainable lifestyle. This allows puzzlers to enjoy and explore their creativity.

Do you want to explore the world of 3D wooden puzzles? If so, check out robotime's amazing collection to explore different gift ideas for gifting puzzles to your loved ones. 

 

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