Difference between craft sticks and popsicle sticks
When it comes to crafting, there are different tools and materials available to execute a desired product. Two of the most common materials used in crafting are craft sticks and popsicle sticks. While they both share similarities such as made from wood, they have differences. Here are the primary differences between craft sticks and popsicle sticks:
Materials used to make the sticks
Craft sticks and popsicle sticks both made from wood, but the wood is of different types. Popsicle sticks are made from birch wood or softwood, while craft sticks are made from hardwood, particularly from birch, beech, or maple wood. Thus, craft sticks are durable, strong, and smoother than popsicle sticks.
Size and flexibility
The size of popsicle sticks and craft sticks is also different. Popsicle sticks are usually smaller and thinner than craft sticks. Popsicle sticks come in sizes ranging from 2.25″ to 4.5″ long and about 2.5mm thick. Craft sticks, on the other hand, are thicker and wider and are available in a range of sizes from 2.625″ to 6″ long and about 4.5mm thick. Craft sticks are more flexible and can endure pressure, bending, and strain without breaking compared to popsicle sticks.
Color and texture
Popsicle sticks are smooth and usually have a plain wood color, while craft sticks are available in different colors such as white, natural wood, black, or different shades of brown. Besides the different colors, craft sticks might have grooves, serrations, or ridges, which add texture to the sticks and make them easier to hold and manipulate.
Uses
The primary use of popsicle sticks is to make fun crafts with children, such as frames, boxes, puzzles, and other small household items. Craft sticks, on the other hand, are mostly for commercial use, such as in construction, woodworking, engineering, and agriculture industries. Craft sticks are also excellent materials for making large structures such as bridges, buildings, and models.
Finding the right stick for a project
While both craft sticks and popsicle sticks can be used for crafting, choosing the correct stick depends on the project’s requirements. Popsicle sticks are suitable for small-scale projects and for involving children in crafts, while craft sticks are more suited for commercial applications or building large structures. Therefore, it is essential to know the requirements of a project beforehand to choose the right stick to get the best result.
