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What Can I Burn a Candle On? 6 Great Options (With Pictures)
Pete Ortiz
Last updated:
Most people enjoy burning candles in their homes for the ambiance. You’ll find a candle or signs of one in most households, especially because decorated and scented candles fit all occasions and holidays. The problem many people have with burning candles is the dripping wax.
Most candles come with a warning label on the best surfaces to burn and the dangers of burning them. Typically, it suggests burning it on a heat-resistant surface.
This is because heat-resistant surfaces can withstand warm temperatures and don’t heat up easily. Some examples of heat-resistant surfaces are wood, ceramic, and clay.
Heat Resistant Surfaces You Can Burn Candles On
Please note that heat-resistant surfaces are not always heat-proof; they can just stand more heat than other surfaces.
Candle holders are usually made from these materials:
Granite
Metal
Heat resistant wood
Glass
Ceramic
Soapstone
The 6 Surfaces to Burn a Candle On
1. Glass
Image By: thevibrantmachine, Pexels
When you buy a candle, you’ll realize that it typically comes in glass jars. The wick and the wax are sealed in the glass, which makes burning the candle much safer. Ensure that the glass jar does not have any cracks—a cracked jar when the candle is lit can be disastrous.
Also, ensure that the glass jar is not too thin. Canning jars are usually thick, won’t easily crack, and are an excellent option for burning candles.
If you don’t want to burn your candle inside the glass jar, you can always transfer it onto a glass tray or glass surface. The same goes for any candle that does not come in a glass jar. However, the wax will melt whether inside the glass or not, and you need to be sure that the wax will have a place to go.
Pros
Glass is heat resistant and prevents the candle from melting fast and dripping on other surfaces in the house.
Cons
It’s at risk of cracking from the heat
2. Ceramic
Image Credit: Guido Benedetto, Shutterstock
Non-porous ceramic surfaces and jars make great candle containers and candle-burning surfaces. However, treat them properly and seal off all the porous spaces. You can place your candle on a ceramic plate or in a ceramic bowl or cup.
Pros
Ceramic is heat-resistant and non-flammable
Easy to clean
Cons
Cracks easily
3. Heat Resistant Wood
Image By: Lumi Studio, Shutterstock
Although wood is highly flammable, it can be treated so that it is capable of withstanding extremely high temperatures and fire without burning. Making wood heat-resistant involves combining it with non-combustible materials and pressure treating it with fire-retardant chemicals.
Pros
It’s durable
Adds a warm, rustic appeal to the home
Cons
Burning a candle on wood can stain it and leave burn marks
4. Metal
Image By: kyasarin, Pixabay
Stainless steel and aluminum make the best candle holders. Your metal jar or container should not leak; therefore, fill the container with water first to ensure that it has no cracks or holes. If unsure, you can always purchase a metal container from candle-making companies.
Pros
Heat resistant, non-flammable, and doesn’t melt
Durable and can last for years
Cons
Conducts heat
5. Granite
Image By: CHIRAG K, Unsplash
Most kitchen countertops are made of granite as it is so heat resistant. Candle holders made from this rock are available in many various shades. Granite holds well and hardly shows the effects of wear and tear.
Pros
Highly durable
It performs pretty well when under heat exposure and is easy to clean
Cons
Fades from too much heat exposure
6. Soapstone
Although soapstone is more prone to scratching and chipping than granite, it is heat-resistant and chemically inert. Soapstone also comes in a warm, inviting color, giving your home a warm and inviting aura.
Surfaces made from soapstone absorb and retain heat, acting as candle warmers, enabling your candle to burn for a longer time. The scratches on the surface can be buffed out of the surface or filled in.
Pros
It does not crack when exposed to heat and can easily handle the heat from candles
Cons
Chips easily
What Not to Burn Candles On
The ideal candle holder or surface should meet these basic requirements; it should be non-flammable and won’t leak or crack. Unless you want to burn down your house or have wax dripping everywhere, there are certain surfaces on which you shouldn’t burn candles.
These surfaces are not heat safe, and they include:
Plastic: Plastic quickly melts when exposed to a source of heat. Avoid burning candles on a plastic surface, as this can melt them and cause them to tip over, thereby starting a fire. Read the label on the surface to ensure that it’s not made of plastic.
Fabric: Avoid placing a lit candle on a tablecloth or any other fabric surface. Most materials are highly flammable and can spread fire quickly.
Tin: Tin is a heat conductor that warms the candle too fast. It’s also unsafe to burn a candle on a tin surface.
Paper: This goes without saying. Paper is highly flammable, and dripping wax on a piece of paper can be dangerous. Books are also to be put in the same category as paper.
Benefits of Lighting Candles in Your Home
A candle can serve as a décor piece, fragrance, or therapeutic tool. Several mental benefits come from burning a scented candle. Although it might seem silly to most people, it’s rooted in aroma therapy and is even used by therapists.
Conclusion
Candles cause an average of 15,600 fires yearly, resulting in 150 casualties. Over half of these fires are caused by burning a candle on a flammable surface or near a flammable surface. Therefore, half of these fires can be prevented by burning the candle on a safe surface.
If you have candles in your home, you need to invest in great candle holders. Before getting your candle holder, ensure you choose safe surfaces.
Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of DIY projects around the home. Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. His other interests include astronomy, hiking, and fishing.
As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden.
