What Are Pipes Made Of?

A tobacco pipe is made of wood? Sure. But did you know that, besides the popular wood version, there are other materials used to make pipes, some of which have an even longer tradition? And even within wooden pipes, there are significant differences. We will introduce the most important materials and their characteristics.

A pipe is not just a pipe. There are many characteristics that distinguish one pipe from another, such as the shape—straight or bent pipes—or the various mouthpieces, which greatly affect the smoking experience. Another often overlooked feature is the material the pipe is made of. If you think, "A pipe is made of wood," you're only partly right. In reality, there are several other materials used in making tobacco pipes. Let’s introduce the most important ones:

Bruyère Wood

We begin with the most popular type of pipe: Bruyère wood. The name comes from the French term for the heath tree. The special thing is that the root growths, rather than the regular wood, are used to make the pipes. These root knobs are typically over 30 years old and are harvested in coastal regions of Italy or Greece. The biggest advantage of Bruyère wood pipes is the heat resistance of the material. The wood is so dense that it can be polished to a high gloss, showcasing its beautiful grain. A true classic!

Olive Wood

Another popular material is olive wood, especially favored by Italian manufacturers. Like Bruyère wood, it’s very strong, making it ideal for pipe crafting. However, the wood must be degreased before use. An olive wood pipe has an initial slight olive oil taste but develops a pleasantly sweet flavor over time.

Bog Oak

Bog oak, or "Morta," is a favorite among connoisseurs. This rare pipe material comes from oak that has been preserved in a bog for millennia, absorbing minerals under pressure and often turning black due to the bog soil. Morta pipes are typically smaller in size because the material is brittle. Larger pipe heads are rare, and this material is more heat-sensitive.

Meerschaum Pipe

Another specialty is the Meerschaum pipe. Nearly all of these pipes are made in Turkey. Meerschaum (or sepiolite) is a mineral that is mined underground. Its countless small pores allow the pipe to absorb the condensates of tobacco effectively. A new Meerschaum pipe starts off gleaming white but gradually changes color as it is used. There are also Bruyère pipes with a Meerschaum insert—truly unique pieces.

Clay

Clay pipes are not very common today but have the longest history in Europe. In the 17th and 18th centuries, they were still handmade and individually crafted. There was even a historical trade called the "pipe baker," which existed until the mid-18th century. Well-preserved and remaining pipes from that time are considered valuable antiques.

Calabash

Finally, there’s a unique pipe type: the Calabash pipe from Africa. Calabash, or bottle gourds, are dried and shaped into pipes. Their inside usually consists of Meerschaum, and these pipes tend to have larger bowls, which results in a cooler smoke.