Wooden steering wheels offer a timeless charm, unmatched elegance, and a genuine sense of connection to classic motoring. But not all wood is equally suitable for steering wheels.
At Moto-Lita, we carefully select our materials to ensure beauty, durability, and sustainability. Here's what makes certain woods the perfect choice.
What makes wood ideal for steering wheels?
When choosing wood for steering wheels, a few key qualities matter most:
- Strength and durability: Wood must withstand daily use, temperature changes, humidity, and sunlight exposure.
- Stability and appearance: The grain should be attractive, consistent, and resistant to warping or cracking.
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Sustainability: Responsibly sourced materials ensure minimal environmental impact.
Moto-Lita’s chosen hardwoods
Moto-Lita steering wheels primarily use these premium hardwoods:
Sapele: the classic choice
Sapele is a South African tropical hardwood renowned for its strength, fine grain, and rich colour. With deep, reddish-brown hues and an attractive grain pattern, it provides both elegance and durability, making it perfect for traditional laminate steering wheels.
Gaboon (Okoume): special-order excellence
Gaboon (Okoume) is another prized South African hardwood, lighter in weight and colour, offering a more subtle aesthetic. Its fine texture and stability mean it’s superb for steering wheels where understated sophistication and reduced weight matter most.
American Walnut: luxury defined
American walnut is famous for its deep colour and luxurious grain patterns. It's the wood of choice for high-end, elegant interiors, offering a distinctive look that grows richer over time.
Mahogany (Sapele-based): timeless elegance
Moto-Lita’s "Mahogany" wheels utilise carefully selected thin veneers of Sapele, emulating the rich tones and classic styling of genuine mahogany. It’s strong, stable, and visually stunning, a perfect blend for steering wheels that honour automotive heritage.
Wood laminates for extra durability
Moto-Lita steering wheels use laminate construction, layering thin veneers to make up the hard wood rim.
The laminate Moto-Lita use is Super Elite Marine sapele plywood with an FSC Chain of Custody, and a Declaration of Performance and Lloyds certification from the manufacturing mill.
The technique of laminating and veneering enhances:
- Strength and stability: Reducing the risk of warping or cracking.
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Beauty and depth: Layers create a visually appealing, consistent grain and finish.
Meeting the highest standards
Moto-Lita ensures all woods meet rigorous international standards for safety, quality, and sustainability:
- BS 1088:2003
- EN 13986:2004, BS EN 310:1993, BS EN 314-1:1993, BS EN 314-2:1993, BS EN 717-2:1995
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DIN68705:1981
Every Moto-Lita wooden wheel meets or exceeds these stringent criteria, ensuring superior quality and safety.
Sustainability and environmental responsibility
Moto-Lita is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. We source all our timber exclusively from FSC®-audited suppliers, adhering to:
- FSC-STD-40-004 (Version 3.0) EN
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FSC-STD-50-001 (Version 2.0) EN
These certifications confirm that the wood used in every Moto-Lita steering wheel is sustainably harvested, protecting forests and ecosystems for future generations.
Choosing your perfect wooden steering wheel
A wooden steering wheel isn’t merely an accessory. It's a statement of style, heritage, and sustainability. With Sapele, Gaboon, American Walnut, or Mahogany-style finishes, Moto-Lita offers beautifully crafted wheels that bring elegance, durability, and environmental integrity to every drive.
Ready to find your ideal wooden steering wheel? Explore the Moto-Lita range today: Moto-Lita Steering Wheels