Steps to constructing a Wooden Loaf Mold for Soapmaking

Making your own Wooden Loaf Mold

Here are instructions to making my favorite soap mold.

It's easy enough to make a loaf mold for the size of bars you're after. I wanted a simple loaf mold where I could cut the bars into rectangles, much like cutting bread. I line the molds with Freezer Paper - plastic side up and and it works very well. I also ordered a Soap Cutter from Sweet Prairie Soaps to help me cut the bars more evenly. Coincidently, the cutter is the perfect size.

After the soap is poured in the mold, I insulate it with a large towel, which is sufficient in our dry climate (Nevada). Goat Milk soap doesn't always need to be insulated. It depends on the formula and climate conditions in your area.

We've documented the process with photos below. Most wood pieces were pre-cut from Home Depot with the exception of the base and side pieces. We made two loaf molds for approximately $17.

Each mold produces 20 good sized rectangular soap bars, weighing between 4 and 5 oz each.

A trip to Lowes or the Home Depot and $17 in pre-cut Poplar was all we needed to get started. The 2 thicker boards are 3/4" thick, 24" long x 12" wide. This piece will be cut into three strips - two for the bottom of the mold and 2 side pieces.

Obviously, this is how we want the mold to look when we're finished. Again, we've cut the thicker piece into three strips. Two of which will be used as the bottom piece of each mold. The other piece will be used to make the side ends.

Since the side boards are only 1/4" thick, we need the 3/4" thick bottom board and end boards to hold the screws we'll be using without damaging anything. We're also using Liquid Nails for added strength.

Side Boards for the Mold
The side boards are 1/4" thick, 24" long by 3 1/2" wide. They will not require cutting. The thicker bottom piece will be cut for the side-ends. There are enough side board piecess to make two loaf molds.

Carefully adding Liquid Nails

Now for the screws. As you can see, the 3/4" board was necessary to hold the screws without damaging the side-boards. We recommend using screws that are at least an inch long or skinny nails at least an inch long. We're using screws we already have on hand and luckily, they are an inch in length.

This is the 2nd mold. Using the 3/4" pieces on the ends of the mold allows a place to put the screws for a more stable long-lasting mold.

This is the desired end result. Of course, it will still need to be lined with plastic or freezer paper before we pour the soap into it, but as far as a perfect mold for what we want, I think this is it. Ultimately, we hope to have 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" bars that are at least an inch or more thick.

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