Why Tap Handle Materials Matter: Wood vs. Polyresin Plastics

When you walk into a bar or tasting room, the first thing you notice isn’t always the beer list—it’s the wall of tap handles. They’re the handshake of your brand, the first impression your beer makes before a glass is even poured.

That’s why choosing the right tap handle material is more important than most brewers realize.

At Atomic Taps, we focus on two materials we believe best represent modern craft brands: real wood and precision-made metal—not molded poly-resin plastics. Here’s why.

Wooden & Metal Tap Handles vs. Resin Plastics

Wood & Metal: Built for Craft

• Wood tells an authentic story. Natural grain, warmth, and variation mirror what brewers care about most—real ingredients and real process. Wood is renewable, lightweight, and timeless on a crowded tap wall.

• Metal delivers strength and precision. Clean lines, durability, and modern finishes make metal ideal for brands that want a clean, functional, magnetic interchangeability. Compared to molded plastics, our laser-cut metal keeps lines tight and profiles simple—so logos read clearly from across the room.

Together, wood and metal offer authenticity, longevity, and brand credibility—without unnecessary complexity.

Resin Is Still Plastic

Poly-resin tap handles—whether made domestically or overseas—are petroleum-based plastics that require energy-intensive molding processes and chemical curing agents. They’re often heavier, prone to chipping or cracking, and rely on sculptural curiosity rather than clear brand communication.

Resin can look flashy at first, but over time it frequently shows wear—and it doesn’t align with the sustainability story many brands are trying to tell.

Sustainability and Health

• Eco-friendly wooden tap handles. We use low-VOC paints and finishes that minimize harmful emissions. Wood is biodegradable, renewable, and naturally less toxic to work with.
• Metal is infinitely recyclable and long-lasting which means fewer replacements over time.
• Polyresin plastic comes with hidden costs. Even when produced under safer conditions, it’s still a petroleum-based material with a high environmental impact. Manufacturing often involves exposure to fumes, demanding production schedules, and a significant carbon footprint from the overall process.

Authenticity Advantage

• Even in a world of high-volume manufacturing, wood and metal still bring a level of authenticity that polyresin can’t match. Polyresin handles are typically mass-produced from plastic molds, built for efficiency and uniformity. Wooden and metal handles, on the other hand, start with a natural material that carries character and texture—qualities that feel connected to the craft of brewing. It’s a material choice that elevates your brand and reinforces the handmade spirit behind your beer.
  

A Handle That Matches Your Beer

Brewing is rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship, and responsibility. We offer Built-ready and custom products that reflect those same values.

Every time a customer reaches for your beer, the tap handle is what connects your brand to their glass. With a wooden or metal tap handle, you’re putting a piece of your story in their hand—authentic and crafted with pride.

At Atomic Taps, we believe in minimal complexity and maximum impact. Our tap handles are designed to make your brand stand out by keeping it simple, functional, and unmistakable.