Handmade Wooden Pizza Tools: Madia, Dough Proofing Box & Prep Surface

Everything you need for true Neapolitan pizza at home, handmade in sustainable heartwood pine. Mix in the madia, proof in the box, stretch on the prep lid.

★ 4.9 from 160+ home pizza makers · Free US shipping · Made to order in 3 business days

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From flour to pizza night

Which madia is right for me?

Traditional MadiaLarge Madia
Size12 × 12 × 6 in17.75 × 12 × 6 in
Pizzas per batch2–46–10
Dough capacity (flour + water)1,100–1,600 g1,600–3,000 g
Best forCouples, weeknight pizzaParties, bread bakers, Ooni and Gozney owners
Price$145 · $185 with lid$200 · $260 with lid · $280 with prep lid

How it works

1. Mix & bulk ferment

Combine flour, water, salt and yeast directly in the madia. Wood holds a steady temperature for an even first rise.

Read: Mastering the Madia Dough Box

2. Ball & proof

Weigh out 250 g balls, set six in the proofing box and put the lid on. The wood soaks up condensation, so the balls stay supple instead of sweating or sticking.

Read: Why a kitchen scale matters

3. Stretch & top

Flip the prep lid, dust it with flour, and open each ball right beside your oven.

Read: The Flour Chronicles

Why wood?

Before plastic tubs, Neapolitan families mixed and rested dough in a wooden madia passed down for generations. Wood breathes: it absorbs the condensation that would otherwise drip back onto the dough, and it buffers temperature, while the lid keeps the dough from drying out. That balance is why pizzaioli still proof in wooden boxes. Each piece is cut, joined and finished by hand at Scacco Matto with food-safe finishes only.

The Timeless Tradition of the Madia →

Frequently asked questions

What is a madia?

A madia is a traditional Italian wooden trough used for mixing, kneading and resting bread and pizza dough. Neapolitan families used one for generations before plastic tubs existed.

Why proof pizza dough in wood instead of plastic?

In a sealed plastic tub, condensation collects on the lid and walls and drips back onto the dough, making it wet and sticky. Wood absorbs that excess condensation, while the lid keeps the balls covered so their surface never dries out. The result is supple dough that releases cleanly and stretches without tearing.

How many dough balls fit in the proofing box?

Six dough balls of 250 g each, a full home pizza night.

Which madia size do I need?

The Traditional Madia (12 x 12 x 6 in) holds 1,100 to 1,600 g of flour and water, enough for 2 to 4 pizzas. The Large Madia (17.75 x 12 x 6 in) holds 1,600 to 3,000 g, enough for 6 to 10 pizzas or a full bread batch.

How do I clean a wooden dough box?

Scrape out dough, brush away flour, and wipe with a barely damp cloth. Never soak it or put it in the dishwasher. Rub in food-grade mineral oil once a month.

Will the dough stick to the wood?

Lightly flour or semolina-dust the box before proofing. Seasoned wood releases dough cleanly.

Can I cold ferment dough in the fridge in the box?

Yes. The proofing box works for 24 to 72 hour cold fermentation in the refrigerator. Keep the lid on so the dough balls don't dry out.

How long does shipping take?

Each piece is made to order in 3 business days, then ships free within the US. Returns are accepted for 30 days.

From the Pizza School blog

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