Wood carving, as both a hobby and a profession, is artistically rewarding. It attracts hobbyists, artisans, and professionals. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional reviewing for your next project, the best way to start wood carving is to understand what kind of wood is good for carving. Let’s get started!
How To Choose Wood For Carving
Success in wood carving is dependent on the type of wood used. Let’s study some of the factors to consider when choosing what wood is good for carving:
- PURPOSE – What are you planning to carve? If you are carving items for the kitchen, then you need durable wood. If you’re planning to make decorative items, you can use both hardwood and softwood. There are wood types that absorb water faster than others. That is why your purpose identifies what kind of wood is good for carving.
- TOOLS – Do you know that some types of wood can dull your knives? Softwood is not rough on your tools. Hardwood, on the other hand, is more challenging to handle. If you want to preserve your carving tools, you should be particular in choosing the type of wood.
- QUALITY – Some wood surfaces have apparent defects. Part of identifying the best wood for carving includes a quick inspection of the quality of your wood.
The Types Of Wood For Carving
You have your project plan ready, and you have your tools available. The next step is to look into some of the types of wood in detail so you can identify what kind of wood is good for carving your crafts.
WALNUT – Hardwood
Features:
- Popularly used for whittling – easy to cut
- Resistant to moisture
- Tolerable odor
- Can be used for carving kitchen utensils
- Requires little finishing work because of its clean finish
BASSWOOD – Softwood
Features:
- Most popular carving wood
- Easy to work with – suitable for beginners
- Can be used for kitchen utensils and other decorative items
- Low odor and does not cause allergies
- Food safe wood
CHERRY – between softwood and hardwood
Features:
- May require experienced woodcarvers
- Ideal for decorative art because it lasts long
- Very durable
- Has a reddish-brown color with little odor
BUTTERNUT – Softwood
Features:
- Budget-friendly
- Good for whittling
- Lightweight wood preferred for wood art
- Low odor
OAK – Hardwood
Features:
- Perfect for furniture
- Sturdy and has a vibrant color
- Requires expert carvers
NOTE: Be cautious about some types of wood that cause allergies and dermatitis. You should also avoid working on wood with a strong smell.
Conclusion
Are you ready to make your mark through wood carving? Now that you know what kind of wood is good for carving different items, you can finally put your plans in motion. You’re one step closer to your greatest woodworking achievement.