8 Best Wood For Carving For Beginner Woodworkers (Ranked)

Carving is one of the oldest practices being done by humans. In ancient times our ancestors used to carve wood and stone to engrave pictures and messages. These types of old carvings are still a topic of research for wood.

Wood carving has not lost its charm and popularity with time, still, in this modern world, it is very common to see the beautiful carved design in wood articles.

The wood used for carving will differ in color, grain, and hardness depending on what type of wood you select. If you are just starting, it is best not to sit down with something too hard or random piece.

There’s a lot to consider when choosing wood for carving.

Several types exist, some of which are soft, and others, like pine, are knotty. With all our natural carving options, deciding which wood is the best can be tricky.

In this article, I have compiled a list of the best wood for carving options. Read on to know.

Wood Carving Finishing

The finishing you choose for your wood carving project not only enhances its appearance but also ensures it lasts for a long time. Popular wood finishing techniques for wood carvings include sanding, painting, and staining.

Sanding is the simplest of all finishing techniques. However, it is a delicate process, and when done well, it can provide a smooth finish that will improve the quality of a project. Effective sanding will depend on the tool you use. Smooth sandpaper or an oscillating brush is good to get you started. A contoured sanding grip is better to get around curved edges or inside coves. Check ou this article on how to sand intricate wood carvings.

Hand Carved and Sanded Animals Before Finishing

Paint brings your wood carving to life. You can use either acrylic or oil paints on your wood carving. Before painting, remember to sand down the carved project to ensure a smoother application.

After sanding down (220 grit sandpaper), remove all sanding dust using short bursts of canned air or a soft brush. After this, applying a light sealer will help prevent thin washes of paint or the stains from blotching. When done, allow the sealer to dry and apply a paint mixture of your choice.

Before and After Sealing a Wood Carving with Boiled Linseed Oil (BLO)

Wood staining is another popular way of finishing wood carvings because it preserves the natural aesthetics of the wood. When wood is stained, the grain of the wood is left visible, which can enhance its beauty. Wood stains are available in different colors, but you can also customize your stain to fit your project specifications.

Tips For Getting The Best Results With Carving

The first (and easiest) step in wood carving is selecting suitable wood and softening the lumber. Getting started on carving is the hardest part.

These tips will help you along the way;

• Sharpen all your tools, including power tools
• The pursuit of perfection requires practice
• Ensure that you have adequate space
• Find out what the wood type has to offer and what it doesn’t
• Get proportional
• While you’re at it, learn wood pyrography
• Knives should be handled with the appropriate gloves when wood carving.

Frequently Asked Question

Is there a specific kind of wood that should not be carved?

Using wood that splinters easily for carving should be avoided, and it is also advisable to prevent woods that are too difficult to carve.

As toxicity in wood can cause allergies, you should avoid carving it.

Are all hardwoods hard to carve?

There are two types of hardwoods: closed-grained woods and slower-growing woods. Hardwoods are denser compared to softwoods, but they are easier to carve since they are softer. In other words, not all hardwoods require a lot of carving.

For wood carving projects, you must consider the Wood Grain type.

Which hardwood makes the best carving material?

Among all the Hardwoods, Basswood, Aspen, and Butternut are the best woods for carving.

Which wood is ideal for carving figures?

For carving figures, Basswood is by far the most popular choice of wood to use. Due to its close grain, this wood is easy to carve because it does not split or splinter during the carving process.

Another benefit to working with basswood is its softness, which makes it easier to use hand tools.

Which woods are best for carving and whittling?

Generally, softer woods can be cut more easily using chisels or whittled using carving knives. For beginners, you should use woods with low Janka hardness ratings.

As wood becomes harder, carving becomes more difficult.

Which wood is best for spoon carving?

Choosing Silver Maple as your spoon-carving wood is a great choice. There are many advantages to carving this type of wood, including its strength, durability, and ease of carving.

Your spoon will also stand out from the crowd since it is one of the most beautiful woods.

Which wood is best for chip carving?

Basswood is the most suitable wood for chip carving. Unfigured and straight-grained, the wood carves beautifully.