Best Wood Types for Woodcarving
Welcome-welcome and let’s jump straight into the topic of today’s conversation: best wood types for woodcarving. Bear with me here, please, since it’s not an easy answer. And you know why? Simply because there is no such thing as the best wood. There are some more appropriate for certain levels of skills, that’s true, but saying that something is the best is quite a loud claim to stand behind. I’m going to try my best and share what I know, but please remember: the best wood for you will be chosen by you and you only.
There are two big categories or types that you can define: hard and soft wood. Those are the demonstration of the wood structure, and, following that thought, how easy or hard it’s going to be to carve them. Now that we’ve got this figured out, it seems obvious: the best wood types for woodcarving would be the soft ones, right? I wish it was that easy.
Indeed, it’s recommended for beginners or not very experienced whittlers to use soft types of wood, specifically basswood in most of the cases. It’s got different names: linden or limewood in Europe, basswood in the States. The name doesn’t change the fact: it’s one of the most comfortable wood types to carve from if you are learning.
It almost has no grain, which means it won’t resist so much when you carve and its structure allows you to whittle easily. It doesn’t have any strong smell or toxins hidden under the bark, so it’s relatively safe (if you don’t cut off your fingers with a carving knife, although that’s not the wood’s fault). You’ll paint it easily if you wish to do so and it will look nice not painted thanks to its pale look.
However, a lot of carvers believe that basswood is only the basis for learning whereas a lot of other wood types (hard ones, of course, because who doesn’t like a challenge) such as oak, cherry, ash and other things present you a bigger diversity of look and a more exciting time carving. There’s no doubt about the diversity – there are other colors, grains, techniques to learn and master. But it wouldn’t be a good idea to start off there, in my opinion.
In some countries local woods are all hardwoods, especially if we’re talking about exotic woods. Those have their own specifics that I won’t be able to tell you much about. There are fewer options to choose in separate regions, so that’s also something to take into account. Surely, if you have the access to it, I’d still advise to begin with basswood or whatever it’s called at your place.
The choice of your supplier is also one of the questions that can easily become issues if you happen to be dissatisfied once or twice. On that you can get advice from a lot of resources that post articles on whittling, such as Woodcarving Illustrated (online magazine and forum), Woodcarving4U (a blog with reviews, patterns and more) and so on. I do value their opinions – simply because they say what they believe and have tried out on their own.
Take a look yourself if you feel like you could use some experienced insight. Good luck with learning!
