Top 12 Best Wood for Relief Carving To Buy in 2024

Relief Carving is one of the refined forms for woodcarving, for which you require different kinds of softwoods that are easy to carve out. Initially, there will be a lot of confusion about what types of wood you should use, how much size or format, etc.

You may have gone through many articles talking about best wood, but they have not specifically mentioned the best wood for relief carving. I took note of that and collected a big amount of research and practical experience on the subject.

The article is going to talk ‘out of the box’ specifically on best wood suitable for relief carving. I also want to introduce my readers to a little bit process of relief carving. It helps you get a glimpse of what it feels to use bad quality or even unsuitable wood for the procedure.

Benefits Of Using Basswood for Relief Carving

I have included almost all basswood wooden blocks in my top 12 products list. It is because of the following valid reasons. There are certain things you should know about basswood to understand its importance in relief carving.

Edge Will Last Longer

By using the knives or blades on a basswood surface, its edge even hold better and longer. So, you need not worry about your blade’s efficient performance when you have chosen basswood for the purpose. Nevertheless, you are required to maintain the proper sharpening of wood carving tools.

Right after that, basswood will be able to retain the edge much longer than it is used to be on other types of wooden surfaces.

Fine And Even Grain

The great deal about the basswood is its fine and even grain texture without anything like large grains that are almost visible over the surface. This is the main reason its surface provides a soft and smooth texture with practically effortless and precision relief carving cuts.

No Toxins Or Allergens

Most of the products on my list are even recommended for kids who are having wood carving as their lovely hobby. Dermatitis is the main problem associated with most woods. It causes an allergic reaction and makes your skin swollen, red, and sometimes shows blisters. Luckily, basswood is not known for causing such conditions

Easy To Work With

Basswood is one of the tranquil woods out there, providing simple usage patterns. I am not talking about intricate patterns. It’s just the style of use associated with basswood. In terms of chip carving, whittling, and relief carving itself, basswood tops the list of easy workability.

Affordable

The wood is very affordable as compared as other wood types. So, there’s not bad if you are getting quality in the cheap price range. And, that wood is even toxics or allergic free. A great deal, in fact, in such a price range!

Relief Carving Different Wood Types

There is not so much selection among soft and smooth woods that are ideal for applying the best relief carving techniques. Still, we can inform you of three such blocks of wood.

Given below is some information on the smooth and best suitable wood for relief carving.

Basswood

Basswood is mainly concerned with whittling. So, why am I talking as the most suitable wood for relief carving? Well, I can’t give you the technical details behind the reason. The wood is super-soft and contains an even texture and straight grain structure to carve even intricate designs very simple.

This is what I can tell you apart of technical specifications.

Even beginners or minimum skilled carvers can go for the basswood, which is a noticeable feature for this type. You can make use of different tools such as a chisel, hammer, and a gouge to intricate hard relief carving patterns on basswood.

European Lime

European Lime or simply Lime is another excellent choice for beginners to work on relief carving patterns. Well, most professional carvers get used to this wood. It is available in creamy to pale white color with very subtle rings of growth and even or fine texture.

Butternut

Butternut wood contains large grains comparatively. The wood is available in light brown colour, which is known to be ideal for whittling or knife wood carving. However, professionals mostly use this wood as grains are almost visible. Thus, it becomes difficult for a beginner to carve out complicated relief patterns on such wood.

In addition, these are three main types of woods that are mostly used for relief carving. However, if you are a professional, there are other options for which you can go, such as black ash, mahogany, cherry, and sugar maple. Due to solid structure and large grains, beginners may find it challenging to cope up with them.

What Is The Best Wood for Relief Carving?

Every type of wood carving is best on its own. But, we are primarily concerned about relief carving here, which can include high relief or low relief based upon the experience level. Given below is short information about top-picked wood for relief carving.

• Best Overall: Kingcraft Soft Wood Carving Blocks
  “Budget-friendly, Variety in sizes, Very easy to carve, Suitable to both beginners and experienced.”
• Best for Beginners: Arteza Relief Carving Blocks
  “Super soft carving, Best Starter Pack, Variety in sizes, Ideal for beginners.”
• Best for Super Smooth: Canusa Crafts Premium Carving/Whittling Blocks
  “Premium wood carving, best for both experienced and beginners, best for whittling and relief carving.”
• Best for Knife Carving: Kingcraft Extra Large Carving Blocks
  “Also suitable to large projects, super easy carving, Variety in sizes, Affordable price range.”
• Best for Experienced: JoePaul’s Crafts Wood Carving Blocks
  “Best for experienced woodcarvers, Budget-friendly, Variety in sizes, Also best for whittling other than relief carving.”
• Best Wood for Relief Carving Kit: Startling Edge Basswood Blocks
  “Best starter woodcarvers kit, Same sizes, High-quality wood, super-soft carving.”
• Best Beginners: BeaverCraft Wood Blocks Set
  “Best relief carving wood kit for beginners, Very affordable, Also under money-back guarantee, Easy carving.”
• Best Budget: Mamar Balsa Wood Carving Blocks
  “Same sizes, suitable for both experienced and beginners, smooth carving, premium wood, best in the budget.”

Wood for Relief Carving Comparison Chart 2023

I researched a lot on how you can better utilize wood for relief carving in different ways by top-notch product providers. After that, I labelled each of them as best suitable for a particular section to help you further in the decision. Check out my comparison chart below!

Top 12 Best Wood for Relief Carving Reviews in 2023

You can now head on to my detailed review of each wood mentioned above. It will help you ascertain the pros as well as cons of a particular wood type for better understanding.

1. Kingcraft Soft Wood Carving Blocks

(Best Overall)

Kingcraft is one of the renowned brands offering us a versatility of woodblocks. The material is made of basswood, which is known as the most popular wood used by carvers. Nevertheless, you concerned about relief carving, which should be done upon smoothest material to carve out the intricate details. Moreover, these are unfinished blocks available in different sizes to have diversity in carving projects.

Kingcraft offers the required quality and softness for relief carving. The unique process of relief carving needs to be practiced over small to medium blocks as provided by the Kingcraft. Thus, even if you are a beginner, this wood may go best.

Key Features:

• Premium quality basswood
• Unfinished wood blocks
• Soft and Straight grain

Specifications:

• Brand: Kingcraft
• Number of Blocks: 12
• Variety in sizes: Yes

First know these universal rules for beginners’ relief carving project:

2. Arteza Relief Carving Blocks

(Best for Beginners)

These are wooden blocks designed by Arteza, where each piece is shaped with natural basswood. A total of 5 blocks are provided in the package with little variety in sizes. Furthermore, the wooden blocks are set in a beautiful box that can also become a superb gifting option. They are lightweight, so no gripping issues.

In addition, the surface provides a super smooth texture for natural relief carving patterns. This is why I have labelled it as the best wood for relief carving for beginners. I would like to introduce Arteza’s efforts to make such softwood blocks that are best suited to relief carving patterns. The most appreciable quality of the product is proper customer care.

Arteza has offered a 100% satisfaction guarantee against which you can ask for refunds or replacements, which are quite comfortable with them.

Key Features:

• Natural basswood material
• Nicely finished blocks
• Super smooth for relief carving

Specifications:

• Brand: Arteza
• Number of Blocks: 5
• Variety in sizes: Yes

Are you an absolute beginner? Try this out!

3. Canusa Crafts Premium Carving/Whittling Blocks

(Best for Super Smooth)

Our best wooden blocks for super-smooth relief carving are manufactured by Canusa Crafts. Along with providing the best value, they offer a commendable gifting option for the lovers of relief carving. Therefore, this is a large kit containing almost more value in terms of both quality and quantity.

The material is premium quality basswood made for intricate and soft relief carving. It is evenly textured to carve out better with your relief tools. The versatility in sizes makes it a better fit to carry on different projects ranging from medium to big.

Canusa Crafts has also provided a 100% money-back guarantee on the wooden blocks, which I think is a great deal in such a price and quality.

Key Features:

• Premium basswood quality
• Even textured surface
• 100% money-back guarantee

Specifications:

• Brand: Canusa Crafts
• Number of Blocks: 10
• Variety in sizes: Yes

Know how to get started in whittling here!

4. Kingcraft Extra Large Carving Blocks

(Best Wood for Knife Carving)

You may consider buying these Kingcraft Extra Large Wooden Blocks if you are looking to buy the best wood for knife carving along with relief carving. The package contains a total of 5 pieces, including a large piece that is suitable for carving out details for big projects. The wooden material is straight grain and made up of 100% high-quality basswood.

Their fine sanding allows a required smooth surface for relief carving. You can easily make a kind of 3-D perspective on these wooden flat panels. What I did for the large block was pasted the idea from specialized paper, which took about a few seconds to make a pleasing sculpture.

You have to use different relief carving tools, including versatile knives. Therefore, I must say these are the best wooden blocks if you are adventurous enough to carry on with knife carving techniques.

Key Features:

• 100% premium wood
• Super-smooth texture
• Also includes an extra-large block

Specifications:

• Brand: Kindcarft
• Number of Blocks: 5
• Variety in sizes: Yes

These are basic knife cuts in wood carving you should know.

5. Iokuki Relief Carving/Whittling Blocks

Whether you are newbie, a medium level carver, or an expert, these Iokuki Whittling/Relief Carving blocks may serve the best purpose. A set of 11 blocks in such a fantastic deal can be the best for detailed relief carving patterns. Moreover, you are also getting a variety of different sized projects.

The material is premium quality basswood, which is further fine, even-textured, and soft for relief carving. You are also offered two paintbrushes, namely the flat brush and tip brush along with these wooden blocks.

Lovely packaging of wooden blocks also becomes an excellent option for gifting. The required exceptional quality of wood is provided by Iokuki to carry on your relief carving projects worry-free.

You can let the finished products to be painted easily with the provided paintbrushes and pale and inconspicuous color of the wood.

Key Features:

• Premium basswood material
• Smooth and even texture
• Also contains 2-paintbrushes
• Pale and nice color

Specifications:

• Brand: Iokuki
• Number of Blocks: 11
• Variety in sizes: Yes

Learn some painting techniques in wood carving:

6. Walnut Hollow Carving Kit

This Carving Kit is a set of 10 pieces of wooden blocks by Walnut Hollow. However, the brand Walnut Hollow is not in such limelight among other brands. This is why I have gone into each detail of the product to include it in my top products list. The blocks come in excellent plastic packaging as a nice whittling kit. Moreover, a lot of variety in sizes is offered.

If I talk about the texture and material finish of the wooden block, they do come in a very soft finishing. This texture is what is required for relief carving patterns. They are made by straight grains without any knots or such things to make the carving difficult.

Walnut Hollow has taken care of lightweight features so that you can comfortably grip up the block and glue them up whenever needed. In addition, every piece is sand smooth and kiln-dried to carve out the details professionally.

Key Features:

• Even textured wooden blocks
• Pine Softwood
• Straight grain

Specifications:

• Brand: Walnut Hollow
• Number of blocks: 10
• Variety in sizes: Yes

Relief Carving 101 Guide:

7. JoePaul’s Crafts Wood Carving Blocks

(Best for Experienced)

JoePaul’s Crafts has provided several such products for woodcarving. Similarly, I came across this best-selling wood carving blocks with different sizes. Well, I have labelled it as the best wood relief carving for experienced. This is because the surface is a little harder to carve by beginners.

Therefore, if you are experienced and looking for high-quality wood carving blocks, this one by JoePaul’s Crafts may be perfect. Along with your projects, you can make it a great gifting option offered to any relief-carving lover.

The material is premium basswood, which is designed in the USA itself. In addition, the product is nicely backed up by a 100% money refund policy. Therefore, your product will be quickly returned and refunded in case of any dissatisfaction.

Key Features:

• High-quality basswood
• Sleek surface
• Covers under 100% refund policy

Specifications:

• Brand: JoePaul’s Crafts
• Number of Blocks: 6
• Variety in sizes: Yes

Consider these power carving techniques if you are en experienced woodcarver!

8. JoePaul’s Crafts Premium Wood Carving Blocks

I have included another JoePaul’s Crafts woodcarving blocks made up of premium basswood. The pack consists of five blocks, including one large wooden block. Along with making various relief carving patterns, you can also use these blocks for whittling purposes. Made in the USA by itself, JoePaul’s Crafts is known to provide quality in terms of both performance and quality.

As one large block is also included, you can carry on different projects. This product also comes under a 100% refund policy, just like the previous blocks. Its high-quality basswood is perfect to be carved out professionally by experienced relief woodcarvers.

With the beautiful packaging, consider it as a gifting option and make your wood carving lovers feel awesome.

Key Features:

• Premium basswood
• Ideal for experienced relief carvers
• Also suitable to high relief patterns
• Comes under 100% refund policy

Specifications:

• Brand: JoePaul’s Crafts
• Number of blocks: 5
• Variety in sizes: Yes

9. Canusa Crafts Premium Wood Carving/Whittling Unfinished Blocks

Are you still looking for a low price and high-quality wooden blocks for relief carving? Consider buying this 5-piece set by Canusa Crafts. The brand is also having a significant presence among wood carving tools. Whether you are a beginner or experienced in the field of relief carving, the smooth pieces are just perfect for anybody who wants to develop amazing structures out of them.

The good part about the product that I love the most is the inclusion of a large block. It helps you make even high-relief patterns without any difficulty. Canusa Crafts highly claims that the wood is made up of brilliant quality in the USA itself. You may be impressed by the product’s 100% money-back guarantee.

Key Features:

• Brilliant quality basswood
• Renowned brand
• 100% money-back guarantee

Specifications:

• Brand: Canusa Crafts
• Number of blocks: 5
• Variety in sizes: Yes

This is how a high relief carving project looks like:

10. Startling Edge Basswood Blocks

(Best Wood for Relief Carving Kit)

It is the best wood for the relief carving kit by Startling Edge. All are same-sized pieces, which are great for performing similar kinds of projects. The wooden material is soft and smooth for relief carving purposes. The premium quality basswood is further apparent in terms of quality and texture. You will not notice any knots over there.

Moreover, I got a little surprised with the price tag, but I think it’s justifiable with the amazing quality. It is a great and lovely kit to become a gifting option. In addition, the wood won’t crack, move or, warp in any condition which nicely justifies the price of the package.

Key Features:

• High-quality basswood
• Same sized kit
• Smooth relief carving

Specifications:

• Brand: Startling Edge
• Number of Blocks: 8
• Variety in sizes: No

See this ultimate tutorial on wood relief carving:

11. BeaverCraft Wood Blocks Set

(Best Beginners)

BeaverCraft is another famous brand offering premium basswood wooden blocks that are more than enough for difficult relief carving patterns. For not only for relief carving, but you can also have them for various whittling purposes. You would love to develop relief carving as a hobby after having a wooden block from a brand like BeaverCraft.

Its super clean and soft surface allows for quick and efficient relief carving with no difficulty. You will be provided with a sharpening guide for your relief carving tools along with these wooden blocks. With the fantastic feature of a 30-days money-back guarantee, you would also love it as a gifting item.

Furthermore, the brand BeaverCraft has taken care of manufacturing additional and necessary items such as guides or e-books to make the customer more knowledgeable and satisfied.

Key Features:

• Silky smooth surface
• Include 1 large wooden block
• Also for whittling

Specifications:

• Brand: BeaverCraft
• Number of Blocks: 5
• Variety in sizes: Yes

See what is relief carving and its different types here:

12. Mamar Balsa Wood Carving Blocks

(Best Budget)

My best budget pick is Mamar Balsa Wooden Blocks for relief carving. Balsa wood for relief carving is another famous wood with a soft and smooth surface. You can make even highly intricate details over the surface and carry out your relief carving hobby or passion very efficiently. This pack of 10-pieces wooden blocks comes in a genuine cardboard packaging which you can also take on as the best gifting option.

These wooden blocks can be used for multipurpose projects apart from relief carving purposes. You would greatly love the budget-friendly price range with such a top-notch quality. As all the sizes are the same, so you can consider buying the product for a similar kind of tasks.

Key Features:

• High-quality Balsa wood
• Smooth textured surface
• Nice packaging
• Renowned brand

Specifications:

• Brand: Mamar
• Number of Blocks: 10
• Variety in sizes: No

This is how you can make beautiful sculptures on balsa wood apart from relief carving:

Best Wood for Relief Carving Buying Guide

You should not randomly decide upon a particular wood to be used for relief carving. Relief carving is a unique process in itself which requires you to choose a top-quality and suitable wooden blocks. Well, I have devised a separate buying guide section on how you can select the best wood for relief carving.

The mentioned factors are what I have taken into account while choosing the best products for you.

Let’s start and read carefully!

Why Is It So That You Need to Buy Unique Wood for Relief Carving?

To answer this question, you must know some crucial facts about this carving. Relief Carving is finished on a flat wooden panel using various wood carving tools to make a kind of 3-D perspective for different objects. However, the flat background is thoroughly maintained while doing that.

So, you have to make an illusion for the world by carving out different patterns over the surface, either in high relief or low relief. The low relief patterns are sculpted with pictures that are just slightly up from the surface, whereas high relief involves objects with great depth. Relief Carving is mainly possessed by artists or sculptors to create 3-D objects.

After reading this necessary information on relief carving, you may have a few idea in mind about the types of wood to be used for the purpose. And, if not, I must tell you that you are required to use softwood for relief carving. This is because making intricate relief patterns over the soft surface is much more comfortable and comes out to be an efficient illusion.

Points To Be Considered Before Buying The Best Wood for Relief Carving

I have taken into account the following essential points to make up the best list of products.

Surface

Especially in case of relief carving, you are required to note the surface of the wood. It should be smooth or even super-soft, just like a creamy texture. This factor helps even if you are at the beginner stage of relief carving. The factor also includes looking over grains, which should be as straight and smooth as possible.

Variety Of Wooden Blocks

Most probably, you are provided with different wooden blocks in terms of size. This is what I have mostly considered while designing the list. Therefore, if you are a little curious and adventurous in making projects of various sizes, go for a package with diversity. Otherwise, you can consider buying the package with same-sized wooden blocks.

Grip

Check for whether the block is easy to grip or not. It’s an essential concern as relief carving is somehow to be done by taking that wooden block in hands. However, this thing also depends upon the type of surface you are using. If it is smooth and comes in ideal size, the grip is going to be comfortable with it.

Type Of Wood

As I mentioned earlier, considering a soft type of wood is essential. In the sections below, I have provided about three ideal woods for relief carving. Among them, basswood is taken as the most suitable for its super-soft and affordable price range. However, there are other valid reasons behind its selection.

Price Range

If you are a beginner, you must check the price tag as well. Compare the different packages, number of wooden blocks, and variety in sizes to decide upon the affordable price. I have also devised a simple comparison chart above for easy understanding.

FAQs

My Top Pick

My Top Pick comes out to be the Kingcraft Soft Wood Carving Blocks. It is available in a very affordable range and the maximum wooden blocks quantity. The thing doesn’t end here as I have not mentioned the wood quality yet. Its material is premium basswood with fine texture. It doesn’t matter you are a beginner or an experienced one; these wooden blocks can easily handle small to medium kind of projects.

Hopefully, I have provided maximum insight on choosing the best wood for relief carving. This detailed review buying guide also includes an easy to read comparison chart for the quick reader’s understanding and analysis of various packages. Always look for the product according to your tastes and preferences while not compromising with the quality.