Softwoods

Softwoods are woods that come from evergreen, coniferous trees (trees with needles and cones, like pines, firs, and cedars). In woodworking and carving, the term softwood doesn’t always mean the wood is literally very soft, but generally these woods are less dense than most hardwoods and often easier to cut. Common softwoods used in carving include pine, cedar, fir, and spruce. These woods usually have a simpler grain structure and often grow faster than hardwoods, which makes them widely available. When comparing softwood vs hardwood, softwoods are “softer” in the sense that they tend to require less force to carve and often have fewer complex grain patterns to navigate.

For beginner wood carvers, softwoods are typically the best choice to start with. Carving softwood is easier because the material yields to your knife or gouge more readily – you don’t have to push as hard, which means you’re less likely to slip or make mistakes. Softwoods like basswood (a favorite for carving) or pine have a fine, even texture that cuts smoothly, allowing novices to focus on technique instead of struggling with the material. These woods also often have fewer knots and resin pockets, so your carving experience is more consistent. Another big advantage is that softwoods are generally less expensive and more readily available than hardwoods, so beginners can practice without spending a lot on wood. In summary, softwoods’ softer texture and forgiving grain make them ideal for learning – you can achieve results more easily and build confidence early on.

At BeaverCraft, we strongly recommend softwoods for those just starting their carving journey. In fact, we often recommend basswood (also known as linden wood) as the go-to carving wood for beginners, because it’s soft, carvable, and holds detail well. Many of our kits include basswood blocks or blanks, giving newcomers a head start with a material that is easy to work with. Our carving block sets feature plenty of softwood options so you can focus on mastering cuts rather than wrestling with hardwood. As you progress, you may experiment with other woods, but in the beginning, softwoods like basswood, cedar, or pine will be your friendly companions. This reflects our philosophy: we want you to enjoy carving and stick with it – and using beginner-friendly softwood is a big part of that equation.