Wood Carving Glossary – Terms for Beginners in Woodworking & Whittling

Pierced carving (openwork) removes sections of wood completely to create decorative openings. The result is a lace-like pattern where light passes through the design, adding contrast and visual depth.

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featured Pierced Carving

Incised Carving

Incised carving is a surface technique where you cut clean lines or grooves directly into the wood, leaving the background flat. Think of it like engraving in wood: the design...

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Low Relief Carving

Low relief carving (bas-relief) uses shallow depth so the design only slightly rises from the background. It emphasizes clear outlines, gentle modeling, and subtle shadows—perfect for plaques, signs, and decorative...

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High Relief Carving

High relief carving (alto-relief) is a relief style where subjects project dramatically from the background—often more than half their depth—creating bold shadows and near-sculptural depth.

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Wood Checking

Term: Wood Checking Wood checking refers to narrow cracks that open along the grain as wood dries. These checks are caused by uneven moisture loss and shrinkage, especially at end...

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Burl Wood

Term: Burl Wood Burl Wood comes from knotted growths (burls) on trees that create dramatic, swirling grain with “eyes” and irregular figure. Each piece is unique and highly decorative, prized...

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Mahogany

Term: Mahogany Mahogany is a tropical hardwood known for its rich reddish-brown color, fine and often straight grain, and excellent dimensional stability. It carves and sands smoothly, taking finishes beautifully...

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Cherry Wood

Term: Cherry Wood Cherry Wood is a warm, reddish-brown hardwood with a fine, straight grain that deepens in color over time. It’s prized for its smooth texture and elegant look,...

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Walnut Wood

Term: Walnut Wood Walnut wood is a rich, dark hardwood prized for its durability, beautiful grain, and ability to hold fine details. It’s a favorite choice for furniture, instruments, and...

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Butternut Wood

Term: Butternut Wood Butternut wood is a pale, lightweight hardwood often called white walnut. Its soft texture and straight grain make it one of the easiest hardwoods to carve, prized...

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