Why Hardwood Carves Better Than SoftWood

The Janka hardness test measures the hardness of wood. It is one of the best measures of the ability of a wood species to withstand denting and wear.and be carved with great detail.

If the wood is too soft, it does carve easily but not well. The sharp detail that makes a carving look crisp is not there and the carvings lack the subtle detail that you find when using hardwoods.

We at Master Wood Carvers use only kiln dried Hardwoods such as Hard Maple, Oak, and Cherry for our carvings. The less expensive Carvers found in Asia use much softer woods in their carvings, and the difference is very apparent. The Hardness of wood measured by the Janka test are:

Pine.... 420
Oak..... 1290
Hard Maple....1450
Cherry ......... 950

To give you a frame of reference, Lignum Vitae which is used for dock pilings because it has a higher specific gravity than water and is almost impossible to carve has a Janka rating of 4500.

So when we talk wood carvings, Hard is much Always better than soft. Check out our online catalog for custom carved corbels, fireplace mantles, posts, onlays, balusters, capitals and more that we have to help beautify your home.