Block Size
7.5" × 10" × 3.8"
Board Ft
1.95
Cost
$14
Qty
1
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Inputs
Result
Each dimension × 1.25: 6 × 1.25 = 7.5", 8 × 1.25 = 10", 3 × 1.25 = 3.75". BF = (7.5 × 10 × 3.75) / 144 = 1.95.
Inputs
Result
Width/height × 1.15, depth × 1.50: 12 × 1.15 = 13.8", 16 × 1.15 = 18.4", 1.5 × 1.50 = 2.25". BF = 4.06 × $10.
A carving block should be 10–25% larger than the finished piece in every dimension. In-the-round (3D) carvings need 25% extra on each side, while chip carving on flat boards needs only 10% extra.
Basswood (American linden) is the gold standard for hand carving. It is very soft, has a fine, consistent grain, and holds intricate detail. Butternut is a close second with a warmer color.
| Wood | Hardness | Cost/BF | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basswood | Very soft | $7 | Detail work, figures, birds |
| Butternut | Soft | $8 | Signs, panels, animals |
| White Pine | Soft | $4 | Practice, large carvings |
| Walnut | Medium-hard | $10 | Dramatic pieces, furniture |
Start with kiln-dried or well-seasoned wood to prevent cracking. Square the block on a bandsaw or table saw, draw your design on all four faces, then rough out the basic shape before detail carving.
Basswood blocks cost $7–12 per board foot depending on quality. A typical 6" × 8" × 3" block for a small figure uses about 1 board foot and costs $7–10. Exotic woods cost $15–25+ per board foot.
Read our guide
Read our guide
Read our guide
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Last Updated: Mar 19, 2026
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