Regardless of the species of tree that the wood comes from, sculptors typically use wood that is well-seasoned; that is, the wood has been dried thoroughly either by natural means like sunlight or artificial means like an oven or kiln. Green wood with a high moisture content can be carved, but as the wood dries, it will change and warp, possibly cracking or damaging a sculpture. Wood that has been thoroughly dried is less likely to change.
Hardwoods are not suitable for sculptors who are beginning woodcarving. The most commonly recommended wood for beginners is basswood, which is a soft wood with a white color. Aspen, tupelo, linden and butternut are also favored by beginners. They all are soft woods, with aspen, tupelo and linden having a white color and butternut being brown. These woods also have other qualities that are appealing to professional sculptors as well. For instance, these woods take detailed carving well and can be easily painted.
More advanced sculptors typically choose harder woods, such as mahogany, oak, walnut, cherry, maple, ash or pear. Many of these woods are selected because they have beautiful colors or patterns in the grain when a finish has been applied. Cherry is particularly noted for its beautiful color and interesting patterns. While hardwoods are commonly used for advanced sculpting, some softer woods, such as pine or fir, can also be used, although these particular woods are very resinous and soft, which leads to challenges for a sculptor.
Driftwood is commonly found at the shores of lakes or oceans. This type of wood is naturally seasoned and polished by the elements. This means that the shape and species of the wood is not controlled by the artist, which presents a challenge for sculpture. However, many sculptors enjoy the unusual shapes and textures of driftwood, and using driftwood for a sculpture yields a unique work of art that is difficult to duplicate. Other wood that is found naturally and not from a tree cut for the purpose may also be appealing for sculpture for similar reasons.