What thickness blank do I need for relief carving?

The blank should be at least the relief depth plus 10-15mm for background material below the deepest point. For a 15mm medium relief, use a blank at least 30mm thick. Add 5mm if you plan to glue the panel to a backboard for clamping.

What is the best wood for relief carving?

Lime (linden) is the traditional choice for relief carving in Europe - it is soft, even-grained, and holds fine detail. Jelutong and basswood are also excellent. For harder, more durable carvings, use cherry or walnut. Avoid open-grained woods like oak for fine detail.

What is the difference between low and high relief?

Low relief (bas-relief) has a depth of 10mm or less with forms barely projecting from the background. Medium relief is 10-25mm with clearly defined forms. High relief (alto-relief) is 25mm+ where figures may be nearly fully rounded and undercut.

Should I add a border around my relief carving?

A border of 15-25mm around the carving provides a visual frame and gives you material to clamp to during carving. The border can be left flat, moulded, or carved with a decorative edge. Always start with a blank larger than the final design.

WoodCalcs

Relief Carving Calculator — Blank Dimensions for Relief

Calculate wood blank dimensions and depth for relief carving panels.

Wood Species

Different species have different properties

Relief Type

Select the relief type for your calculation

Panel Length

Longest dimension of the area

Panel Width

Shortest dimension of the area

Relief Depth

Thickness or depth of the material

How We Calculate This

This calculator determines the blank dimensions needed for a relief carving panel.

Blank sizing

Blank thickness = Relief depth + 10mm background + 5mm waste

Blank size = Panel dimensions + 40mm (20mm border each side)

Volume estimate

The volume of wood to remove is estimated as a percentage of the total relief area: low relief ~40%, medium ~60%, high ~75%.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify measurements and material quantities before cutting or purchasing.