What is the best wood to carve for exterior use?

[WV Carver]

I need to carve a face in a post that holds up a shed roof. What is the best wood to use that will last in the elements and is at least 8' tall?

[brianrickman]

Most woods hold up well if you treat them with a water proofing stain every two or three years. If that is not an option, you could try cedar. It is often used for untreated outdoor furniture.

[johncarves]

Cypress is #1; Redwood is #2; Some where close is Honduras Mahogany.

Cypress & Redwood is layered much like fir and subject to having an area with a contour just simply flake off (like a layer in an onion). They are also expensive and not commonly available (readily) in thicker chunks.

I use Mahoganey a lot, it's cheaper, available readily up to 4" thick and carves well (unless it has sat around for years).

You would be surprised how many signs are done from white pine.

A good part of the success of a lasting outdoor woodcarving is in the finish & regular maintenance.

[Claude]

Another possibility for outdoor stuff is teak.

Claude

[WV Carver]

Originally Posted by brianrickman

Most woods hold up well if you treat them with a water proofing stain every two or three years. If that is not an option, you could try cedar. It is often used for untreated outdoor furniture.

I've never carved in cedar. Is it pretty soft or do I need to hammer away at it?

[brianrickman]

Cedar is soft, like pine. I have not tried to do detailed carving in it, but I have used it for knife handles and canoe paddles, both of which turned out very nice.

[lorax]

Cypress is fantastic in the elements, it grows out of the water anyway. But can be a little difficult to carve because of not having a tight grain. For softwoods I would probably still choose it though. I believe it is also resistant to insects. If the shed roof will put much weight on it, you may want a hardwood though. Teak is ideal, but expensive and difficult to carve. Tulip Poplar holds up well in the elements, and patinas to a nice grey. It wouldn't be as strong as teak, and you need to make sure the bottom isn't directly on the ground, or it will wick moisture.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Redwood. Carved a lot of signs back in the 70's and they're still looking good.

[JimPletcher]

I agree with Lynn.
According to my limited experience:
Redwood is light weight, not too hard to carve, but difficult (for me) to obtain.
Mahogany is nice to work with, but a little expensive (at least in my area).
Teak is great, but super expensive these days and a little crimbly to carve (plus VERY oily to glue)
The Cedar available to me is soft, grainy, light weight, and splintery (can split easily).

[WV Carver]

Originally Posted by JimPletcher

I agree with Lynn.
According to my limited experience:
Redwood is light weight, not too hard to carve, but difficult (for me) to obtain.
Mahogany is nice to work with, but a little expensive (at least in my area).
Teak is great, but super expensive these days and a little crimbly to carve (plus VERY oily to glue)
The Cedar available to me is soft, grainy, light weight, and splintery (can split easily).

Is redwood similar to polar? I know poplar doesn't have any knots and holds up pretty well.