Wood carving is a versatile art form, but the techniques used for large-scale outdoor sculptures differ significantly from those employed for smaller, intricate indoor pieces. Outdoor sculptures require durable, weather-resistant woods like cedar or oak, while indoor carvings often use finer-grained woods such as basswood or walnut.

For outdoor works, carvers rely on heavy-duty tools like chainsaws and axes for rough shaping, followed by chisels and mallets for refinement. These pieces prioritize structural integrity and resistance to the elements, often featuring bold, sweeping lines. Indoor carvings, conversely, demand precision tools like micro-chisels and knives to achieve delicate details, with emphasis on intricate patterns and smooth finishes.

The design process also varies: outdoor sculptures must account for environmental factors like wind and rain, while indoor pieces focus on aesthetic harmony with interior spaces. Whether creating monumental public art or exquisite decorative objects, wood carvers adapt their skills to meet the unique challenges of each scale and setting.