Every Jay Arts wood panel is a high relief carving, cut deep so that light and shadow bring each detail to life. Run your fingers across one of our pieces and you can feel the difference: the layers rise from the surface, the edges are clean, and the finish glows with warmth. Here is a look at how we make them, and at the woods that give each panel its character.
Precision meets the human hand
Each panel begins with machine carving, which lets us capture intricate patterns with consistent depth and crisp lines. But a machine only gets a carving halfway there. The real transformation happens at the workbench.
Every piece then spends several hours being finished by hand:
- Cleaning the edges. Rough edges and stray fibers are carefully removed so every contour reads clearly.
- Sanding. The surface is sanded in stages until it feels smooth and even, right down into the recesses of the design.
- Staining. A stain is applied to deepen the color and draw out the natural grain.
- Lacquering. A protective lacquer seals the wood, adding a soft sheen and helping the carving hold its beauty for years.
The result is the best of both worlds: the accuracy of modern tools and the warmth that only patient handwork can give.
Choosing the right wood
The wood is just as important as the carving. We work with a range of quality hardwoods, including Alder, Ash, Oak, Maple, Cherry, and Beech. Here are four favorites.
Alder: the versatile hardwood
Alder has a fine, even grain much like cherry, birch, and maple. Its light, uniform color and smooth texture make it a pleasure to shape, join, and finish, and it takes stain beautifully. Technically a hardwood, alder is one of the softest in its class, which is why many woodworkers call it a semi-hardwood. That gentle workability is exactly what makes it so popular for cabinet doors, interior doors, guitar bodies, and children's toys. Alder trees thrive in the Pacific Northwest of North America, usually growing along streams, rivers, and wetlands.
Ash: light, strong, and built to last
Ash is a pale wood with a smooth, straight grain. It is surprisingly light, yet remarkably strong, giving it an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. That combination makes it ideal for detailed carvings and wall hangings that need to be both sturdy and easy to mount. Ash is also known for absorbing shock and standing up to years of use, which is why it is a classic choice for baseball bats and American furniture. You will find ash trees growing widely across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Oak: strength with character
Oak is a member of the beech family and one of the best-loved hardwoods for its strength and durability. It comes in two main varieties. White oak ranges from light to medium brown, while red oak shares that range with a warm reddish tint. Both have the bold, familiar oak grain: straight lines with a coarse, uneven texture that gives every piece real presence. Because oak is so hard, carving it well takes experience and the right tools. The reward is a piece with crisp definition and lasting toughness. That same toughness explains why oak is a go-to for hardwood floors, furniture, and cabinets. Oak also resists rot, decay, insects, and fungus, and grows in temperate and tropical climates, with many found across Asia and North America.
Maple: natural beauty, no stain needed
Maple is strong and durable, but what sets it apart is its color. The wood is a light cream with subtle reddish-brown hints, a smooth grain, and a fine texture. Some boards show striking figure, such as flame, bird's eye, wavy, or rippled patterns. Maple is so attractive on its own that it needs no stain at all. A simple coat of lacquer is enough to protect it and let its natural glow shine through, making it a wonderful wood for carving. There are two types: hard maple (also called sugar maple or rock maple) and soft maple. Both are widely used for furniture, musical instruments, flooring, and cabinets. Maple has many species, native to Asia, Europe, North Africa, and North America.
A carving for every space
Whether you are drawn to the soft, even tone of alder, the bright strength of ash, the bold grain of oak, or the natural glow of maple, each wood gives a carving its own personality. Combined with deep relief carving and hours of hand finishing, the result is a piece that feels like art from every angle.
Wood Characteristics, Treatment, and Preparation for CNC Carving
The beauty of wood carving lies in its natural grain patterns—each one a unique expression of the tree it came from. Even when using the same species, no two carved panels are ever alike, as every piece of wood presents its own variations in grain flow, tone, and texture.
Preparing Wood for Carving
To ensure durability and longevity, the wood goes through a strict preparation process before carving:
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Kiln-dried or heat-treated at high temperatures to stabilize internal moisture and prevent warping or cracking over time.
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Fumigated to eliminate any insects or larvae, ensuring the wood remains clean, pest-free, and safe for long-term indoor use.
Preparing Planks for CNC Carving
A single solid plank, especially if it is wide, may have inconsistent density or natural tension, which can cause warping or cracking over time. To overcome this, multiple planks are joined together, often with alternating grain directions. This balances internal stress and significantly improves structural stability.
A single plank is generally used for small carvings, but for larger or thicker panels, multiple planks are joined side by side or stacked and bonded to form a strong, stable block that can withstand CNC processing. Once fully treated and conditioned, the stabilized prepared wood is mounted onto precision CNC machines, where every groove and contour is carved with accuracy while preserving the natural character of the wood, while delivering sharp, clean detailing throughout.
After carving, natural traits such as knots, mineral streaks, or darker patches may be visible. These are not defects, but proof of authenticity—affirming that each piece is made from genuine solid wood, not synthetic or engineered substitutes.
Wood Panel Care
Wood panels are easy to maintain, and require minimal maintenance.
- Dust or wipe gently with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth periodically, at least once a month.
- Avoid direct exposure to water, heat sources, or prolonged sunlight to preserve finish and shape--This helps maintain balance in the wood and further prevents surface dryness, warping or fine cracks over time, especially in regions with extreme seasonal dryness or fluctuating humidity.
- Do not use harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive pads, as they may stain or dull the surface.
All our precision wood panels are sealed with a lacquer coating which already provides strong protection against environmental changes. With minimal care, your carved wood panel will last for years and age gracefully, retaining both strength and beauty.