Sustainable process
wood preparation
from sawmill to sculpture
At Viktor-Art, wood isn’t just some random material purchased at the end of the process. Wood preparation begins much earlier: with raw material selection, cutting, seasoning, drying, moisture control, stabilization, and tailoring the material to a specific sculpture, figure, relief, ornament, or structural element.
We work on projects where ordinary lumber isn’t sufficient. Large statues, sacred elements, reconstructions, massive details, and premium sculptures require wood with predictable behavior. That’s why we develop our own technological resources: sawmills, drying kilns, machining, hand-carving, and quality control at every stage.
Own sawmill and material selection
Our own sawmill allows us to prepare wood for the actual needs of a carving studio, rather than simply adapting a design to random dimensions available on the market. We can choose the cross-section, cutting direction, grain pattern, element size, gluing method, and subsequent drying process.
In large projects, we evaluate more than just the appearance of the board. The grain pattern, presence of core, stresses, potential cracks, knots, color, stability, and the intended function of the element are all important factors. Wood is prepared differently for a large-scale figure, for an ornament, and for a piece that will later be polychromed or gilded.
Conventional, vacuum and microwave drying
Wood is always in motion, so the drying process must be carefully managed. We utilize several technologies: conventional, vacuum, and microwave drying. Each has a different application and allows for different control of the moisture release rate, temperature, stresses, and stability of the material.
Conventional drying works well for many standard cross-sections and allows for controlled processing. Vacuum drying is particularly valuable for thick components, as it allows for lower temperatures and reduces dramatic differences between the surface and interior of the wood. Microwave drying offers additional possibilities for selected components where it is necessary to work with moisture deep within the material.
- selection of wood for sculptures, figures and decorative elements,
- preparation of cross-sections for large projects and gluing,
- conventional, vacuum and microwave drying,
- control of humidity and the drying process,
- working with thick boards and above-standard dimensions, including around 110 mm,
- selection of material for woodcarving, CNC, polychrome, gilding and assembly.
Thick boards and above-standard dimensions
Many premium projects require components larger than typical joinery. We work with thick boards, massive blocks, and glued-laminated timbers tailored to specific applications. We also dry sections around 110 mm, which require a steady, controlled process and experience in assessing wood behavior.
With dimensions like these, rushing is a mistake. Drying too quickly can cause cracks, warping, stress, and problems during subsequent carving. Therefore, the process is computer-guided, step-by-step, with the final effect of the material in mind.
Wood prepared for carving, not for storage
Our goal isn’t simply to dry the board. It’s to obtain a material that will be suitable for chiseling, milling, gluing, carving, polychroming, and long-term display. For large-scale figures, limiting internal stresses, reducing weight, enabling technological carving, and properly closing the body are particularly important.
Wood prepared in this way allows for the creation of sculptures that are more stable, durable, and safer to use. This is the foundation of quality, which isn’t immediately apparent in a photo, but which determines the sculpture’s durability over the years.
This process is also part of a sustainable approach to production. Better material selection means less waste, fewer failed components, fewer rework, and a longer lifespan of the final object. A high-quality wooden sculpture should be crafted to last for years, not require a quick repair due to poorly prepared material.
Our wood preparation process involves design, 3D scanning, CNC milling, and hand carving. Even at the planning stage, we know which elements will be visible, which will be structural, which will be polychromed, and which will preserve the natural grain of the wood. This allows the material to work in concert with the design.
Need a sculpture made of well-prepared wood?
If the project requires a large figure, a stable sculpture, a sacred element, a reconstruction, or precise woodworking, it’s worth starting by discussing the material. See also large-size wooden figures, wood machining and 3D modeling and scanning.