When selecting wood for sculptures that emphasize weight contrast, artists must balance density, workability, and visual appeal. Lightweight woods like balsa (6-12 lbs/ft³) create delicate elements, while dense options like African blackwood (79 lbs/ft³) add dramatic heft.

Top choices include:

1. Basswood (23 lbs/ft³) - The perfect middle ground, easy to carve yet holds fine details.

2. Mahogany (31-53 lbs/ft³) - Offers varied densities within a single piece for organic transitions.

3. Walnut (38-45 lbs/ft³) - Dark grains naturally highlight weight differences in finished pieces.

4. Ebony (60-79 lbs/ft³) - The ultimate contrast wood, nearly stone-like in density.

Pro tip: Combine woods in layered sculptures – a balsa core wrapped in zebrawood (49 lbs/ft³) creates striking physical and visual tension. Always consider how tool marks interact with grain; open-pored woods like oak absorb shadows differently than tight-grained maple, amplifying perceived weight variations.

For outdoor works, teak (41 lbs/ft³) resists weathering while maintaining contrast. Remember that kiln-dried woods lose 10-15% weight, affecting final balance calculations.