Wood is the most popular laser material, but not all timber behaves the same. Here's what we've found engraves crisply, cuts cleanly and looks great.
The favourites
- Basswood: soft, light and even. Cuts easily and engraves with great contrast. It's the best for beginners.
- Birch plywood: affordable and stable. Look for laser-grade ply, because cheaper ply can have glue voids that stop cuts.
- Maple and cherry: beautiful hardwoods for premium engraved boards and gifts.
- Bamboo: a lovely engraving contrast, very popular for chopping boards.
Use with care
- MDF engraves smoothly but produces lots of smoke and residue. Ventilate well.
- Pine has uneven grain and resin, so engraving can look patchy.
Avoid
- Treated, painted or varnished timber of unknown origin, which can release harmful fumes.
- Anything containing PVC or vinyl.
Tips for a clean result
- Run a small test grid on a scrap of the same board first.
- Masking tape on the surface reduces smoke staining on light woods.
- A quick wipe with a damp cloth removes residue, then a coat of oil makes engraving pop.
Want a board engraved without buying a laser? See our engraving service.
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