Best Wood for Laser Cutting and Engraving

The age-old practice of wood cutting has transformed with the advent of laser cutters. But can lasers handle every wood type as easily as mechanical tools? The answer is nuanced. Each wood type has different characteristics and behaves differently when it interacts with a laser.

This article aims to introduce you to the best wood for laser cutting and engraving. We’ll also share factors you need to look into before choosing a wood. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Wood for Laser Cutting

As mentioned, the types of wood differ based on their color, texture, and certain characteristics. Before we on to those types, you need to be aware of the things that may affect the laser friendliness of the wood.

Resin: All wood types inherently have resinous fiber, which prevents their biodegradation. This resin dictates how the final cutting and engraving results would look.

Woods with a low resin content will produce lighter, crisper engravings. Whereas woods with a high resin content will result in darker cuts. Choose wisely based on the results you need.

Wood Grain: The grain is one of wood’s most defining characteristics. The grain pattern can be beautiful and is often the reason we’re drawn to certain wood types, albeit it can also interfere with the clarity of laser engravings.

When the grain pattern is too pronounced, it can overshadow the engraving, making it less readable. So, for laser engraving projects, select wood with a consistent grain pattern.

Shade/Tone: Wood is available in different shades. Interestingly, this tone has a role in engraving results. We recommend you choose lighter hues as they offer better contrast after laser engraving. While darker tones, which are visually appealing, can be used for crafting items where simple cutting is needed and wood itself is prominent.

Moisture: Laser precisely burns the wood, which can leave burnt marks after the cutting/engraving operation. These burnt designs can detract from the overall appearance. To mitigate this, one effective method is to make the wood weet before cutting. The moisture cools the wood during laser operation and cutting gets better.

Knots: Knots and growth rings are natural features of wood, which are a result of its growth patterns over the years. They do look good, however, they may affect the engraving results. However, if your project desires a more natural feel, then you don’t have to worry about this aspect.

With mechanical tools, you may cut a several-inch thick wood, but with a laser cutter, especially the common desktop laser cutters, that limit is restrained to a few millimeters, ideally < 20 mm (3/4 inches).

Best Wood for Laser Cutting

Wood is diverse, and while many types are laser-compatible, not all yield optimal results. Here, we’ve categorized the best woods for laser cutting and engraving into three distinct classes: hardwood, softwood, and engineered wood.

Best Softwood for Laser Cutting and Engraving

Softwood is among the simplest woods to handle. It has a light shade, is more affordable, and weighs less compared to others. Yet, its mix of soft and tough grain can pose cutting challenges. Resin and knots add to these issues. Also, softwoods aren’t weather-resistant, so will need coatings.

Alder

Alder Engraved Skull ©OnlineLaserCutting

Alder is known for its light brown tan which changes to a darker reddish-brown when exposed to air. Its grain is straight and even.

When engraved, it offers a contrasting shade. Its smooth texture makes it ideal for detailed work.

Basswood

Laser-engraved basswood Father’s Day Card

Originally it comes in light brown or pale white shade. When engraved, the shade darkens and the engravings get more prominent and visually appealing.

A 20W diode laser, xTool S1, can slice its 10mm thick sheet in a single pass. Whereas, you may cut through a 15mm sheet with a 40W diode module.

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