Wood laser cutting & engraving — hardwood, plywood, MDF, veneer
Wood is the material we cut more of than any other. It engraves cleanly, cuts with a slightly toasted edge that most makers actually want, and looks finished without any post-processing. We laser-cut wood for sign makers, model makers, designers, joiners, packaging studios and gift brands.
What we cut
- Plywood — birch, poplar, laser-grade. Best for layered designs, models, and signage backers.
- Hardwood — oak, walnut, ash, cherry, beech, maple. Solid, with natural grain showing through.
- MDF — uniform, paint-grade, very predictable cut. Standard for prototypes and signage.
- Veneer — thin natural wood, ideal for laminating onto other substrates.
- Cork and bamboo — also commonly requested alongside wood projects.
Typical thicknesses
- Plywood: 0.4 mm up to 12 mm mm
- Hardwood: 2 mm up to 9 mm (denser woods cap lower)
- MDF: 1.5 mm up to 12 mm
- Veneer: 0.4 mm to 1 mm
(Not all MDF and Plywood are made the same. Laser-friendly ply and composite woods tend to cost more per sheet than standard materials, and though it is possible with thicker material, it is generally recommended to move to a CNC router when working with thick materials.)
Common uses
- Signage and wayfinding — interior and sheltered exterior
- Engraved name boards and welcome plaques
- Wedding stationery, table plans, place cards
- Architectural models and scale prototypes
- Packaging inserts and gift boxes
- Retail props, display stands, point-of-sale
- Branded merchandise — coasters, keepsakes, ornaments
What a wood laser cut looks like
The cut edge has a slight char — usually a clean, dark line on plywood and a warmer brown on hardwood. Most makers leave this; it gives the piece a hand-finished look. If you don't want it, we can sand or wipe back the edges, or use masking on the surface before cutting to keep faces clean.
Engraving on wood
Raster engraving on hardwood gives deep, dark detail with strong contrast on lighter species (maple, sycamore) and softer contrast on darker species (walnut, oak). For photographic engraving we usually recommend a light, dense wood like maple plywood.
Supplying your own material
You're welcome to bring your own sheets — we'll quote on cutting only. Two requests: it must be laser-safe (no PVC-treated edge bands, no plastic-coated MDF) and it should be flat. Warped sheets won't focus correctly.
Pricing
Single pieces from £50. Sheet rates available for production runs. Quote in 24 hours from a vector file. See also our broader CO₂ laser cutting service.