Laser engraving wood—also commonly searched as wood laser engraving—is one of the most rewarding ways to create custom, meaningful, and profitable products. Whether you're a hobbyist crafting gifts or a small business offering engraved items for sale, mastering wood engraving unlocks huge creative and commercial potential.
In this guide, you'll learn which woods work best, how to set up your laser, what settings to use, and the kinds of projects that consistently impress.
Laser engraving burns or vaporizes the surface of the wood to create marks, patterns, or images. The result depends on your laser type (CO₂ or diode), how you prepare the wood, and what settings you use.
You don't need industrial machines to get clean results—small desktop lasers are fully capable of producing professional-grade engravings if you set them up properly.
Some woods engrave much better than others. Here's a breakdown of common options:
For the cleanest results, stick to light-colored woods with minimal resin content.
Settings vary by machine, but here are general guidelines:
Always test your settings on scrap wood before running a final piece.
Before engraving:
Here are creative and profitable projects you can make:
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These projects are popular on Etsy, at craft fairs, and for personalized gifting.
To sell successfully:
Popular places to sell include:
Here are frequent wood engraving issues and how to fix them:
Q: Can I engrave on any wood?
A: Technically yes, but light woods like basswood and maple give better contrast. Avoid resin-heavy woods.
Q: Do I need to seal the engraved area?
A: Not required, but applying a clear finish can protect and enhance the look.
Q: What’s the difference between cutting and engraving?
A: Engraving marks the surface; cutting goes all the way through.
Q: Is laser engraving wood profitable?
A: Yes—many small businesses succeed by offering personalized wood items with low production cost and high perceived value.
Wood laser engraving is a versatile and rewarding way to create beautiful and sellable products. With the right preparation, settings, and creativity, you can turn even the most basic piece of wood into something unforgettable.