Material Deep Dive: Wood

January 21, 2025

Michelle

Wood is about to become your new favorite material.

In his comprehensive video Every Laserable Material, Glowforge owner John K (of Glowforge for Beginners!) walks us through the wonderful world of wood — and we're here to expand on John’s words of wisdom and break down everything you need to know about creating with this versatile material.

Let’s dive in!

Getting Started with Proofgrade®

The easiest way to start your wood crafting journey? Proofgrade materials. These premium woods come ready to use, with a protective paper masking and a clever QR code that tells your Glowforge exactly how to handle the material. Whether you're working with maple, walnut, or cherry, you'll get consistently beautiful results from your very first print.

What makes Proofgrade special?

  • Pre-finished surface ensures consistent, beautiful results
  • Protective paper masking prevents smoke stains
  • QR code automatically sets optimal cutting and engraving settings
  • Compatible with all Glowforge models
  • Available in both hardwood and plywood options

Looking to work with specific wood variants like MDF or Veneer? We’ve got Material Deep Dives on both! Check out our MDF blog and Veneer blog for all the info.

Exploring Alternative Woods

While Proofgrade Materials make getting started a breeze, there's a whole world of wood waiting to be explored. Baltic birch is a popular choice for larger projects — perfect for when you want to create that life-sized dinosaur cutout or an elaborate wall installation. And solid hardwood? It's ideal for achieving those stunning 3D effects that'll have everyone asking "How did you do that?"

What can you create with wood?

What Can You Create? The possibilities are endless! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Intricate wooden jewelry
  • Custom board games
  • Personalized home décor
  • Furniture with precise joinery
  • 3D engravings with stunning depth
  • Photo engravings on hardwood

Pro Tips for Working with Wood

  • For deeper engravings, clean up any residue with soapy water and a soft brush
  • Try combining different wood types for dramatic contrast
  • Sand edges after cutting to reveal the natural wood grain
  • Experiment with paint markers to add pops of color to your engravings
  • Take on larger wood creations like furniture or signs with the Glowforge Pro Passthrough slot

Ready to Explore More Materials?

To watch a seasoned Glowforge creator take on all types of wood projects (and dozens of other materials), check out John K.’s video!

Check out our other Material Deep Dives to discover how to create with Veneer, MDF, and other exciting materials in your laser crafting journey!

We can’t wait to see what you make!