Wood Engraving

Yes, different wood types yield drastically different engraving results due to variations in density, resin content, and natural grain structure.

What to expect from different woods:

• Hardwoods (Oak, Walnut, Cherry): These dense woods require higher laser power but produce crisp, high-contrast, and deeply etched results. Walnut yields a rich, dark brown burn, while Cherry engraves beautifully with a deep caramel tone due to its high resin content.

• Softwoods (Pine, Cedar): Softwoods engrave much faster at lower power, but the finish can vary. The lighter wood between the grain rings burns away deeply and quickly, while the dark, resinous growth rings resist the laser, creating a highly textured, rustic, "3D" effect.

• Engineered Woods (MDF, Plywood): Plywood and MDF offer incredibly consistent, uniform finishes because they lack the natural grain and knots found in solid wood. However, the glues used within the plies can sometimes cause darker charring around the edges.

⚠️ Material Testing Disclosure: Because wood is a natural, organic material, variation occurs even within the exact same species or lumber batch. Knots, moisture content, and density shifts mean we cannot guarantee the exact colour contrast or depth of the final engraving without prior material testing. For bulk or high-value orders, we highly recommend providing a sample piece for setup testing to ensure the finish meets your exact specifications.

Our lead times vary depending on workload, season, and the specifics of your order.

• Individual items (e.g. a chopping board or plaque): usually processed within 24–48 hours.

• Bulk orders (50+ units): typically 4–7 working days.

We’ll always be upfront about turnaround times, and we’ll work with you to meet urgent deadlines wherever possible.

Because every project is bespoke, pricing is tailored to your specific needs. Your quote will depend on a few key factors:

Artwork Requirements

For the sharpest results (especially on glass), we need a properly formatted vector file (AI, EPS, or high-res PDF). Artwork prep can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on complexity.

Machine Setup & Preparation

Wood engraving isn’t just “press and go.” Items must be precisely positioned in the machine, often with multiple adjustments. Laser settings—power, speed, and pulse frequency—are also fine-tuned for each material and thickness.

Processing Time

Detailed artwork requires slower engraving speeds and reduced spacing between intervals to achieve a crisp, clean finish. While this delivers striking results, it does increase processing time, especially for large or intricate motifs.

Start Your Quote

Everyday objects to one-of-a-kind creations. Some of our most commonly requested engraving requests include:

• Board Games & Game Pieces – Add a personalised or artistic touch to game boards and tokens.

• Architectural Models – Precision laser cutting for scale models, perfect for students and professionals alike.

• Table Tennis Bats – Custom engravings for personal use, clubs, or branded merchandise.

• Chopping Boards – Ideal for gifts, weddings, or promotional items—engrave names, quotes, or logos.

• Jewellery Boxes – Make it memorable with intricate patterns, names, or dates.

• Cooking Utensils – Engrave wooden spoons, spatulas, and more with decorative or personalised designs.

• Picture Frames – Add meaningful messages, dates, or embellishments to any frame.

• Custom Signage – From business signs to wedding décor, we bring your vision to life.

• House Signs & Plaques – Durable and attractive, perfect for addresses, names, or bespoke messages.

Absolutely! We know many of our customers aren’t local. Send your items directly to our engraving workshop at:

Laser Engraving Service
57 Leather Lane
London EC1N 7TJ

You’re welcome to purchase your products or materials online and have them shipped directly to our workshop.

Packaging & Delivery Guidelines

• Pack items securely to protect against scratches, dents, or damage.

• We recommend sending all parcels via a tracked and insured postal or courier service for added peace of mind.

• Include your name, contact details, and return postage address and order reference (if applicable).

• Include your engraving details—text, size, placement, plus any helpful notes.

If you have any questions before sending your item, feel free to contact us—we’re always happy to help!

If you would like to supply your own artwork, for the most accurate wood engraving results, we prefer vector files. Common formats include:

• AI (Adobe Illustrator)

• DXF (Drawing Exchange Format)

• SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)

Please also provide the exact dimensions or scale of your design.

Don’t have a vector file? No problem. Just send us your sketch, image, or PDF, and our design team will help refine and prepare it for engraving.

Yes — absolutely!

We’re more than happy for customers to provide their materials or items for laser engraving, cutting, or marking.

Absolutely! We offer discounted rates on bulk orders, whether you're customising items for weddings, corporate events, branded merchandise, product launches, or group gifts. Our quantity discounts typically start from five items or more.

You name it — we can engrave it! If it’s made of wood and fits within our machine dimensions (up to 1000mm x 600mm), our wood engravers will work with you to bring your ideas to life.

We can even engrave cylindrical wooden objects using our rotary attachment, opening up even more creative possibilities.

We work with a wide range of wood types, including Oak, Birch, Cherry, Walnut, Balsa, Plywood, MDF, and veneered woods. If you're unsure whether your material is suitable, we'll be happy to advise you!