Our list of suitable products are found on this page:
CNC & Laser Cutting Sheet Goods
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When you're using 1/4" or thinner wood with a laser cutter or CNC router, you have to employ some techniques to force the wood flat. Thin wood does not stay flat.
Here’s what to know—and how to work around the natural tendency of wood to warp:
3 Tips to Keep Your Material Flat
1. Use Hold-Downs: On a laser bed, flatness is everything. Use magnets, painter’s tape, or weights to force warped plywood to lay flat. CNC machines may benefit from vacuum tables or screw-down spoilboards.
2. Choose MDF-Core Panels: MDF (medium-density fiberboard) doesn't move with humidity the way real wood does. Plywoods that are bonded to an MDF core stay flatter, longer.
3. Store It Right: Keep sheets stacked flat with weight on top, away from direct sunlight or dry airflow (like AC vents). Warping often starts before you even use it.
Pros and Cons of Common Laser/CNC Materials
Here’s a breakdown of our most popular sheet goods for laser cutting or CNC routing, including how well they stay flat and what to expect when working with them:
1. MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
Flatness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best-in-class for staying dead flat
Pros: Smooth, consistent density ideal for engraving and cutting; affordable; doesn’t warp with humidity
Cons: Produces fine dust (use proper filtration); edges may char heavily on a laser; doesn’t hold screws well
Best For: Clean engraving, painted signs, and structural laser-cut parts
2. Baltic Birch Plywood (3mm, 6mm, 12mm)
Flatness: ⭐⭐ Often warps slightly due to solid veneer core layers
Pros: Strong, durable; excellent for CNC cutting; appealing light grain; consistent internal layers
Cons: Susceptible to warping in thin sheets; occasional voids; may need flattening before laser use
Best For: CNC structural parts, boxes, jigs, models
3. Melamine on Plywood Core
Flatness: ⭐⭐⭐ Generally stable, though plywood core may warp with time
Pros: Slick surface; resists scratches; bright white or black finish; doesn’t need finishing
Cons: Brittle melamine edges may chip when cutting; plywood core can still warp over time
Best For: Cabinet backs, signage, templates
4. Premcore Plus White Birch Plywood
Flatness: ⭐⭐⭐ Better than basic plywood, but not as stable as MDF core
Pros: Cleaner faces; fewer voids than cheap plywood; light birch appearance; affordable
Cons: Still a veneer-core product, so minor warp can occur in thin sizes
Best For: Decorative panels, basic CNC or laser cutting
5. 1/4" Solid Hardwood Pre-Cut Packs (Maple, Walnut, Cherry)
Flatness: ⭐⭐⭐ Often requires flattening—solid wood moves a lot more when it's wide
Pros: Real hardwood with rich grain; great for premium engraving
Cons: Prone to cupping or twisting; inconsistent flatness; more expensive
Best For: Custom signage, gift boxes, art pieces
6. 1/4" Hardwood Plywood on MDF Core
Flatness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very stable due to MDF core
Pros: Beautiful real hardwood face (like walnut or maple); MDF keeps it flat; engraves cleanly
Cons: Slightly more delicate to handle than veneer-core; MDF edges may need sealing
Best For: Premium laser engraving, signs, wall art, box building
The Bottom Line
If flatness is your top concern for laser or CNC work, MDF or hardwood plywood on MDF core are your best options. These materials offer the stability you need to get precise cuts and clean engraving without fighting warped stock.