Guide to select your timber

Click on the arrows on the left to read on and to see samples to understand which timber is suitable for what.

We source our timber from an Australian owned company. Where possible, we choose species which are proudly Australian sourced /manufactured. Our products are finished with a water based matt varnish to ensure its longevity.

Core Timber Range

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BASSWOOD

Celebrated for its smooth texture and stability, Basswood is a premium choice for precision work and refined finishes. Its soft, even grain and pale, creamy color lend a timeless elegance that complements a wide range of interior styles and creative applications. Lightweight yet durable, Basswood offers excellent workability, making it ideal for both intricate detailing and large-scale projects.

With a fine, consistent surface, Basswood responds beautifully to cutting, engraving, and staining—producing clean edges and subtle contrasts. Its uniform appearance and dependable performance make it a preferred material for artists, designers, and makers seeking a balance of beauty, versatility, and precision.

Surface: finished surface is clean and smooth.

Cut: Great

Text / outline: Great

Engrave image: Good - subtle and light contrast giving a hint of a very low profile CNC finish.

Available thickness: 2mm, 3mm, 4mm

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BIRCH

Renowned for its versatility, Birch is an ideal choice for a wide range of artistic and functional applications. As one of the lightest timbers in our collection, it features a pale, creamy tone and a consistent grain pattern that offers a clean, elegant backdrop. Its natural lightness makes it highly adaptable—perfect for clear finishes or custom treatments that highlight its refined simplicity.

It has a subtle satin texture that delivers smooth, precise cuts and engravings with a soft contrast. Its uniform surface ensures crisp detailing and fine lines, making it exceptionally well-suited for intricate designs and high-quality finishes.

Surface: finished surface is smooth and has a slight reflective sheen with a hint of grainy feel.

Cut: Great

Text / outline: Great

Engrave image: Good - subtle and light contrast giving a hint of a very low profile CNC finish.

Available thickness: 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm

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BAMBOO (NATURAL)

Bamboo is a highly versatile and eco-friendly material, valued for its strength, durability, and natural beauty. With a dense, fibrous texture and smooth surface, it offers a distinctive character that varies subtly with each piece. Its natural color ranges from pale beige to warm yellow-brown tones, with a unique grain pattern that adds depth and visual interest.

Ideal for engraving or cut-out artwork, Bamboo produces crisp results with a characteristic warmth. Due to its fibrous nature, larger engravings may show slight charring along the grain—enhancing its rustic charm and organic appeal;  wood grain / fiber may be relatively prominent than artwork itself.

Surface: tactile in style to do bamboo grains but finished surface is flat / matte.

Cut: Great

Text / outline: Great

Engrave image: Okay, on occasion may look rustic due to engraving over a higher density of bamboo strains, result from various density / variety of bamboo strains. Some photos may be blurred; more suitable for mongrams

Available thickness: 1.5mm, 2.5mm

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TASMANIA SASSAFRAS

Tasmania Sassafras is a hardwood native to Tasmania. It has yellowish-grey or brown in colour and warm in tone with a relatively straight grain with a fine to medium texture.

It has a moderate to high density, which means it is generally harder than softwoods but can vary in hardness depending on the specific piece of wood. This density contributes to a lightly more clean and precise cuts.

This timber cuts cleanly, producing well-defined edges and detailed engravings. Its subtle unique color and grain patterns make it a visually appealing choice for projects requiring both function and aesthetics. Fantastic to use all round for cutting, etching and image engraving - this timber provides a very clean result in terms of contrast to the timber itself.

Surface: smooth with the matt (satin) varnish coating.

Cut: Great

Text / outline: Great

Engrave image:  Great, timber is subtle and plain so contrast of artwork is effective and clean

Available thickness: 1.8mm only

IMPORTANT NOTE: 

DUE TO SUPPLY PROTECTION / CONSTRAINTS, OUR SUPPLIER NO LONGER STOCK TASMANIA SASSAFRAS. IT IS CURRENTLY STILL IN STOCK UNTIL SOLD OUT FROM OUR STUDIO! BASSWOOD is a close default option.

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WALNUT(AMERICAN)

American Walnut is known for its rich, dark colour, fine grain and strength. It has a smooth surfacing making it ideal for finishing applications The wood’s composition contributes to its durability and resistance to wear, making it suitable for intricate work.

Walnut cuts cleanly with a laser and can create detailed engravings and precise cuts. This is our dark timber alternative, great for cutting, text etching and engraving images. However please note that on some occasion, a darker timber may not have a as defined contrast due to a charred engraving on a dark timber which doesn't offer a contrast as well when compared to light timber. We adjust our settings to our best ability to ensure contrast is at its maximum.

Surface: smooth with the matt (satin) varnish coating.

Cut: Great

Text outline: Great

Engrave text / image: OK. Outcome is clean but contrast is very subtle. Note that engraving on a darker timber will not have a contrast as clear as engraving on lighter timber due to background being darker. Our recommendation is have the simpler artwork vs intricate - i.e. mongram

Available thickness: 1.5mm, 3mm

Environmental Considerations: Jarrah is a native species, and sustainable harvesting practices are important to ensure the preservation of its natural habitat. Please note: Walnut is part of our limited core range as they are a protected timber species and limited qualities are allowed per production! So get in quick while they are available. Alternate dark timber options is Jarrah ( But they are also part of a protected specie so supplies are limited.)

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JARRAH

Jarrah is a dense hardwood native to south-western Australia, valued for its strength, durability, and rich character. With fine to medium grain and deep red to reddish-brown tones, it brings warmth and sophistication to any project.

Ideal for cutting and engraving, Jarrah produces clean results with a refined finish. As a darker timber, engraved contrast may vary slightly, but we adjust our settings to ensure the best possible definition.

Our Jarrah is sourced from carefully selected Wester Australia.

Surface: smooth with the matt (satin) finish.

Cut: Great

Text / outline: Great

Engrave text / image: OK. Outcome is clean but contrast is subtle due to engraving is on a darker substrate; it will not have a contrast as clear as engraving on lighter timber. Our recommendation is have the simpler artwork (logos and monogram) vs intricate (photos).

Available thickness: 1.5mm, 3mm

Environmental Considerations: Jarrah is a native species, and sustainable harvesting practices are important to ensure the preservation of its natural habitat. Please note: Jarrah is part of our limited core range as they are a protected timber species and limited qualities are allowed per production! So get in quick while they are available. Alternate dark timber options is American ( But they are also part of a protected specie so supplies are limited.)

Custom Timber Request Material

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BEECH

Beech has yellowish-red or brown in colour and warm in tone with a relatively straight grain with a fine to medium texture. There is also a very small hint of pink / red but overall is a smooth natural timber.

Beech has a moderate to high density, which means it is generally harder than softwoods but can vary in hardness depending on the specific piece of wood. This density contributes to a lightly more clean and precise cuts.

This timber cuts cleanly, producing well-defined edges and detailed engravings. Its subtle unique color and grain patterns make it a visually appealing choice for projects requiring both function and aesthetics.

Fantastic to use all round for cutting, etching and image engraving - this timber provides a very clean result in terms of contrast to the timber itself.

Surface: smooth with the matt (satin) varnish coating.

Cut: Great

Text / outline: Great

Engrave image:  Great, timber is subtle and plain so contrast of artwork is effective and clean

Available thickness: 3mm only

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BLACKWOOD (TASMANINA )

Blackwood is a versatile hardwood prized for its strength, stability, and rich, warm tones. With a fine to medium grain and deep brown hues often highlighted with subtle golden streaks, it provides a sophisticated and elegant aesthetic.

Well-suited to cutting, engraving, and fine detailing, Blackwood produces clean, precise results. As a naturally darker timber, contrast may vary slightly, but settings are adjusted to ensure optimal clarity and definition.

Sustainably sourced and high-quality, Blackwood combines durability with timeless visual appeal for a wide range of applications.

Surface: smooth.

Cut: Great

Text / outline: Great

Engrave text / image: Good - Grain sometimes overpowers image. Suitable for Mongram

Available thickness: 3mm

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Victorian Ash 

Victoria Ash is a light, versatile hardwood valued for its strength, fine grain, and uniform appearance. Its pale cream to light brown tones provide a clean, elegant backdrop, making it ideal for both natural finishes and custom treatments.

Well-suited for cutting, engraving, and intricate detailing, Victoria Ash delivers crisp results with clear definition. Its consistent surface ensures precision, making it a reliable choice for a wide range of applications.

Sustainably sourced, Victoria Ash combines durability with a timeless, refined aesthetic.

Surface: smooth.

Cut: Great

Text / outline: OK - timber grain can overpower photos. Suitable for monograms.

Engrave text / image: OK - grain can sometimes take over

Available thickness: 3mm

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White Ash

White Ash is a light, strong hardwood prized for its smooth texture and subtle, consistent grain. Its pale cream to soft beige tones offer a clean, versatile backdrop, ideal for natural finishes or custom treatments.

Perfect for cutting, engraving, and intricate detailing, White Ash provides precise, sharp results while maintaining a refined, elegant appearance. It is locally manufactured in Melbourne.

Surface: smooth.

Cut: Great

Text / outline: Great

Engrave text / image: Good

Available thickness: 3mm only

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Rock Maple

Rock Maple is a premium hardwood known for its strength, fine texture, and exceptional durability. Its pale, creamy hue with subtle grain patterns offers a clean, contemporary aesthetic suited to both functional and decorative applications.

Ideal for precise cutting and engraving, Rock Maple produces crisp, detailed results with excellent contrast. Its consistent surface and dense composition make it a reliable choice for high-quality finishes and intricate work.

Surface: smooth.

Cut: Great

Text / outline: Great

Engrave text / image: Great

Available thickness: 3mm only

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Coachwood

Coachwood is a fine-grained hardwood admired for its smooth texture, medium coloration, and excellent workability. Ranging from pale pink to light brown tones, it provides a warm, subtle backdrop suited to both modern and traditional applications.

Its even surface allows for clean cuts and detailed engravings with soft contrast, making it ideal for precise, refined work. Lightweight yet durable, Coachwood balances strength with elegance.

Surface: smooth.

Cut: Great

Text / outline: Great

Engrave text / image: Great

Available thickness: 3mm only

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Queensland Maple

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