How to Create Wood Inlay With a Laser Engraver

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Wood inlay is one of the most striking techniques in woodworking, combining precision craftsmanship with visual contrast. Traditionally, inlay required hand tools, chisels, and a great deal of patience. Today, laser engravers make the process far more accessible, repeatable, and accurate—especially when you’re working with detailed designs or producing multiple identical pieces.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the complete process of creating a laser-cut wood inlay, based on our workflow with an OMTech CO₂ laser, which offers the consistent depth control and cutting accuracy required for tight-fitting inlays. Let’s get started!