Wood Safety & Toxicity in Pyrography: What You Need to Know Before You Burn

What wood can you burn?

If you’re just getting started with pyrography, this is probably one of the first questions you’ve asked, and for good reason. The type of wood (or material) you choose doesn’t just affect how your art turns out; it can also affect your health.

Some woods burn beautifully, giving you clean lines and smooth shading. Others can be a nightmare to work with, or worse, they can release toxic fumes and fine dust that can harm your lungs over time.

Today, I’m breaking down the best woods for pyrography, tricky woods you can use with caution, toxic woods to avoid, and some fun alternative materials to try. At the end, I’ll also share a full video guide so you can see these woods up close.

Best Woods for Pyrography

If you’re new to wood burning, start with these smooth, light-grain woods. They burn evenly, respond well to different temperatures, and are perfect for shading practice.

• Basswood – My absolute favorite for beginners. Soft, smooth, and nearly grain-free.
• Italian Poplar – Great for frames or larger art pieces.
• Maple & Cherry – Both are smooth with light grain; cherry’s natural color variations can make for stunning art.
• Aspen & Willow – Smooth surfaces and minimal grain, perfect for clean line work.
• Sassafras – Slightly more challenging but beautiful for ornaments and coasters.

These woods are reliable, easy to find, and give you that classic “pyrography look.”

Challenging but Usable Woods

If you’re ready to experiment, these woods can produce beautiful results, but you’ll need more patience and control because of their grain patterns.

• Birch & Birch Plywood – Pretty but has heavier grain; shading can be tricky.
• Pine – High resin content and inconsistent grain make it frustrating for beginners.
• Hickory & Ash – Tough, dense woods that can wear out your hand faster, but I’ve made some amazing pieces with them.

If you use these woods, work slowly, adjust your heat frequently, and be prepared to sand more than usual.

Toxic Woods & Materials You Should Never Burn

This is where things get serious. Some materials are dangerous to burn and should be avoided at all costs.

• Pressure-Treated Wood – Soaked with chemicals that release toxic fumes.
• Spalted Wood & MDF – Spalted wood often contains fungal contamination, and MDF is packed with formaldehyde.
• Painted, Stained, or Sealed Wood – Unless you sand it down to raw wood, these finishes emit harmful fumes.
• Cedar & Pine – While not outright banned, these resin-heavy woods can release toxic fumes; if you use them, burn outdoors and wear a mask.
• Plastics, Acrylics, or Plexiglass – Never, ever burn these—serious health risk.

Toxic fumes and fine wood dust aren’t just irritating; long-term exposure can cause asthma, allergic reactions, and even increase the risk of nasal cancer. Always prioritize ventilation and wear a mask when sanding or burning.

Fun Alternatives to Try

Pyrography isn’t just for wood! Here are some interesting, safe materials you can experiment with:

• Gourds – Curved and challenging but fun to burn.
• Vegetable-Tanned Leather – Burns beautifully, but make sure it’s oil or veg-tanned (never chemically treated).
• Tagua Nuts (“Vegetable Ivory”) – Great for making unique jewelry pieces.

Watch the Full Video Guide

If you want to see these woods and materials up close, along with extra safety tips, check out my full YouTube video:

If you’re ever unsure about a wood or material, do your research first and don’t rely solely on what other people say online. Your health and safety matter more than a single art project.

What’s your favorite wood to burn on? Have you ever worked with any tricky or unusual materials? Share your experience in the comments below—I’d love to hear!

And if you want more pyrography tips, patterns, and tutorials, join me inside the Pyrography Academy.