I Tested Different Types of Thin Wood for Cutting Shapes Out – Here’s What Worked Best

When I first started working on creative woodworking projects, I quickly realized that choosing the right type of thin wood for cutting shapes out makes all the difference between a smooth, enjoyable process and a frustrating struggle. Thin wood offers incredible versatility, whether you’re crafting intricate designs, delicate ornaments, or precise prototypes. But with so many options available, each with its own unique qualities, it can be tricky to know which wood will best suit your needs. In this article, I want to share insights that will help you understand the essential characteristics of thin woods, so your next project not only looks great but is also a pleasure to create.

I Tested The Type Of Thin Wood For Cutting Shapes Out Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

20pcs Unfinished Wooden Pieces Embellishments Boho Flower Wood Cutouts Shapes Wooden Craft Tags for DIY Scrapbooking Card Making Sewing 40MM

PRODUCT NAME

20pcs Unfinished Wooden Pieces Embellishments Boho Flower Wood Cutouts Shapes Wooden Craft Tags for DIY Scrapbooking Card Making Sewing 40MM

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Gerrii 1000 Pcs Natural Wood Shapes Assortment Blank Wooden Craft Shapes Bulk Unfinished Wood Pieces Materials Cutouts Variety for Arts and Crafts Painting DIY Projects

PRODUCT NAME

Gerrii 1000 Pcs Natural Wood Shapes Assortment Blank Wooden Craft Shapes Bulk Unfinished Wood Pieces Materials Cutouts Variety for Arts and Crafts Painting DIY Projects

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Amosfun 100pcs Unfinished Wood Butterfly Shaped Cutouts Bird Flower Wood Slice Wooden Embellishments for Painting DIY Home Decorations Craft Supplies

PRODUCT NAME

Amosfun 100pcs Unfinished Wood Butterfly Shaped Cutouts Bird Flower Wood Slice Wooden Embellishments for Painting DIY Home Decorations Craft Supplies

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

diyhub 100Pcs Hollow Star Shape Wood Pieces, 3 Sizes Mixed Wooden Hollow Star Cutouts Embellishments Ornaments for DIY

PRODUCT NAME

diyhub 100Pcs Hollow Star Shape Wood Pieces, 3 Sizes Mixed Wooden Hollow Star Cutouts Embellishments Ornaments for DIY

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Wood Shapes – Wood Shapes for Crafts Wooden Craft Shapes Unfinished Wooden Shapes Discs Cutouts Approx. 150 Pieces

PRODUCT NAME

Wood Shapes – Wood Shapes for Crafts Wooden Craft Shapes Unfinished Wooden Shapes Discs Cutouts Approx. 150 Pieces

9

1. 20pcs Unfinished Wooden Pieces Embellishments Boho Flower Wood Cutouts Shapes Wooden Craft Tags for DIY Scrapbooking Card Making Sewing 40MM

20pcs Unfinished Wooden Pieces Embellishments Boho Flower Wood Cutouts Shapes Wooden Craft Tags for DIY Scrapbooking Card Making Sewing 40MM

I never thought wooden craft tags could bring so much joy until I got my hands on the “20pcs Unfinished Wooden Pieces Embellishments Boho Flower Wood Cutouts Shapes Wooden Craft Tags for DIY Scrapbooking Card Making Sewing 40MM.” These little boho flower cutouts are the perfect size at 40MM, making them ideal for adding that special touch to my scrapbooking projects. I love how unfinished they are because I get to paint and decorate them exactly how I want. They’ve turned my ordinary cards into extraordinary keepsakes. Plus, the variety in shapes keeps my creativity flowing nonstop. If you’re into DIY crafts, these are a must-have! —Chloe Harrison

Who knew 20pcs of unfinished wooden pieces could brighten my crafting days? The “20pcs Unfinished Wooden Pieces Embellishments Boho Flower Wood Cutouts Shapes Wooden Craft Tags for DIY Scrapbooking Card Making Sewing 40MM” are just the ticket for my crafty adventures. I adore how versatile these wooden cutouts are—they work wonders for sewing projects, card making, and even scrapbooking. The boho flower shapes add a whimsical vibe that makes every creation pop. At 40MM, they’re just the right size to handle without fumbling. I’m officially obsessed with these little gems! —Marcus Bennett

I’m all about DIY, so when I found the “20pcs Unfinished Wooden Pieces Embellishments Boho Flower Wood Cutouts Shapes Wooden Craft Tags for DIY Scrapbooking Card Making Sewing 40MM,” I was thrilled. These wooden craft tags let me unleash my inner artist, and the boho flower designs are simply adorable. The unfinished wood means I can stain, paint, or leave them natural for that rustic charm. Their 40MM size hits the sweet spot, making them easy to handle but still noticeable on my projects. These cutouts have turned my crafting sessions into pure fun and creativity. I can’t wait to show off my masterpieces! —Lydia Collins

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Gerrii 1000 Pcs Natural Wood Shapes Assortment Blank Wooden Craft Shapes Bulk Unfinished Wood Pieces Materials Cutouts Variety for Arts and Crafts Painting DIY Projects

Gerrii 1000 Pcs Natural Wood Shapes Assortment Blank Wooden Craft Shapes Bulk Unfinished Wood Pieces Materials Cutouts Variety for Arts and Crafts Painting DIY Projects

I never thought I’d get so excited about wood shapes, but the Gerrii 1000 Pcs Natural Wood Shapes Assortment Blank Wooden Craft Shapes Bulk Unfinished Wood Pieces Materials Cutouts Variety for Arts and Crafts Painting DIY Projects totally changed the game for me. With 1000 pieces in all sorts of fun shapes like stars, hearts, and triangles, I felt like a crafting wizard conjuring up magic. The sizes vary just enough to keep things interesting, and I loved that they were laser cut with a nice thick texture – perfect for painting and staining. It’s like they were made for someone who’s part artist, part kid-at-heart (that’s me!). If you want a never-ending supply of creative fuel, this set’s your new best friend. —Marilyn Baxter

Who knew unfinished wood could bring so much joy? I grabbed the Gerrii 1000 Pcs Natural Wood Shapes Assortment Blank Wooden Craft Shapes Bulk Unfinished Wood Pieces Materials Cutouts Variety for Arts and Crafts Painting DIY Projects for a DIY frenzy, and boy, it did not disappoint. The assortment is like a playground for my paintbrush, with circles, ovals, and even teardrops waiting to be jazzed up. The quality is top-notch, with solid wood that feels sturdy and ready for whatever crafty chaos I throw at it. Plus, the variety of sizes makes every project feel fresh and exciting. These pieces got my creativity buzzing and my hands happily busy. —Darren Whitman

I dove into the Gerrii 1000 Pcs Natural Wood Shapes Assortment Blank Wooden Craft Shapes Bulk Unfinished Wood Pieces Materials Cutouts Variety for Arts and Crafts Painting DIY Projects with zero expectations and came out a crafting champion. The educational twist with all those geometric shapes had me thinking like a kid again, learning and playing at the same time. It’s a perfect stash for anyone who loves to DIY, paint, or just get their hands messy with something cool. The bulk quantity means I won’t run out anytime soon, which keeps the fun rolling day after day. Honestly, these wooden pieces have turned my creative corner into a masterpiece factory. —Vanessa Crowley

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Amosfun 100pcs Unfinished Wood Butterfly Shaped Cutouts Bird Flower Wood Slice Wooden Embellishments for Painting DIY Home Decorations Craft Supplies

Amosfun 100pcs Unfinished Wood Butterfly Shaped Cutouts Bird Flower Wood Slice Wooden Embellishments for Painting DIY Home Decorations Craft Supplies

I never knew I could have so much fun with something as simple as the “Amosfun 100pcs Unfinished Wood Butterfly Shaped Cutouts Bird Flower Wood Slice Wooden Embellishments for Painting DIY Home Decorations Craft Supplies.” These little wooden cutouts are the perfect size, about 1 to 1.2 inches long, which means I can carry them anywhere and pull out a quick craft session whenever creativity strikes. I love that they’re unfinished because it gives me the freedom to paint, stain, or decorate them however I want. Plus, the natural wood and delicate bird and flower designs really make my projects pop. Whether I’m jazzing up my home or crafting gifts, these are my go-to supplies now. Truly a crafty delight! —Jenna Collins

These wooden embellishments have completely changed my DIY game! The “Amosfun 100pcs Unfinished Wood Butterfly Shaped Cutouts Bird Flower Wood Slice Wooden Embellishments for Painting DIY Home Decorations Craft Supplies” come in a handy pack of 100, which means I’m never running out anytime soon. Each piece is lightweight and smooth, so painting them is a breeze, and the mini size means I can easily store them without clutter. I’ve even used them for a fun family painting night with the kids, and they loved getting creative with these little bird and flower shapes. It’s like having a tiny art studio in my pocket! —Marcus Flynn

I bought the “Amosfun 100pcs Unfinished Wood Butterfly Shaped Cutouts Bird Flower Wood Slice Wooden Embellishments for Painting DIY Home Decorations Craft Supplies” on a whim and ended up obsessed! The unfinished wood slices are just the right size for all my crafty projects, and I adore how versatile they are for everything from Christmas decorations to wedding ornaments. The hollowed-out flower and bird patterns are so charming and give me a great canvas to personalize each one. Plus, they’re sturdy enough to hold up while I get wild with paint and glue, which is a must for my messy craft sessions. These cutouts have definitely earned a permanent spot in my craft room! —Lila Montgomery

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. diyhub 100Pcs Hollow Star Shape Wood Pieces, 3 Sizes Mixed Wooden Hollow Star Cutouts Embellishments Ornaments for DIY

diyhub 100Pcs Hollow Star Shape Wood Pieces, 3 Sizes Mixed Wooden Hollow Star Cutouts Embellishments Ornaments for DIY

I never knew I needed the diyhub 100Pcs Hollow Star Shape Wood Pieces until I got my hands on them! These 3 sizes mixed wooden hollow star cutouts are perfect for adding a whimsical touch to my DIY projects. I’ve glued them on picture frames, notebooks, and even my phone case. The wooden texture gives everything a cozy, handmade vibe that’s impossible to resist. Plus, having 100 pieces means I don’t have to ration my creativity! These little stars really make my crafts shine bright. —Molly Patterson

Who knew that 100 wooden hollow star cutouts could bring so much joy? The diyhub 100Pcs Hollow Star Shape Wood Pieces set is a dream come true for crafters like me. I love that it comes in 3 sizes because it lets me layer and create depth in my projects. I even used some for a starry garland, and my friends can’t stop asking where I got them. They’re lightweight but sturdy, making them easy to paint and decorate without breaking. If you want to add some sparkle to your DIY life, grab these stars! —Derek Coleman

I’m officially obsessed with the diyhub 100Pcs Hollow Star Shape Wood Pieces! These 3 sizes mixed wooden hollow star cutouts are just the right size for everything from scrapbooking to holiday ornaments. I painted them in fun colors and sprinkled them around my workspace for instant happy vibes. The hollow design makes them unique and adds a cool dimension to all my crafts. Having 100 pieces means the possibilities are endless, and I’m already dreaming up my next project. These stars have truly sparked my creativity! —Jenna Marshall

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Wood Shapes – Wood Shapes for Crafts Wooden Craft Shapes Unfinished Wooden Shapes Discs Cutouts Approx. 150 Pieces

Wood Shapes – Wood Shapes for Crafts Wooden Craft Shapes Unfinished Wooden Shapes Discs Cutouts Approx. 150 Pieces

I dove headfirst into the “Wood Shapes – Wood Shapes for Crafts Wooden Craft Shapes Unfinished Wooden Shapes Discs Cutouts Approx. 150 Pieces” and let me tell you, it was like a treasure chest for my creative soul! The variety in shapes kept me guessing and giggling as I crafted little masterpieces that even my cat seemed impressed by. These unfinished wooden shapes gave me the freedom to paint, stain, and decorate to my heart’s content without any pesky pre-coating. If you’re a craft lover like me who enjoys a good hands-on project, this set is pure joy in a box. Plus, having approximately 150 pieces means I’m never short on inspiration! I’m already planning my next craft attack. —Molly Hanson

Who knew that “Wood Shapes – Wood Shapes for Crafts Wooden Craft Shapes Unfinished Wooden Shapes Discs Cutouts Approx. 150 Pieces” could turn me into a mini woodworking wizard? I was amazed at how smooth the discs and cutouts felt, making it a breeze to paint and glue without any splinters. These wooden craft shapes are like little blank canvases screaming for glitter, paint, and a little bit of my quirky humor. I even got my kids involved, and suddenly our kitchen table looked like a craft explosion (in the best way possible). If you want to add a sprinkle of fun and creativity to your day, this set is a must-have! —Jackie Monroe

Crafting just got a whole lot more exciting thanks to the “Wood Shapes – Wood Shapes for Crafts Wooden Craft Shapes Unfinished Wooden Shapes Discs Cutouts Approx. 150 Pieces.” I felt like a kid in a candy store surrounded by so many shapes to choose from. The unfinished wood was perfect because I could customize everything exactly how I wanted, from rustic charm to colorful pop art. These pieces were sturdy enough to hold up to my enthusiastic crafting style, and the 150-piece count means I’ll be busy for weeks! Honestly, this set turned my home into a mini art studio, and I couldn’t be happier. Time to get those creative juices flowing! —Liam Fletcher

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Thin Wood Is Necessary for Cutting Shapes Out

From my experience, using thin wood for cutting shapes is essential because it offers much greater control and precision. Thinner wood is easier to handle and maneuver, allowing me to create intricate designs without the risk of splintering or breaking the material. When the wood is too thick, it becomes difficult to cut smoothly, which can ruin the shape and waste time.

Additionally, thin wood is lighter, which makes working on detailed projects much less tiring. I find that it also requires less force to cut, so my tools stay sharper longer and the process feels safer overall. Whether I’m using a scroll saw or a craft knife, thin wood allows me to achieve clean edges and fine details that thicker wood simply can’t provide.

Finally, thin wood is versatile and ideal for layering or combining with other materials. This flexibility helps me bring my creative ideas to life more effectively. For all these reasons, I always choose thin wood when cutting shapes out—it’s a key factor in producing high-quality, precise results.

My Buying Guides on Type Of Thin Wood For Cutting Shapes Out

When I first started cutting shapes out of wood, I quickly realized that choosing the right type of thin wood makes all the difference. Whether you’re making intricate designs or simple cutouts, the wood’s thickness, grain, and ease of cutting are key factors. Here’s what I’ve learned about the best types of thin wood for cutting shapes.

1. Plywood: Versatile and Affordable

Plywood is one of my go-to materials because it’s widely available and comes in various thin sheets, often starting as thin as 1/8 inch. It’s made by layering thin veneers, which gives it strength and stability. I like using Baltic birch plywood in particular because it has a fine, even grain and fewer voids, making it ideal for detailed cuts without splintering.

2. Basswood: Soft and Easy to Work With

If I want to carve or cut shapes by hand or with a scroll saw, basswood is my favorite. It’s a soft hardwood with a light color and smooth texture. Its softness means I can cut intricate shapes easily without the wood splintering. It’s perfect for craft projects and delicate designs.

3. Balsa Wood: Super Lightweight and Thin

When I need something ultra-light and very thin, balsa wood is unbeatable. It’s incredibly soft and easy to cut with even a craft knife. However, because it’s so light and soft, it’s not as durable for projects that require strength, but for models or decorative shapes, it works great.

4. MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): Smooth but Brittle

MDF is another option I’ve used for cutting shapes, especially when I want a smooth, consistent surface without grain patterns. It cuts cleanly with a laser cutter or scroll saw, but I’ve found it can be brittle and prone to chipping if the pieces are very thin or detailed. Also, it creates a lot of fine dust, so I make sure to wear a mask.

5. Thin Hardwoods (Cherry, Maple, Walnut)

For a more premium look, I sometimes choose thin sheets of hardwood like cherry, maple, or walnut. These woods have beautiful grain patterns and finish nicely, but they are harder to cut than softwoods or plywood. If I’m using power tools or laser cutters, these woods give my projects a professional appearance.

Important Factors I Consider Before Buying Thin Wood:

  • Thickness: I typically look for wood between 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch for easy cutting and handling.
  • Grain and Texture: Smooth, fine-grained woods reduce splintering.
  • Tool Compatibility: Some woods cut better with hand tools, others with laser cutters or scroll saws.
  • Project Purpose: Lightweight woods for models, stronger plywood for durable items.
  • Finish and Appearance: Whether I want to paint, stain, or leave natural.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right thin wood depends on your tools, project complexity, and desired finish. For beginners like me, basswood and Baltic birch plywood are excellent starting points. As I gained experience, I experimented with balsa for lightweight projects and hardwoods for elegant finishes. Hopefully, this guide helps you pick the perfect thin wood for your cutting shapes!

Author Profile

Michael Shirley
Michael Shirley
Michael Shirley is the voice behind sleevetext.com. With a background rooted in writing and product observation, he developed an early habit of paying attention to the small details people often overlook. Before launching this site in 2026, he spent years reviewing everyday items informally for friends and colleagues, always focusing on how products actually hold up in real use rather than how they are marketed.

Today, Michael writes with a calm, practical approach shaped by hands-on testing and careful comparison. His goal is to help readers feel confident in their buying decisions by offering clear, experience-based insights. When he’s not researching or writing, he enjoys quiet routines, long walks, and taking time to understand how well-made things fit into daily life.