What is Wood Filament and How to 3D Print with It?

Wouldn’t it be awesome to be able to create objects that look, feel, and even smell like real wood—all with the precision and ease of 3D printing? Wood filament lets you do just that! This special type of filament combines the warmth and natural beauty of wood with the versatility of PLA plastic, so you can create everything from decor items to cosplay props, unique gifts, and more.

If you’re new to wood filament or looking to improve your skills, this guide will cover everything you need to know, from setting up your printer to finishing and troubleshooting.

Let’s get started!

What is Wood Filament?

Wood filament is a blend of standard 3D printing plastic called PLA (polylactic acid) and fine wood particles. PLA, made from renewable resources like corn starch, is the most commonly used 3D printing plastic because it’s easy to work with and eco-friendly. By adding wood particles—usually 20% to 40% of the mix—you get a material that acts like regular PLA but looks, feels, and sometimes even smells like real wood.

source: 3dwithus.com

Wood filament has been around since 2012, but back then it was a bit rough and looked more like cardboard. Today, manufacturers have perfected the formula, and we have a variety of wood filaments that mimic real wood textures. You’ll find ones made with bamboo, cedar, birch, and even darker exotic woods like walnut and ebony. This range of wood types means you can get different looks—from light and clean to dark and rich—so there’s a wood filament for almost any project!

Why Choose Wood Filament?

Wood filament gives you a unique look and feel to 3D printing projects. The combination of wood and PLA gives you the precision and design freedom of 3D printing with a natural, handcrafted touch that’s hard to achieve with other filaments. You can create everything from plant pots and picture frames to toys, cosplay props, and scale models that look and feel like they came straight from a woodshop.

One of the coolest things about wood filament is you can change the color by adjusting the printer’s temperature. Higher temperatures give you a darker, almost burnt look, and lower temperatures give you a lighter, more natural look. This simple trick gives you a lot of creative freedom; you can print with realistic wood grain or even add shading within a single print.

Wood filament is also fairly durable (although not as strong as some plastics like ABS), making it ideal for decorative items, small functional pieces, or props that don’t need to hold up to heavy use

Getting Ready to Print with Wood Filament

Printing with wood filament is like printing with PLA, but there are a few things to get right. Here’s what you need to know to get started:

Choosing the Right Filament Brand

Not all wood filaments are made equal. Different brands use different types of wood and blend ratios, so it’s worth spending money on a good one. Fillamentum, Polymaker, and Hatchbox are known for their good wood filaments.

Each of these brands offers different types and shades of wood, so you have a lot of options depending on the look you want. Some companies like Polymaker even offer wood-mimicking filaments that don’t contain actual wood particles but look super realistic, which can be easier on your printer.

Kingroon also offers a great choice if you’re looking for a high-quality yet affordable wood filament. It features a realistic wood-like texture and precise dimensional accuracy (±0.03mm) for smooth, clog-free printing. Durable and heat-resistant with minimal bubbling, this filament is ideal for projects needing a polished wood finish.

Check out Kingroon wood filament here.

Storage: Keeping Wood Filament Dry

Wood filament is more sensitive to moisture than standard PLA, so storing it properly is essential. When exposed to air, it can absorb moisture, which can lead to steam bubbles in your print and an uneven surface. For the best results, store your filament in an airtight container with desiccant packs (those little moisture-absorbing packets) to keep it dry. In especially humid areas, a filament dryer is a good investment—it dries out your filament before use, helping to prevent printing issues caused by moisture.

Using the Right Nozzle

Because wood filament contains tiny wood particles, it can wear down your nozzle over time, especially if you print with it often. Standard brass nozzles, which come with most 3D printers, are softer and can wear out quickly when used with abrasive filaments like wood. For longer-lasting results, switch to a hardened steel nozzle, which is better suited to handle the abrasion. Also, using a slightly larger nozzle size, like 0.5 mm or even 0.6 mm, can help prevent clogging and allow the wood particles to flow more smoothly.

Setting Up Your Printer for Wood Filament

Once your wood filament is ready, a few tweaks to your printer settings can make a big difference. Here’s a breakdown of the best settings for a clean, high-quality print:

Temperature Settings

Most wood filaments print best between 175°C and 220°C, but exact settings depend on the brand. Higher temperatures will darken the filament slightly and give it a more “burnt” look. Lower temperatures will keep the color lighter and more natural. This gives you the flexibility to create shading and wood grain effects in your prints, so feel free to experiment with different temperatures to get the look you want.

Print Speed

Wood filament prints best at slower speeds, around 40–60 mm/s. Printing slowly allows the wood particles to settle evenly and reduces clogs or inconsistent flow. Slower speeds also give more detail in the final print, which is good for intricate designs and detailed models.

Layer Height

Layer height is a big factor in the look and feel of your print. Wood filament produces a nice texture that makes layer lines less visible, especially with thicker layers. For a natural wood grain look, try 0.2 mm or higher. For fine detail, try thinner layers, but thicker layers will emphasize the wood-like texture.

Retraction Settings to Reduce Stringing

Stringing is an issue with wood filament because of the wood particles, which make it a bit thicker than PLA. Retraction settings, which pull the filament back slightly when the nozzle moves between sections, help minimize stringing. Start with 5 mm retraction and 25 mm/s and adjust as needed for your printer and filament.

Printing Techniques to Get the Most Out of Wood Filament

Wood filament is already special, but a few advanced techniques can make your prints look even more realistic.

Using Temperature Gradients for Color Variation

One simple trick for a more realistic look is to vary the extruder temperature during the print. By starting at a lower temperature and increasing it, you can create color gradients, making your print look like wood grain. For example, printing a vase or sculpture with a dark-to-light gradient can add depth and make it look like aged or treated wood.

Printing in Vase Mode

Vase mode is a setting where your printer builds up the outer wall of your object in a continuous spiral, creating a single-layer wall that’s smooth and seamless. This is good for decorative items like vases, candle holders, and plant pots where you want a smooth finish. Vase mode shows off wood filament’s texture beautifully as it avoids the layer lines that traditional printing leaves.

Sanding and Post-Processing

Once your print is done, sanding is a simple way to remove imperfections and make your print look even more like real wood. Start with coarse sandpaper (around 120 grit) to smooth out rough spots, then work up to finer grits for a polished finish. Sanding also prepares the surface for staining, so if you plan to add color, sanding is the first step.

Finishing Touches to Make Your Print Look Like Real Wood

Wood filament allows for finishing techniques that you can’t do with regular PLA. Here are some easy ways to add a professional look:

Staining Your Print

You can stain wood filament prints just like real wood. Choose a wood stain color that complements your design, like oak, walnut, or mahogany. Apply the stain with a brush or cloth, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe off any excess. The stain will soak into the print’s surface, creating a rich color that makes the print look even more realistic.

Applying a Clear Coat

A clear coat or varnish can add shine and protect your print from moisture and dust. Spray-on clear coats work well for wood filament and give the print a smooth, polished look. Just be sure to apply thin, even coats to avoid dripping or pooling.

Adding Custom Designs with Pyrography

If you want to personalize your print, consider using a wood-burning or pyrography tool to add custom designs. This technique is perfect for items like coasters, plaques, or any surface where you can add a little decoration. With pyrography, you can burn patterns, monograms, or even detailed illustrations onto the surface, giving your print a unique, handmade touch.

Troubleshooting Common Wood Filament Issues

Wood filament is fairly easy to work with, but there are a few common challenges. Here are some tips for troubleshooting:

Nozzle Clogging

Because wood filament contains tiny wood particles, it can sometimes clog your nozzle. To prevent this, use a larger nozzle size (like 0.5 mm or 0.6 mm) and clean your nozzle regularly. The “cold pull” method—heating up the nozzle, letting it cool slightly, and then pulling the filament out—can help clear any residue.

Moisture Absorption

Wood filament absorbs moisture easily, which can cause bubbling or an uneven surface. Keeping your filament dry in an airtight container or drying it before printing can prevent these issues. A filament dryer can be especially useful if you live in a humid area.

Stringing and Oozing

Stringing can be minimized by adjusting the retraction settings. If you still see strings, try increasing the retraction length slightly or lowering the temperature a bit. Sometimes, slowing down the print speed can also help control stringing.

Creative Ideas for Wood Filament Projects

Wood filament is ideal for a wide range of projects. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired:

• Home Decor: Print planters, picture frames, candle holders, or coasters with a warm, natural look.
• Props and Models: Wood filament is great for cosplay props like wands, swords, and shields, adding a realistic look.
• Educational Models: Teachers and students can use wood filament to create hands-on learning models, like historical artifacts or geographical maps.
• Gifts and Personalized Items: From custom keychains to engraved coasters, wood filament lets you create unique, personalized gifts.

FAQs About Wood Filament

Can any 3D printer use wood filament?

Yes, most FDM printers that can handle PLA can print wood filament. However, using a steel nozzle and making some minor setting adjustments are recommended for the best results.

How can I create darker wood tones in my prints?

Raising the extruder temperature slightly can darken the wood particles, creating a burnt or aged effect. Experiment with different temperatures to achieve the look you want.

Is wood filament durable?

Wood filament is sturdy enough for decorative items and light-use projects but isn’t as strong as ABS or PETG. It’s ideal for items that don’t need to handle heavy loads or rough handling.

Do I need a heated print bed?

A heated bed isn’t usually necessary, but setting it to around 50°C can help larger prints adhere better. You can also use painter’s tape or glue on the bed if you don’t have a heated option.

How do I prevent my wood filament from absorbing moisture?

Store it in an airtight container with desiccants, and consider using a filament dryer before printing if it’s been exposed to humidity.

Conclusion: Bring Nature to Your 3D Prints with Wood Filament

Wood filament lets you create beautiful, natural-looking objects with the convenience of 3D printing. From the smell of wood as it prints to the endless customization options, this filament is perfect for anyone looking to add a rustic touch to their projects. So, give wood filament a try and see how it brings warmth, texture, and character to your designs. Happy printing!