Stone engraving has been around for a very long time as a way to make art, memorials, and practical items. Engraved stone brings a touch of class and forever lasting quality to things like memorial plaques and decorations for your house.
These days, if you're an artist, do it for fun, or own a business, you have many engraving tools to choose from, each good for different jobs. Picking the right tool is key to getting good results, mainly because of the different types of stone, like marble, slate, or granite.
In 2026, here's a breakdown of the 4 best stone engraving tools, what they're good at, not so good at, and how to pick the right one for what you're making.
In this article:
- Part 1: Four Stone Engraving Tools You Need to Know
- Type 1: Laser Engraving Machines
- Type 2: Impact Engraving Machines
- Type 3: Sandblasting Machines
- Type 4: CNC Engraving Machines
- Part 2: Which Stone Engraving Tool is Best?
- Part 3: Tips for Choosing the Right Stone Engraving Tools
- Part 4: FAQ about Stone Engraving Tools
Part 1: Four Stone Engraving Tools You Need to Know
Stone engraving uses four main tools: lasers, impact machines, sandblasters, and CNC machines. Each tool has strengths for doing different jobs.
Type 1: Laser Engraving Machines
Lasers are the newest tech and can do pretty intricate work. They use a focused light beam to take away parts of the stone, which lets you create very detailed designs.
How It Works:
These machines aim a strong laser at the stone. The laser burns away or moves the material on the surface. A smart software/app controls everything, so you just upload a design and it gets engraved with accuracy. Some lasers can even make 3D effects on stone, which gives your designs depth.
Pros of Laser Engraving Machines
- They work with many stones: You can use these machines on stones like marble and granite. That makes them good for decorations or big signs.
- They're super accurate: Lasers can engrave detailed designs, such as images and patterns. You can get clean text and borders that are tough to do by hand.
- Good for making copies: After you have a design saved, you can use it again and again. This is useful for making many of the same item. Lasers make sure everything is the same every time, which saves time.
- 3D Effects: Some lasers can add depth to designs, so they look carved. This is cool for signs and decorations.
Keep in mind that you'll need a steady hand, and the results might not be as consistent as with machines.
Type 2: Impact Engraving Machines
Impact engraving machines use rapid mechanical strikes to chip away at the stone surface, creating deep, permanent markings. Instead of cutting continuously, the tool “taps” the stone repeatedly, making it especially effective on hard materials like granite, marble, and slate.
These machines are commonly used for engraving text, numbers, and simple graphics on memorial stones, plaques, and industrial markers. The depth of the engraving makes the results highly durable and easy to read, even after years of outdoor exposure.
While impact engraving is excellent for longevity, it offers limited detail compared to laser or CNC engraving. Designs tend to be simple, and the process can be noisy and slower for complex layouts.
Best for: deep inscriptions, stone plaques, memorial engraving
limitations: limited detail, noisy operation, not ideal for complex artwork
Type 3: Sandblasting machines
Sandblasting machines engrave stone by directing high-pressure abrasive media onto the surface, gradually removing material to create deep, textured engravings. By using rubber or vinyl stencils, users can control where the stone is blasted, resulting in clean lettering and bold designs.
This method is widely used for engraving headstones, architectural stone, signage, and large memorial plaques. Sandblasting produces deep, long-lasting results that stand up well to outdoor weathering and is especially effective on granite and marble.
However, sandblasting requires bulky equipment, proper ventilation, and strict safety precautions. It's best suited for professional workshops rather than home use, and it offers less flexibility for fine details compared to laser engraving.
best for: large-scale projects, deep engraving, outdoor stone applications
limitations: bulky setup, safety requirements, limited fine detail
Type 4: CNC Engraving Machines
CNC engraving machines use computer-controlled cutting tools to carve stone with high precision and repeatability. Unlike surface marking methods, CNC machines physically remove material, making them ideal for deep engraving, relief carving, and even 3D designs on stone.
These machines are commonly used in professional workshops for architectural stone, signage, sculptures, and custom stone products. With the right bits and software, CNC engravers can produce complex patterns, lettering, and detailed textures that are difficult to achieve with other methods.
However, CNC engraving comes with a higher cost, larger footprint, and steeper learning curve. Setup time, tooling, and dust management are also important considerations, making CNC machines best suited for experienced users or commercial production environments.
best for: deep carving, complex designs, professional stone work
limitations: high cost, large space requirement, steep learning curve
| Tool | Precision | Speed | Best For | 3D Effects | Batch Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laser Engraving | High | Fast | Complex patterns, photos | Yes | Excellent | Works on marble, granite, slate, sandstone |
| Impact Engraving | Medium | Medium | Text, simple logos | No | Limited | Durable markings on hard stone |
| Sandblasting | Medium | Medium | Large plaques, textured designs | Limited | Moderate | Requires stencils; messy setup |
| CNC Engraving | High | Slow | Geometric designs, text | Limited | Good | Mechanical cutting; tool wear |
Part 2: Which Stone Engraving Tool is Best?
Laser engraving machines are a great choice in 2026 for hobbyists and pros alike. They work with many stone types, offer great precision, and make repeating designs easy, fitting for both business and art.
Recommended product: the LP5 Laser Engraver
The LP5 has a dual-laser system (20W fiber + 20W diode) which gives you:
1. Strong Fiber Laser: Powerful enough to engrave hard stone, and capable of creating deep carvings and relief effects on materials like marble and slate. This allows the LP5 to produce true 3D-style engravings with depth, texture, and a high-end sculpted appearance.
2. Fast Speed: Up to 10,000 mm/s, so you can do engraving quickly.
3. Portable Build: You can power it with a mobile power source, great for workshops and on-site jobs.
4. Smart Digital Control: Its software and app integration make sure you get exact engravings without messing up the parts you want to leave alone.
Part 3: Tips for Choosing the Right Stone Engraving Tools
Here's what to keep in mind when picking a stone engraving tool:
1. Stone Hardness: For soft stones like sandstone, sandblasting works fine. But for harder stuff like marble or granite, go with laser or impact engraving.
2. Design Detail: If you're working with detailed images, a precise tool is key—think laser engraver.
3. Project Size: Doing a bunch of engravings? Digital tools such as lasers or CNC machines are your best bet. If it's a one-time thing, manual tools will work.
4. Your Spending Plan: If you're just starting out, keep it simple. For business purposes, consider investing in laser or CNC machines.
5. Space: Sandblasting needs room and good airflow. Lasers are smaller and safer to use inside.
Part 4: FAQ about Stone Engraving Tools
1. What Is the Best Stone to Engrave?
Marble, granite, and slate are great for engraving. They're strong, have smooth surfaces, and the engraving stands out well. Softer stones, like sandstone or limestone, also work, but turn down the power and go slow to keep them from chipping. For really crisp details or photos, marble and slate are your best bet. Stay away from stones that have been treated or coated—they might crack or change color when heated or worked on.
2. What Is the Best Laser Engraver for Stone?
A strong fiber laser, like the LP5, is a good choice. Fiber lasers work well with stone and create engravings that are clean, deep, and easy to see. The LP5 has two lasers, which gives you more choices when working with different materials or doing projects with multiple materials. The software is easy to use, and it engraves quickly, so it's good for beginners and pro shops. If you're engraving things like plaques, coasters, or stone tiles, a fiber laser will give you reliable results.
3. Do I Need a Computer to Use a Laser Engraver?
Not always, but it helps. Most new laser engravers, including the LP5, can use mobile apps for quick edits of simple text or logos. But for detailed images, big files, or exact layouts, using a computer with software like LightBurn is very useful. It also lets you save designs, repeat jobs easily, and handle big projects more efficiently.
4. Can You Engrave Any Type of Stone?
You can engrave many types of stone, but some are better than others. Hard stones like marble, slate, and granite work well with laser and CNC engraving, giving you clean and lasting results. Softer stones might need less power or different methods to avoid cracks. Always test a small spot first, since natural stones can be different in density and minerals. Avoid stones that have been heat-treated, coated, or filled with resins—they might react badly when they're lasered.
Conclusion
Stone engraving offers a variety of tools, each suited to different needs and projects. Laser engraving excels in precision and complex designs, impact engraving is durable and ideal for text or logos, sandblasting works well for large plaques, and CNC machines provide mechanical accuracy for geometric patterns.
Choosing the right tool depends on your material, project scale, and desired effect. By understanding each tool's strengths, you can select the best method to create high-quality, lasting stone engravings that meet both artistic and business goals.
