Art Deco wood inlay combines geometric precision with classic elegance. This article highlights five top templates and inlay strips that help achieve accurate, stylish results in furniture, boxes, signs, and restoration projects. Each option emphasizes clean lines, durable materials, and clear guidance to support both hobbyists and professionals.
| Product | Brand | Type | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sauers Cherry Wood Inlay Strip, 2 Pcs., 0.5″ x 37.25″ x 0.5″ | Sauers | Wood Inlay Strip | View |
| Eagle Router Inlay Template, 7 x 5 inches, 1/4 inch Thick Acrylic | ipaakband | Acrylic Router Template | View |
| Family Router Inlay Template Woodworking Clear Acrylic Router Jig | BETAGT | Acrylic Router Jig Template | View |
| M’ LIS ROUTER INLAY POSITIONING PLATES | M’ LIS | Acrylic Positioning Plates | View |
| Pine Tree 4″ – Acrylic Router Inlay Templates (MLIS) | M’ LIS | Acrylic Inlay Template | View |
Sauers Cherry Wood Inlay Strip

- Inlay adds a distinctive touch to furniture, boxes, and restoration pieces.
- Use inlay strips to create precise borders and accents with a natural cherry finish.
- Easy to install, suitable for a range of woodworking projects.
These cherry wood inlay strips offer a classic, warm accent that pairs well with Art Deco motifs, including geometric borders and stepped designs. The two strips simplify installation for medium-scale projects and allow for consistent, repeatable patterns across multiple items.
Eagle Router Inlay Template

- Dimensions: 7″ tall by 5″ wide, 1/4″ thick for stable routing.
- Material: Laser-cut clear acrylic for visibility and precision during inlay work.
- Versatility: Ideal for creating custom inlays on boards, furniture, and various woodworking projects.
Designed for precise routing of Art Deco-inspired patterns, this template helps plan complex inlays with minimal error. The clear acrylic makes alignment straightforward, aiding consistent replication when making multiple pieces or signs that feature geometric Deco motifs.
Family Router Inlay Template

- Clear acrylic router jig with family text design; useful for engraving or inlay projects.
- Templates come with cut pieces; suitable for crafting signage with a distinctive typographic touch.
- Reusable and durable for recurring projects in home workshops or studios.
The Family Inlay Template supports personalized Deco elements, enabling clear lettering or symbol inlays on furniture, keepsakes, and decorative boxes. Its reusable design helps maintain consistency across several pieces in a single project or across a set of items.
M’ LIS Router Inlay Positioning Plates

- Made of 0.22 inch cast acrylic for robust performance.
- Designed to support precise multi-layer inlay work within the MLIS system.
- Recommended as a companion to MLIS templates for reliable alignment.
Positioning plates from M’ LIS enhance accuracy when stacking multiple inlays or creating intricate geometric Deco patterns. They work in tandem with MLIS designs to ensure clean edges and repeatable results in a workshop setting, particularly for larger panels and elaborate borders.
Pine Tree 4″ MLIS Inlay Template

- MLIS design that never requires rounding or chiseling corners; compatible with router inlay kits.
- Crafted from 0.22 inch cast acrylic for durability and stability.
- Includes guidance on using MLIS positioning plates for best results.
These MLIS templates support multi-layer inlays with minimal post-processing. The Pine Tree pattern offers a distinctive Deco-inspired motif suitable for signage, cabinet fronts, or decorative panels, catering to woodworkers seeking reliable, repeatable results in intricate inlay work.
Two Birds Router Inlay Template Set

- Two-piece laser-cut acrylic set with both template and cutout for precise inlays.
- Dimensions: 7.5″ tall by 5.5″ wide, ideal for medium-sized projects.
- Elegant two-bird design supports Deco-inspired themes with symmetry.
Geometric and natural motifs blend well in Art Deco styles. The two birds set provides a balanced template that can be used on tabletops, panels, or decorative boxes, offering a practical approach to recurring inlay work and consistent layout planning.
Celtic Knot 6″ Inlay Template

- MLIS design for precise, multi-layer inlays; designed to work with router inlay kits.
- Made from sturdy acrylic; compatible with a variety of wood inlay projects.
- Recommended alignment with MLIS positioning plates for best results.
The Celtic Knot template supports Deco-inspired patterns with flowing lines and interlacing shapes. It suits panels, door accents, or signage where an intricate inlay adds a classic, ornate touch while remaining aligned with modern routing tolerances.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Art Deco Wood Inlay
- Material choice: Acrylic templates offer visibility and durability, while wood inlay strips provide authentic natural tones. Consider project needs, whether you prioritize precision templates or warm finish materials.
- Template accuracy: Look for laser-cut or CNC-cut templates with tight tolerances. Clear acrylic helps with alignment, especially for complex Deco motifs and multiple inlays.
- Template size and compatibility: Ensure templates fit your project scale (panels, cabinets, signs) and work with your router inlay kit or MLIS system.
- Reusability and durability: Reusable templates reduce long-term costs; check whether plates and templates remain robust after multiple uses and cleanings.
- Design variety: A mix of geometric borders, letters, and decorative motifs supports a broad Deco aesthetic. Consider sets that cover borders, corners, and central motifs.
- Ease of use: Templates with protective film, clear guides, and included cutouts simplify setup and minimize misalignment during cutting.
- Maintenance: Acrylic surfaces should be cleaned gently to avoid clouding. Avoid aggressive abrasives that may scratch the template or inlay surfaces.
- Project scope: For restoration work, matching period-accurate patterns and finishes is important. For new builds, select motifs that echo Deco geometry without overpowering the piece.
- Safety: Follow router guidelines for inlay work, including bit selection, feed rate, and securing workpieces to prevent chatter and kickback.