Nickel-based and tungsten carbide (WC) composite coatings were prepared by laser cladding under different laser beam powers.The microscopic morphology and distribution of WC particles in a laser-clad Ni–WC coatings were characterized by scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM). Two effective methods to avoid the stress concentration and cracks were used. One is the gradient coating with WChard phase varied gradually from the substrate to the top of the coating using three-step laser cladding. The other is the coating whereWC particles, with a marked gradient distribution at interface between the matrix and WC, were uniformly incorporated in the coating byoptimizing WC particle concentration, laser power and thickness of the layer. The wear test results show that three-step laser-clad gradientlayer is not recommended especially for long-term wear applications because of the complicated laser processing and poorer interfacebetween the matrix and WC particles.