How to Make Wooden Coasters

Making your own wooden coasters can be a fun and satisfying DIY project. With just a few simple tools and materials, you can create custom coasters with any design you like. Wooden coasters also make great handmade gifts.

What You’ll Need

Before starting your wooden coaster project, make sure you have the following supplies:

Wood – Thin plywood or hardwood works best. Good options include birch, maple, poplar, and masonite. You’ll need enough to cut your desired number of circles.
Circle cutter – A circle cutter, compass saw or jigsaw can be used to cut the wood into circles. For very small quantities, you can even use a sharp pair of scissors.
Sandpaper – Both coarse and fine grit sandpaper, to smooth and finish the wood circles.
Paint, stains, etc. – Acrylic craft paints, wood stains, Mod Podge, and other decorating materials for customizing your coasters.
Clear finish – A water-based polyurethane finish or other sealant to protect your coasters.
Felt pads – Self-adhesive felt pads to attach to the bottom of each coaster to protect surfaces.
Glue – Wood glue or heavy duty craft glue to assemble layered coasters.

Optional Supplies

A drill with various sized bits can be used to decorate or add interest to your coasters.
Small nails, woodburning tools, and other embellishments can also customize your coasters.
A paper template printed with your desired size and shape can make cutting more precise.

Follow these steps to make your own wooden coasters:

Step 1: Cut Wood Circles

The most important measurement is the diameter of your circles. Standard drink coasters are 3.5″ to 4″ across.
For a 4” circle, cut squares of wood that are at least 4.5”x 4.5”. This allows room to sand and finish the edges.
Use a compass, circle cutter, jigsaw or scroll saw to cut perfect circles. Work slowly and carefully.
Cut multiple circles from each piece of wood, spacing them just slightly apart.
For a distressed look, cut circles with jagged or imperfect edges.

Step 2: Sand Edges

Use 150 grit sandpaper to smooth the sawn edges of each circle.
Softly round over the top edge and bottom edge.
Be careful not to thin the wood excessively.
For a rustic look, sand lightly or use coarse sandpaper.
Wipe away any dust with a dry cloth after sanding.

Step 3: Decorate Coasters

This step offers endless possibilities for customization! Consider these options:

Paint coasters – Use acrylic craft paints to coat the wood in colors or patterns. Allow paint to fully dry.
Stain coasters – Use wood conditioner first for soft woods like pine. Apply gel stains in thin coats, wiping away excess.
Burn designs – A woodburning tool can char unique designs into the wood.
Mod Podge designs – Decoupage paper, scrapbook paper or photos under several coats of Mod Podge.
Distress coasters – Lightly sand painted or stained coasters to create a worn, vintage look.
Inlay materials – Inlay strips of leather, metals, tiles or shells using wood glue. Allow glue to dry fully.
Drill holes – A drill with various sized bits can add interest. Experiment with patterns.
Attach embellishments – Small nails, gems or game pieces can be glued in place as accents.

Step 4: Apply Finish

A clear finish protects your coasters from moisture damage.
Use a water-based satin, semi-gloss or gloss polyurethane.
Brush on 2-3 thin coats, sanding lightly between coats.
Allow finish to dry 24 hours before use.

Step 5: Add Felt Pads

Self-adhesive felt pads prevent your coasters from scratching tabletops.
Carefully center and press a felt pad onto the bottom of each coaster.
Avoid getting glue from the pads on the wood surface.

And that’s it – you now have a set of custom wooden coasters! Enjoy your handmade creation.

Tips for Making Great Wooden Coasters

Follow these tips and tricks to get the most out of your DIY wooden coaster project:

Use interesting wood scraps – upcycle wood slices, old fence boards or tree branches.
Vary coaster sizes – mix standard 3.5″ coasters with larger 4″ or 5″ coasters.
Create layered coasters – stack two coasters with craft glue for extra thickness and visual interest.
Personalize with vinyl – add monograms or names using a vinyl cutter like Cricut.
Char the edges – carefully wave a lighter near the edge to create a charred effect.
Use circle templates – print and cut paper templates if cutting many coasters.
Consider durability – some woods like teak and maple are more moisture resistant.
Work in batches – cut, sand, decorate and seal multiple coasters at once.
Practice first on scrap wood if trying a new technique.
Allow proper drying time for paints, stains and finishes to cure.
Use coaster holders – display your coasters in a wooden caddy or holder.

More Design Ideas

Looking for inspiration for your wooden coasters? Here are some popular design ideas:

Monogram Coasters

Personalize coasters with vinyl monograms or hand-painted initials. Use a single initial or multiple family initials.

Photo Coasters

Mod Podge meaningful photos onto coasters sealed with several coats. Or, laser print photos directly onto wood veneer.

Chalkboard Coasters

Paint coasters with blackboard paint so they can be customized again and again with chalk.

Pet Portrait Coasters

Mod Podge fabric onto coasters, then draw or paint your pet’s picture. Or print custom pet portraits onto photo paper.

Map Coasters

Decoupage pages from an atlas or maps onto coasters. Trace routes or destinations.

Tile Coasters

Inlay geometric or patterned ceramic, marble or glass tile pieces into the wood. Fill gaps with grout or wood putty.

Leather Coasters

Inlay leather cut into strips or geometric shapes. Consider using upcycled leather items.

Nature Coasters

Incorporate real pressed flowers, leaves or other natural materials under a finish.

Calendar Coasters

Mod Podge calendar pages or old book prints onto the surface and seal.

How to Seal and Protect Wooden Coasters

Applying a durable sealant is the most important step for functionality. The right finish will protect coasters from moisture damage caused by condensation on glasses.

Here are the best options for sealing wooden coasters:

Polyurethane – Water-based polyurethane is the best choice for durability and water-resistance. Apply 2-3 thin coats.
Mod Podge – Use 3-5 coats of dishwasher-safe Mod Podge formula. Let dry fully between coats.
Shellac – Traditional shellac offers good protection. Use a premixed formulation.
Beeswax – Melted beeswax or a beeswax wood conditioner soaks into the grain nicely. Buff to a sheen.
Oil – Tung or linseed oils provide minimal protection but give a nice patina over time.
Lacquer – Clear lacquer sprays form a hard protective layer. Use solvent-based indoor formulas.
Epoxy resin – For the ultimate seal, pour a thin layer of resin over the coasters and let cure fully.

No matter what finish you choose, test for curing and allow plenty of drying time before using coasters. Reapply sealant periodically to refresh protection.

FAQs About Making Wooden Coasters

What is the best wood to use for coasters?

Hardwoods like birch, maple, poplar, and masonite are good options. Avoid soft porous woods like pine. Also consider moisture-resistant exotic woods like teak.

How thick should wooden coasters be?

Standard coasters are about 1/4″ thick. For extra durability, stack two coasters using craft glue for about 1/2″ total thickness.

What tools do I need to make wooden coasters?

A circle cutter, jigsaw or scroll saw, drill, sandpaper, paintbrushes, and a foam brush for sealants are the basic toolkit.

How can I customize wooden coasters?

You can paint, stain, burn, drill, inlay materials, decoupage paper or photos, attach embellishments like nails or tiles, and more.

What’s the best way to apply paint or stain?

Use thin coats of acrylic craft paint, wiping away excess. For stain, apply wood conditioner first and wipe on gel stains thinly.

How do I get a distressed look?

Lightly sand painted or stained coasters with coarse sandpaper. You can also char the edges lightly with a lighter tool.

What’s the best sealant for wooden coasters?

Polyurethane is best for moisture protection. Use 3-5 thin coats of a water-based satin, semi-gloss or gloss formula.

How do I keep felt pads on the bottom of coasters?

Look for self-adhesive felt pads. Center each pad and press firmly to adhere to the wood. Avoid getting glue on the wood surface.

Can I make round coasters without a circle cutter?

Yes! Use a compass to trace and cut freehand circles with a jigsaw. Or print paper templates to trace as a guide. Scissors can even work for very small coasters.

Conclusion

Crafting wooden coasters is an easy, fun project for all DIY skill levels. With just basic tools and materials, you can create stylish custom coasters to use yourself or give as gifts. It’s also a great activity for a party or event! We hope these steps and tips inspire you to design your own unique wooden coasters. Protect your tables in style with environmentally-friendly handmade coasters.

So grab some wood circles, let your creativity flow, and drink in style on your new decorative coasters. Cheers!