DIY Patterned Wood Coasters: Turning Scraps into Table-Saving Superstars
Let’s talk about wood coasters, folks. They’re the unsung heroes of home decor—protecting your precious tabletops from coffee rings, condensation, and that one friend who never uses a coaster (you know the one). But why settle for boring store-bought coasters when you can make your own?
Cue the craft project you never knew you needed: DIY patterned wood coasters made from scrap plywood. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also flex your DIY skills and declutter your workshop. (Because, let’s face it, plywood scraps are the WORST! It’s so difficult to come up with ideas to use up small bits.)
Why Make Your Own Wood Coasters?
Sure, you could buy a pack of coasters, but where’s the fun in that? Making your own has perks like:
- Custom designs: Chevron? Polka dots? Flames? The sky’s the limit!
- Eco-friendly vibes: Recycling scrap wood means fewer trees crying themselves to sleep.
- Budget-friendly brilliance: Free wood = free coasters (or at least close to it).
- Conversation starters: “Oh, these coasters? I made them.” Boom—DIY mic drop.
What You’ll Need to Make Patterned Wood Coasters
Amazon affiliate links to items that I use. For full affiliate disclosure, please see the bottom of the page
- Scrap plywood pieces (hello, garage treasure trove!)
- Mitre saw
- Table saw
- Wood glue
- Clamps
- Sandpaper (because splinters are not a vibe)
- optional: wood stain
- Polyurethane or food-safe finish for sealing
How to Make DIY Patterned Wood Coasters
Step 1: Cut Your Plywood into Strips
Most of my plywood scrap were from ¾” ply, so I cut strips that were ¾” wide. Carefully run the board over your table saw, and be sure to use a push-stick. Coaster-awesomeness is not worth finger-tragedy.
Step 2: Glue up Your Strips with the Bands Facing Up
To make our pattern, it’s the bands, or layers, in the plywood that we want to play with. Use a LOT of wood glue (so that every millimetre is covered) on what would normally be the face of your ply, then flip it so that the bands are up and clamp it tightly. The more clamps the better, so don’t skimp if you don’t have to.
Let dry overnight.
Step 3: Get Creative with Patterns
Now comes the fun part! Create your pattern by cutting your glue-up at a 45° angle on your mitre saw. Next run the angled edge over your table saw (which is still set at ¾”).
Step 4: More Glue
You will have a bunch of strips that have horizontal bands on two sides and angled bands on the other two. Glue up the horizontal sides, flip every other strip, and line up your pattern in a zig-zag formation. Try your best to line up the bands for a crisp pattern.
Clamp tightly and leave it to dry overnight.
You’re going to lose bits of plywood at every stage, no matter how well you glue. It’s frustrating, but knowing this ahead of time means you can build boards that are far larger than you’ll end up needing to cover some of the carnage.
Step 5: Cut to Size (or go to Step 6 for an even fancier pattern)
Scrape off the excess glue dribbles, then sand, sand, sand. You can use a planer if you have one, but more chunks of your plywood will chip off running through. Once you’ve sanded 60 grit, 120, then 150 grit, cut your chevron plywood into 4″ squares (or larger if you’re making trivets).
Step 6: Fancy Pants
This step is optional, but if you want to take your scrap plywood coasters to the next level, run your chevron board over the table saw to create ¾” strips. You will be cutting perpendicular to the plywood seams.
Flip every other board and line up the plywood bands to create squares. (This is tough, I thought I had mine straight, but you’ll see below not many are perfect)
Glue like there’s no tomorrow and clamp the board again overnight. Then go back to Step 5 and cut your wood coasters to 4″ squares.
I thought I’d try a roundover bit in my trim router to soften the edges a bit. It looks nice – except for where the corners chipped off and went flying. Sanding rounded edges might have given better results – but you don’t know till you try right?
Step 7: Seal the Deal
Apply a coat (or two) of polyurethane or a food-safe sealant to protect your masterpiece from moisture, spills, and overly enthusiastic guests. Let them dry completely—patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to crafting.
Sand lightly with 320 grit and add a second coat for the best protection.
Bonus Ideas for Overachievers
If you want to take your wood coasters to the next level, try these ideas:
- Add felt pads: Stick them to the bottom to prevent scratches and sliding.
- Layered designs: use varying shades of stain in each square
- Personalized initials: Perfect for gifts (or just claiming your coasters as yours forever).
Where to Use Your Coasters
- Living room coffee tables: Protect them from your marathon TV-binge snacks.
- Desk setups: Because your workspace deserves some love too.
- Kitchen trivets: Cut your patterned boards to 6″ or 8″ and use them as trivets for your Holiday dishes
Final Thoughts
Making your own DIY patterned plywood coasters is easy, fun, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, you’ll be recycling those scrap plywood pieces that have been lurking in the corner of your garage. Win-win!
So what are you waiting for? Grab your tools, channel your inner artist, and start crafting. Your tabletops (and future dinner party guests) will thank you.
(P.S. Don’t forget to post your creations on Instagram. We can’t wait to see what you come up with—bonus points for wonky designs that scream “handmade with love.”)