Step-by-Step: Making Custom Wooden Coasters

A set of coasters can be a real talking point and are very useful to keep your furniture protected.

I have always enjoyed making coasters. Custom wooden coasters might be small, but they’re one of my favourite things to make. They’re practical, personal, and often created from timber offcuts that would otherwise go unused. They can be made from a timber branch by just cutting small timber rounds, can be made with exquisite patterns, scraps mixed in with epoxy resin to make a real feature piece, the possibilities are endless!

Just like my larger pieces (including my custom cutting boards) every set of coasters is designed to be used, enjoyed, and quietly appreciated every day.

Here’s how I make them, step by step.

1. Choosing the Timber

These were some blanks glued together that were originally some old fence pailings.

Good coasters start with the right timber.

I usually select:

• Hardwood offcuts from larger projects

• Pieces with interesting grain, knots, or colour variation

• Stable timbers that can handle daily moisture

Many of these offcuts come directly from building bespoke cutting boards, allowing timber to be used efficiently and sustainably rather than wasted.

Camphor Laurel, spotted gum, blackbutt and blackwood are favourites of mine. Durable, practical, and full of natural character. While I do have a preference using hardwoods, anything can work! I have even used plywood to make pattern coasters. Anything, old floorboards, timber offcuts, leftovers of a special piece of furniture, all can be used to park your favourite cup rather than being thrown away or put in the burnpile!

2. Planning the Size & Shape

Before any cutting begins, I plan the overall look and feel:

• Square or round profiles

• Clean, modern edges or softly rounded corners

• Consistent sets or intentionally mismatched grain

While coasters are simple in form, small design decisions make the difference between something ordinary and something considered.

Using off cuts of plywood and some left over hardwood to create these chevron pattern for coasters.

3. Cutting & Preparing the Blanks

The timber is cut into rough blanks and carefully prepared:

• Faces are flattened and trued

• Thickness is checked across the full set

• Grain direction is aligned so the pieces feel cohesive

This step transforms scrap timber into something with purpose — a philosophy that sits at the heart of what I do and is part of the story behind Sawdust and Shavings Creations.

4. Shaping the Edges

Edges matter, especially on something you pick up daily.

Depending on the design, I might:

• Leave crisp, squared edges

• Add a subtle chamfer

• Use a small round-over for comfort

The aim is to balance clean lines with a comfortable, tactile feel.

Whether it is a slight roundover of chamfer, a nice edge so is tactile and practical is an important step.

5. Sanding — Where It Really Comes Together

Sanding is time-consuming, but it’s where the timber really comes alive.

I work through multiple grits to ensure:

• Smooth, even surfaces

• Comfortable edges

• Grain that feels as good as it looks

While the debate still rages for me between mindfulness and just a task that needs to be done, the same care and patience that goes into all my handmade pieces.

Taking the time to sand down the coasters is a very important part of the process.

6. Finishing for Everyday Use

Having an oil finish really helps protect the coaster, plus really brings out the highlights inn the wood, here a danish oil has been used for the coaster finish.

Each coaster is finished using:

• Food-safe oils

• Natural waxes

• Light, even coats with proper curing time

This protects the timber from moisture while enhancing its natural colour and grain. No heavy coatings these pieces are meant to be used, not sealed away.

7. Final Checks & Pairing as a Set

Before a set is finished:

• Each coaster is inspected by hand

• Edges and surfaces are re-checked

• Sets are paired for balance and visual flow

Some are uniform and precise. Others celebrate variation. A reminder that timber, like people, is never identical.

Custom order n its way! Chinese Maple with blue epoxy resin highlights

Why I Love Making Coasters

Why do I love making coasters? Coasters are:

• Small but meaningful

• Practical enough to be used daily

• A great way to give timber a second life

They also reflect the same values behind every piece I make; thoughtful design, honest materials, and craftsmanship shaped by experience. You can read more about this journey on the About / Story page.

Custom Coasters — Made to Order

If you’re looking for:

• A personalised handmade gift

• A matching set for your home

• Or custom coasters made from timber with a story

I’d be happy to create something just for you.

Reach out via the Contact page or message me on Instagram to start the conversation.

Is there a topic you would like me to write about? Please email me on jamie@sawdustandshavingscreations.com I would love your input. If you have found me for the first time welcome! I appreciate your support! You can show that support by sharing this with others. Have a great day!