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how to make coasters out of wood
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5 from 1 vote

Make Coasters Out of Wood

Learn how to make wood coasters from a tree branch! This project is perfect for a variety of decor styles.
Prep Time1 hour
Active Time3 hours
Dry Time2 hours
Total Time6 hours
Yield: 6 coasters
Cost: $5

Equipment

Materials

Instructions

  • Find a branch. You're looking for something that is going to have the right diameter, depending on the size you like. I'd recommend at least 4 inches.
    downed tree branch
  • Cut your branch into approximately 1/2" slices using a saw. To make your slices somewhat consistent, mark your width of your cut by putting a piece of tape on your saw.
    Cutting a branch with a skill saw
  • To make your base, cut one slice thicker than the coasters – around 2" - 3".
  • Let your branch slices dry. We put them on a rack for about 2 weeks.
  • Drill holes in the approximate center of each slice of wood. Try to vary the placement of the holes slightly; they look better when the edges of the stack aren't perfectly aligned.
    Drilling holes into the center of wood slices
  • Sand your wood slices. You can make a simple jig with pieces of wood to hold the slices in place if you're using a sander.
    wood slice placed in a jig
  • To make the base, drill a hole with the 3/16" drill bit (slightly smaller diameter than your steel rod) in your base piece of wood. Do not go all the way through.
  • Cut your steel rod to correct length with a hacksaw. Use a hammer to pound the steel rod into the base. The fit should be tight.
    Making a base for the coasters by hammering a rod into a base piece of wood
  • Punch out a variety of paper options with your 2" and 1" punches and arrange in pleasing combinations.
    Layered ephemera
  • Use the small 1/8" punch to make a hole in the approximate center of the paired circles.
    Punching holes in paper
  • Brush Mod Podge onto a wood slice. Place the circles down on top of the wood slices, aligning the holes. Apply Mod Podge on top and let dry.
    Mod Podge ephemera to a wood slice
  • Apply more Mod Podge, coating the entire surface of the coaster. Let dry.
    Mod Podge paper down onto wood slices with a paintbrush
  • Let dry thoroughly and then apply a clear polyurethane coating over the top of the Mod Podge to provide a hard finish.
    tree branch coasters

Notes

Step 2: Note: if you use a chop saw, remember to wear safety glasses and DO NOT cut through knots in the branch. The saw may grab the branch (and your hand) in an unpredictable and scary manner.
Step 6: We nailed 2 small pieces of scrap wood to the work bench in a "v", and wedged the wood slice in the "v" with another piece of wood to hold it place while sanding.
This was Monica's genius idea, by the way. I was content to sand a little bit of my finger tips off until she came along.