Woodworking

DIY Scrap Wood Coasters

diy wooden coaster set

Hi, my name is Sam and I am a scrap wood hoarder. My scrap wood pile has been climbing out of control for years. I keep every small off cut in hopes that I can create a masterpiece with it, but really it just sits around and stares at me. So, when I was invited to participate in a Scrap Wood Challenge with 17 other amazing bloggers, I jumped at the chance to partner up with my friends at DAP and create a set of scrap wood coasters! Even better, I was able to salvage some of my better hardwood offcuts with the use of three tools – a table saw, miter saw, and sander.

Want to see a video tutorial for this project? Check it out on YouTube (and make sure to subscribe to my channel for more videos)!

Let’s get started!

how to make wood coasters

The first step to curing addiction is admitting you have a problem… and I have a very large scrap wood pile to prove it. But, somewhere down the line it’s time to do something about that. So, today I’m showing you how I transformed a hoarding addiction into these beautiful wood coasters!

What You’ll Need:

how to make wooden coasters

Tools
Table Saw
Miter Saw
Sander
Clamps
Measuring Tape
Pencil

Materials
Hardwood Scraps*
DAP Weldwood Carpenter’s Glue
Wood Finish

* For this project I used White Maple, Walnut, and Padauk off cuts.

The Steps:

1. Choose your wood. Because this is a scrap wood project, I chose from offcuts that I have kept around for turning purposes on my lathe. Keep in mind, standard coasters are anywhere from 3 ½ – 4″ wide, so make sure to use enough material.

wood offcut project

2. If you have pieces that are rough and need some love, you can re-saw them on your table saw.

how to resaw wood

And, if you don’t have a planer you can use a sander to level and smooth the pieces.

how to level wood without a planer

3. Make sure to cut your scrap wood pieces to around the same size. This will make gluing up easier.

scrap wood project ideas

4. Once your pieces are level, it’s time for glue-up! Use an ample amount of glue and make sure to spread the glue evenly across all of the boards. You’ll want to use a wood glue that’s strong, but easy to use. I chose to use DAP Weldwood Glue – I love this stuff!

dap wood glue

5. Next, use a million-and-a-half wood clamps to clamp your pieces together. Let dry overnight for best results. You can either wipe the wet overspill with a rag or you can chisel it off later once it’s dry.

how to glue up wood

6. Once the block is dry, use your table saw to cut it into ¼ – ½” thick slices. I created a set of four coasters with my block.

how to make wood coasters without planer

7. Next, trim your coasters to your desired size. I used my miter saw for this and clamped each piece as I trimmed.

scrap wood coaster

8. Once cut, give your coasters a good sanding to 220 grit.

scrap wood project

9. Last, go ahead and finish them off! Make sure to use a finish that will help keep as much moisture out as possible.

how to finish wood coasters

Now, show them off to your guests (or give them away as an amazing present)!

wood coaster set

diy wooden coaster set

Are you a self-proclaimed scrap hoarder like I am? Then check out these other awesome Scrap Wood projects:

The House of Wood – DIY Bunk Buddy

3×3 Custom – Scrap Wood Trivets

Ugly Duckling House – Mini Garden Deck

The Created Home – Animal Coin Banks

Her Toolbelt – 3D Pixel Art

The Kim Six Fix – Outdoor Drink Stakes

Mr. Build It & Mrs. Style It – Bent Plywood Headphone Stand

At Charlotte’s House – Buffalo Check Tray

Sawdust 2 Stitches – Scrap Wood Wall Decor

Bower Power – Pallet Baseball Hat Rack

Pneumatic Addict – Table with Epoxy Resin

Anika’s DIY Life – DIY Spice Rack

100 Things 2 Do – DIY Can Crusher

Hazel + Gold Designs – Patio Table Drink Holder

Reality Daydream – Scrap Wood Shoe Cabinet

House Becoming Home – Modern DIY Clock

Chatfield Court – Wooden Garden Obelisk

Want to save this project for later? Make sure to Pin It!

pinterest coasters

Can’t wait to see those scrap wood projects!

This post is sponsored by DAP Products Inc. All opinions, project designs, and hoarding behaviors are my own. For my full disclosure policy regarding sponsorships, please click here

Sam Raimondi

Sam is a full time psychologist and part time content creator from Long Island, New York.

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28 COMMENTS

  • Great project, Sam!

    • Sam
      AUTHOR

      Thanks, Sarah!

  • Kasia

    These are so pretty 🙂 As for being a hoarder, well yes that’s me, hehe 😉 It drives my husband crazy 🙂 Thanks for sharing Sam, I’m looking forward to more projects and I definitely have to check your whole site out. Just got connected to internet so I think I’ll spend quite some time here 🙂

    • Sam
      AUTHOR

      Thanks so much, Kasia! Glad you love them – welcome aboard!

  • Katie Bower

    Nailed it. These look great.
    xo – kb

    • Sam
      AUTHOR

      Thanks so much, Katie!

  • JenWoodhouse.com

    Love these, Sam! Such a great way to use up small scraps! xo

  • Emma Metson

    Who would have thought that you can make something so uniquely beautiful just by using wood scraps. I need to take a look in our shed this weekend to see if we can do a similar project. Lovely Post, Thanks so much!

    • Sam
      AUTHOR

      I was also so shocked! I’m sure you can make something really cool with your scraps! Thanks for reading!

  • mark rookwood

    Excellent idea Sam

    • Sam
      AUTHOR

      Thanks so much!

  • CT

    Hey Sam, these coasters came out awesome! I’ve been wanting to do something like this for a while, and love the mulit-colored look you went with. I’ll have to give this a try soon.

    • Sam
      AUTHOR

      Thanks so much! I’d love to see your version if you do!

  • Ross

    Nice. What’s the red? Padauk?

    The Garage Woodshop: http://bowsaw.wordpress.com

  • Sweetheart

    So is it possible to wood burn on them before putting a finish sealer.

  • Julliya

    Wow this is the best article and I hope all the readers will enjoy this amazing piece of article..
    Thanks for sharing this article to us..

  • Henry

    Thanks for sharing this article, It contains an interesting and amazing piece of content. This wooden diy scrap is looking so beautiful.
    Thanks for sharing this article to us

  • Clara

    Thanks for sharing that much informative and awesome article. This DIY Scrap Wood looks so good.

  • Larry

    Hello love these. But I am looking into getting Rubio monocoat but there are so many and the colors I just want a CLEAR wood finish. Which monocoat did you use?

  • Larry versaw

    Which Rubio mono coat did you use. Is there a clear for clear natural finish

  • Eleanor

    Great work Sam. Thank you so much for sharing. Keep sharing.

  • David Lee

    These are good ideas, I have found what I was looking for. Thank You!!!

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