When you’re ready to switch things up in your home décor, it’s often the smaller details that make the biggest difference. This is why wooden coaster blanks are a great choice for at-home crafters and DIY enthusiasts. These little wooden canvases have the potential to completely transform a table setting and elevate your sipping experience. And you might think that wooden coaster blanks are just a way to hold your drinks, but they are far more than functional crafts. They are opportunities to create conversation pieces, gifts, multifaceted displays, and so much more!
That said, wooden coasters are also very practical. They protect your furniture from water rings and heat damage, while also adding a bit of your personality and desired aesthetic to your home. Planning on hosting a party? Impress your guests with a set of custom-designed coasters. Looking for the perfect gift for a friend or family member? A hand-painted coaster is a thoughtful and unique present that shows you’ve put in the effort to create something special.
But if you’ve never worked with wooden coaster blanks before, you may have a couple of questions. Most importantly, what is a wooden coaster blank? Which is better: square or round wood coaster blanks? What other shapes are available? What kind of decorating can you do with them? Finally, where can you find the highest-quality wooden coaster blanks at affordable prices?
In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, so let’s get started!
What are wooden coaster blanks?
Wooden coaster blanks are simply unfinished wooden discs or squares just waiting to be transformed into beautiful (yet functional) coasters. Once finished, they can hold a cold glass of iced tea, a cup of hot chocolate, or even a delectable glass of wine! Coaster blanks are also the perfect fit for crafters and artists of varying skill levels. In other words, you don’t have to be a master crafter just to work with coasters! On the contrary, the simple shapes and flat surfaces turn these nifty little items into blank wooden canvases to display your creativity.
Depending on where you acquire your blank coasters, they could be made from various wood types. At Woodpeckers, we personally prefer the strength and natural beauty of Baltic birchwood. The smooth, sanded surfaces make them ideal for a variety of crafting projects and methods, including painting, staining, and decoupage.
Popular types of wood coaster blanks
You might wonder why wooden coaster blanks are so popular; first and foremost, they are incredibly versatile. Many people simply apply a bit of protective coating so that liquids won’t cause any damage or discoloration to the wood. This method also highlights the natural beauty of the wood grain. However, if you really want to get into the crafting spirit, there are so many ways to turn these rustic-looking wood pieces into intricately designed pieces.
Want a base for your candlestick holder? Or perhaps you’re looking for a way to display figurines or action figures on a flat surface? Either way, wood coaster blanks offer the perfect way to start out your dream craft project! However, not every shape, size, or design of wood coaster blank will be right for you. In the sections below, we’ll go over some of the most popular shapes and discuss how you can get the most out of each one.
Round wood coaster blanks
The round wood coaster blank is a classic for any DIY crafter. At Woodpeckers, we offer the classic 5-inch round coaster blank, which is perfect for holding standard and even non-standard cups or glassware. Rather than simply being a flat wooden circle, our coaster blanks have tiered edges to provide depth and a more nuanced, three-dimensional effect.
But just because they’re the perfect shape to hold your drinks doesn’t mean that’s all they’re good for! You can use multiple round coaster blanks to create a fun “welcome” sign above your door (one letter or word per coaster), or even use them as commemorative plaques to showcase your achievements. There really are a ton of possibilities — if you’re ready to get creative!
Square wood coaster blanks
Square wood coaster blanks bring a touch of modern elegance to any crafting project. Their perfect symmetry and parallel lines offer the perfect foundation for your creations. Like our round coaster blanks, our 4.7-inch squares also feature tiered edges that give them that special “je ne sais quoi.” And if you want something a little thinner, smaller, and easier to handle, we also have 4-inch square coasters with sharp edges or rounded edges.
What really sets square wood coaster blanks apart are the clean lines and contemporary aesthetic. While millions of homes across the country (and around the world) feature the standard round drink coasters, square coasters can fit seamlessly into just about any décor, from minimalist to eclectic. Plus, their geometric shape lends itself to a variety of design possibilities. And once again, they’re not just great for coasters! You can turn them into the base for creative displays or even personalized gifts for the holidays.
Rectangle wood coaster blanks
Do you like clean lines but aren’t so crazy about sharp corners? Well, we have the wood coaster blanks for you! Our 5-inch rectangle wood coaster blanks take the symmetry of a rectangle and add a touch of visual intrigue with cut-cornered designs.
The rectangular shape puts a unique twist on traditional coaster designs, making them stand out on any table. Rectangular wood coaster blanks are particularly well-suited if you want to decorate them with text or elongated patterns. If you’re looking for a way to make one-of-a-kind keepsakes, gifts, and coasters — without adhering to traditional coaster shapes — a rectangular wood coaster blank is a great choice!
Less common shapes & designs
Are you looking for wooden coasters that will really “wow” your guests and make your home a reflection of your unique tastes? If so, you’re in luck! In addition to all the shapes we’ve outlined thus far, we also have a few less common options that can still make for beautifully crafted coasters.
For instance, our bunny face coaster is the perfect way to decorate a dining table for Easter. It can also make a fun addition to an end table or tea party set up in a kid’s room. Another excellent choice is our rose silhouette cutout. Unlike all of the other coaster blanks we offer, the rose silhouette features areas of empty space, while still providing enough structure to hold drinking glasses with ease. It’s also a gorgeous rose-inspired design that’s fun to decorate!
The bottom line
We hope you found our guide to wooden coaster blanks both useful and fun, and we hope that you feel inspired to start your next DIY coaster project. Just remember, if you want to use your wooden coaster blanks as functional coasters, you’ll need to make sure that you apply a coat of clear sealant after you’ve finished your designs. And one last thing: there’s no “correct” way to decorate and design coasters, so just have fun with it!
Did you enjoy our wooden coaster blanks guide? Be sure to check out our wood coaster blanks shop to find the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one!
