Free woodworking plan

Hardwood Coaster Set

Difficulty: Beginner · Estimated time: about 1 hr 30 min of hands-on work, not counting glue and finish drying or cure time

A set of four to six hardwood coasters with cork backs and a simple holder.

Cut squares or circles from hardwood scraps, sand silky smooth, finish water-resistant, and glue cork on the underside. Optional slotted holder. Fast gift project with low material cost.

Materials

• Hardwood scraps — enough for 4–6 @ 4" x 4" x 3/8"
• Cork sheet — 1 thin sheet
• Waterproof glue — small bottle
• Wipe-on poly or oil/wax — as preferred

Tools

• Saw
• Sander or sanding block
• Square or compass
• Scissors for cork
• Hole saw for circles (optional)
• Safety glasses

Safety: Power tools and finishes can cause serious injury. Read and follow every tool and product manual, use guards and push sticks, wear eye and hearing protection, and work in a ventilated area. These plans are for general information; check measurements and your own skill before cutting. You build at your own risk, and Handy at Home is not liable for injury or damage. See the Terms.

Steps

1. Cut coaster blanks

   Cut 4" squares (or circles) from hardwood. Keep thickness ~3/8". Flatten faces.

   • Match grain across the set for a gift look.
   • Avoid open knots that trap liquid.

2. Sand and ease edges

   Sand through 220. Lightly chamfer or round topside edges so they feel finished.

   • Number the backs lightly in pencil if grain-matching a set.
   • Do not round so much the cork shows from above.

3. Finish and add cork

   Apply a water-resistant finish to wood faces; leave underside glue-ready or finish then scuff. Glue cork, trim flush when dry.

   • Weight them flat while cork glue cures.
   • Poly tops wipe clean better than raw oil alone.

4. Optional holder

   Cut a small U-shaped or slotted holder from scrap so coasters stand in a row. Finish to match.

   • Skip the holder if gifting in a tin.
   • Felt under the holder protects tables.

Always follow your tools’ safety instructions and wear eye protection. Free for personal use; please don’t resell or republish these plans.

© 2026 Handy at Home. Plan text and images are free for personal use only.