Step by step process of how to make DIY wood slice coasters for your wedding or event. In this how to, we reused a fallen tree from the forest to make wood slice coasters for our wedding. We chose to stain ours, however, you can choose to leave them natural or stain them like we did. For more information on this project and other projects we are doing, please visit www.BrittanyandJustinWedding.blogspot.com

1. December 1st, 2013 Published by: Brittanyrio
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Step by step process of how to make DIY wood slice
coasters for your wedding or event. In this how to,
we reused a fallen tree from the forest to make wood
slice coasters for our wedding. We chose to stain ours,
however, you can choose to leave them natural or
stain them like we did. For more information on this
project and other projects we are doing, please visit
www.BrittanyandJustinWedding.blogspot.com
How to Make Wood Slices for
Coasters for Your Wedding or
Event
By Brittanyrio on November 25th, 2013
In August, we made wood slices for the coasters for our
wedding, and I did not get the chance to make the post until
now. It is very easy to do, and you can use different tools to cut
the wood slices, it all depends on your preference and the type
of tools you own.
Tools we used:
• Miter Saw or Reciprocating Saw - either one will work,
the miter saw is much faster.
• Gloves
• Saftey Glasses
• Sand Paper
• Stain
• Paint Brush
• Plastic Drop Cloth
First we went into the woods to find a dried out branch or tree
to use that was the thickness that we were looking for. We were
able to find two trees that had some good parts to use. Dried
wood is better to use than fresh because it will not warp as
easily. The difference is the bark is much more likely to be gone
or fall off, and you are more likely to have rot. But you will not
have to chop a tree down to do this. I like using fallen trees
because it recycles the tree!
We started trying to use a reciprocating saw. It works, but
it takes longer to use. We were able to get thin slices for
this method, so if you don't have a miter saw, or are not
comfortable using one, this is a good alternative. You could
also probably use a band saw.
The cheapest tool to buy out of the three if you don't have any of
these tools would be the reciprocating saw, then the miter saw,
with the band saw being the most costly. You can use either to
get the same product.
First we tried using the reciprocating saw. I held the tree while
Justin cut. It vibrated way too much and took too long so
we decided on the miter saw method. Which also worked but
resulted in thicker slices. Partially because Justin's dad didn't
know how thin we actually wanted them. It does add a more
rustic feel to them having them be thicker and different sizes.

2. December 1st, 2013 Published by: Brittanyrio
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With the miter saw we had to twist the log to get it to cut all
around because the saw blade was too small. If you use a larger
one you probably won't have to twist the log. This way we got
a lot done in a very short amount of time. Within 30 minutes
we had plenty cut.
Next, we let them dry out some for the week. It is important
that you do not stack them on one another, they will mold
if they are still damp and you stack them. We set them out
on their sides in his grandmother's basement next to the
oil furnace. This let them dry out for a week until the next
weekend when we sanded and treated them.
The next step we took was sanding. I forgot to get pictures of
us sanding but it is pretty easy. You can either use an electric
or air tool wood sander, or sand them by hand. We sanded
ours by hand because they didn't need much sanding. Just the
edges and some rough spots and they were done in no time.
How much you sand is completely up to you. This can even be
your last step if you don't want to treat them with anything.
We wanted to treat them to preserve them better.
We used Minwax wood finish and paint brushes to treat the
wood and let them dry on the plastic for some time outside in
the sun. If you aren't getting rain I would suggest this or do it
in a workshop where you don't mind the fumes, they will have
that fume smell for a few weeks! So if you want to stain yours
I suggest doing this a few months before your event.

3. December 1st, 2013 Published by: Brittanyrio
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They ended up drying all different shades and I really like the
way they came out. This was a fun simple project that was very
affordable. Below is the finished project.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Thank you for
reading.