Custom Awards & Corporate Plaques – Sustainable Wooden Recognition, Made in Ireland

Custom Wood Designs creates bespoke awards, plaques and medals that feel as meaningful as the achievement. Hand-finished in Dublin using FSC-certified timbers (oak, birch ply, beech) with precision laser engraving From one-off centrepieces to 500+ unit rollouts, we blend craft, brand consistency, and sustainability.

Bespoke wooden awards and plaques, made in Ireland. FSC timber, laser engraving, Pantone/RAL matching. One-off to 500+ units. Fast 3–4 week lead times.


Custom Awards & Plaques

Custom Awards & Plaques

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DIY Vintage-Inspired Coffee Table: Upcycling a Wooden Crate

DIY Vintage-Inspired Coffee Table: Upcycling a Wooden Crate

If you're a fan of vintage aesthetics and enjoy adding a touch of rustic charm to your home décor, then this DIY project is perfect for you. Transforming a simple wooden crate into a vintage-inspired coffee table not only brings character to your living space but also allows you to unleash your creativity. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of upcycling a wooden crate into a unique and charming coffee table that will be the centerpiece of your living room. Get ready to embark on a DIY adventure that combines nostalgia, creativity, and sustainability.

Materials Needed:

  • Wooden crate: Look for a sturdy and well-preserved wooden crate with vintage appeal.
  • Sandpaper: Smooth any rough surfaces or edges of the wooden crate.
  • Stain or paint: Choose a stain or paint color that enhances the vintage look you desire.
  • Varnish or sealant: Protect the wood and enhance its durability with a clear varnish or sealant.
  • Screwdriver or drill: Use these tools to attach additional elements or secure the crate.
  • Caster wheels (optional): Add mobility to your coffee table with caster wheels.
  • Glass top or wooden plank (optional): Complete the table surface with a glass top or wooden plank.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Wooden Crate: Inspect the wooden crate for any damage or splinters. Use sandpaper to smooth the surfaces, paying extra attention to any rough spots or edges. Wipe away any dust or debris to ensure a clean surface for staining or painting.

  2. Choose a Finish: Decide on the desired vintage-inspired finish for your coffee table. You can opt for a rich stain that brings out the natural beauty of the wood or choose a paint color that complements your home decor. Apply the stain or paint evenly, following the instructions on the product.

  3. Seal and Protect: Once the stain or paint has dried, apply a clear varnish or sealant to protect the wood and enhance its durability. This step ensures that your coffee table will withstand regular use and maintain its vintage charm for years to come.

  4. Add Additional Elements (Optional): If you want to further customize your coffee table, consider adding additional elements. Attach caster wheels to the bottom of the crate for easy mobility, especially if you plan to move the table around frequently. You can also add handles or decorative hardware to enhance the vintage look.

  5. Complete the Table Surface (Optional): To create a smooth and functional table surface, you can add a glass top or a wooden plank to the crate. Measure the dimensions of the crate and have a glass top cut to fit or a wooden plank sized and sanded to match. Place the top securely on the crate, ensuring it sits level and stable.

  6. Style and Decorate: Now comes the fun part – styling and decorating your vintage-inspired coffee table! Add books, vintage knick-knacks, candles, or plants to create a curated display that reflects your personal style and interests. Let your creativity shine as you bring the table to life with decorative elements.

  7. buy boxes here

    buy crates here

Bespoke wooden awards and plaques, made in Ireland.

Premium, sustainable recognition pieces for corporate, hospitality & events

Custom Wood Designs creates bespoke awards, plaques and medals that feel as meaningful as the achievement. Hand-finished in Dublin using FSC-certified timbers (oak, birch ply, beech) with precision laser engraving and UV colour printing. From one-off centrepieces to 500+ unit rollouts, we blend craft, brand consistency, and sustainability.

Why choose our awards


  • Sustainable materials: FSC wood, water-based lacquers, low-waste production

  • Brand-perfect finishes: laser engraving, UV print, paint-fill, RAL/Pantone colour matching

  • Any format: desk awards, wall plaques, wall medals, trophy blocks, certificate frames

  • Fully custom: sizes, shapes, stains, inserts, mixed materials (wood + glass/acrylic accents)

  • Personalisation at scale: names, categories & numbering via CSV/Excel import

  • Made in Ireland: fast, reliable lead times and worldwide shipping

Popular styles


  • Solid Oak Block Awards — timeless, weighty, engraved or printed front face

  • Wall Plaques — oak/birch with hidden fixings; ideal for reception or back-bar walls

  • Tiered/Layered Awards — laser-cut face plates for depth, colour and contrast

  • Medals & Wall Medals — wooden medallions with ribbons or wall-mount sets

  • Eco Recognition Sets — plaque + certificate frame + gift box for premium presentation

Finishes & options


  • Natural, smoked, walnut, black or white stains; clear matte/satin lacquer

  • Laser engraving, spot-colour paint-fill, UV full-colour print, metal/acrylic badges

  • Edge profiles (bevel/chamfer/radius), hidden keyhole hangers for plaques


Gift packaging: branded boxes, kraft sleeves, foam fitments

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