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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Laser Engraving vs. Color Printing: Why Engraving Comes Out on Top - Custom Wood Designs

Laser Engraving vs. Color Printing: Why Engraving Comes Out on Top

When it comes to creating personalized products or promotional items, choosing the right method can make all the difference in terms of quality, durability, and overall appeal. While color printing has been the go-to option for many businesses, laser engraving is becoming an increasingly popular choice for its numerous advantages. In this blog post, we'll explore why laser engraving is a superior alternative to color printing and provide examples to showcase its benefits.

  1. Unparalleled Durability and Longevity

One of the main reasons laser engraving outshines color printing is its durability. Color printing relies on ink, which can smudge, fade, or peel over time, especially when exposed to sunlight, moisture, or abrasion. Laser engraving, on the other hand, creates a permanent mark by etching the surface of the material, resulting in a design that will not wear away.

Example: A company looking to create branded stainless steel water bottles will find that laser engraving ensures the logo remains crisp and clear for years to come, whereas color printing may fade or chip with frequent use.

  1. Wide Range of Compatible Materials

Laser engraving technology can be used on a diverse array of materials, including wood, metal, glass, acrylic, and leather. This versatility allows businesses to create unique and customized products tailored to their specific needs. In contrast, color printing is limited by the need for a smooth, flat surface and the compatibility of the ink with the material.

Example: An artisanal craftsman might use laser engraving to add intricate designs to wooden cutting boards, leather wallets, and glass coasters, while color printing would be unsuitable for these materials.

  1. Precision and Detail

Laser engraving offers exceptional precision, allowing for intricate and detailed designs that may be impossible to achieve with color printing. This level of accuracy makes it an excellent choice for creating custom products that require fine details or small text.

Example: A jeweler using laser engraving can create personalized pendants with intricate patterns and tiny inscriptions, which would be difficult or impossible to achieve with color printing.

  1. Eco-Friendly Process

Laser engraving is an environmentally friendly process that doesn't require the use of chemicals, solvents, or inks. As a result, there is less waste generated and fewer harmful substances released into the environment. In contrast, color printing can involve the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other potentially harmful chemicals.

Example: A company that prioritizes sustainability can choose laser engraving for their promotional products, minimizing their environmental impact and aligning with their eco-friendly values.

  1. Enhanced Perceived Value

Laser engraved products often have a higher perceived value than their color-printed counterparts. The crisp, clean, and permanent engraving creates a sense of quality and craftsmanship that is difficult to achieve with printed designs. This can be especially beneficial for businesses looking to impress clients or customers with promotional items or personalized products.

Example: A high-end winery might choose laser engraved wooden wine boxes to showcase their premium bottles, rather than using color-printed packaging, as the engraved design adds an extra touch of luxury and sophistication.

Visit Custom Wood Designs Ireland for laser branded products

Laser engraving offers numerous advantages over color printing, making it the superior choice for businesses looking to create high-quality, durable, and unique products. With its unmatched durability, versatility, precision, eco-friendliness, and enhanced perceived value, laser engraving is the ideal choice for businesses looking to make a lasting impression. By opting for laser engraving over color printing, you're investing in products that will stand the test of time and elevate your brand's image.

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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