Build a coaster caddy with enough finger room

Measure the finished coasters

Build the caddy after the coasters are complete. Finish, cork backing, and slight size differences all change the stack. Measure the widest coaster and the total height of the stack. A holder based only on the original cut list may be too tight.

For four 100 mm-square coasters about 10 mm thick including backing, use an inside opening of 108 × 108 mm. The example has a base and three low walls, leaving the front open so fingers can slide the stack out.

• Base: 126 × 126 mm in 6 mm plywood.
• Back wall: 126 × 50 × 9 mm.
• Side walls: two pieces, 117 × 50 × 9 mm.
• Optional front stop: 108 × 8 × 9 mm.

Reconcile the three-sided shell

Set the back wall on the base flush with its rear edge. Fit the side walls in front of it, flush with the left and right edges. At exactly 9 mm thickness, the clear width between sides is 108 mm. The sides run 117 mm from the front of the back wall to the front edge of the base.

The opening is intentionally deeper than the coasters, making them easy to grasp. If you add the optional low front stop, test whether fingers can still reach the lowest coaster. A stop should prevent accidental sliding, not lock the stack in place.

Build around a temporary spacer

Cut a cardboard square to represent the desired clear opening, but remove it before gluing so it cannot become attached. Dry-fit the walls and check the real coasters. Sand the inner faces and upper edges before assembly.

Glue the walls to the base and to each other using a suitable adhesive. Use light clamp pressure and inspect both front corners for symmetry. An inward-leaning side wall may still look acceptable when empty but pinch the stack near the top. Check the inside width at both the base and upper edge.

Refine access and stability

After curing, insert and remove the entire stack several times. Try taking only one coaster. If that is awkward, lower the front portions of the side walls with a carefully drawn symmetrical profile, or simply reduce their height before the next version.

Keep the bottom flat and add equal nonmarking pads if desired. Smooth exposed plywood edges, which can catch fingertips. The caddy is a storage accessory; lift it from underneath instead of pulling on one thin wall. Do not place wet coasters in a close stack, because trapped moisture delays drying and can mark the finish.