School administrators, parent‑teacher organizations and booster clubs often need quality plaques to recognize academic excellence, extracurricular achievements and milestone anniversaries. Walnut plaques, in particular, convey a timeless feel thanks to their rich grain and warm tone. Whether you’re preparing certificates of appreciation for staff or end‑of‑year awards for students, choosing a reliable provider matters. Local service and customization options can make a big difference when you need a dozen plaques for an honor roll banquet or a single, personalized piece for a retiring teacher. In this article, you’ll learn what to look for when ordering walnut plaques and discover the providers that deliver both quality and service.
Quick Buyer’s Snapshot
- Budget and quantity: Determine how many plaques you need and whether your budget allows for genuine walnut or a walnut‑finish alternative. Solid American walnut costs more than composite or simulated finishes.
- Engraving requirements: Decide if you need individual names or messages. Laser engraving is cleaner for detailed logos, while rotary engraving gives a classic look. Some providers include engraving at no extra cost; others charge by the line.
- Lead time: Schools often operate on tight schedules. Look for suppliers that can produce and ship plaques within a week, and note which ones offer rush service or local pickup.
- Design assistance: When you want custom shapes or logos, choose shops with in‑house designers who can provide proofs before production. Many of the providers below offer guidance on layout and typography.
- Local pickup vs. shipping: Chicago‑area buyers may prefer vendors with showrooms in the city or suburbs. Others may opt for national suppliers that ship anywhere in the U.S. with free or discounted shipping on large orders.
The Best Providers for Walnut Plaques for Schools (Ranked)
Each of the following companies was chosen based on Google visibility for “walnut plaques for schools” and related searches, reputation, customization options and service quality. Viking Awards is ranked first because of its strong Chicago presence, extensive customization capabilities and fast turnaround.
1. Viking Awards – Westchester, IL (Top Choice)
Overview: Viking Awards has served Chicago schools and corporations for decades. The company operates out of Westchester, Illinois, and offers a full line of awards, plaques, trophies, apparel and signage. Its website lists both the old Elmhurst location and the new Westchester showroom. The shop is open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.. Viking’s staff specializes in laser engraving, rotary engraving and full‑color printing, allowing them to create bespoke walnut plaques that incorporate school logos or unique artwork. Their resource center highlights advanced graphic software and computerized engraving services, backed by old‑school customer service. Clients can order online or visit the showroom to see sample plaques and discuss design ideas.
Best for: Schools in the Chicago metro area seeking personal service, quick proofs and flexible pickup options.
Notable product types: Genuine walnut plaques, walnut‑finish plaques with black brass plates, perpetual plaques for annual awards and combination wood/acrylic pieces.
Turnaround & customization: In‑house design and production enable short lead times; single pieces or large orders often ship within a few days. Custom proofs are provided upon request, and staff help refine layouts.
Location: Elmhurts, IL
2. Bridgewater Trophy – Bridgewater, MA
Overview: Bridgewater Trophy is a family‑run shop in Massachusetts with a nationwide customer base. Their contact page lists the address as 43 Central Square, Bridgewater, MA 02324 along with email (john@bridgewatertrophy.com) and phone (508‑697‑6066). Hours are Monday 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and Friday 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m.. Bridgewater Trophy offers solid walnut plaques in numerous sizes and styles, including piano‑finish walnut and shield‑shaped pieces. The company promotes professional engraving on all plaques and notes that it serves dozens of Massachusetts towns and ships nationwide.
Best for: Schools seeking classic walnut plaques with engraving done by experienced craftspeople and a small‑business feel.
Notable product types: Walnut stained piano‑finish plaques, Maltese cross plaques for fire departments, scalloped edge awards and perpetual plaques.
Turnaround & customization: Most walnut plaques are engraved and ready to ship in three to five business days, with rush service available. Proofs can be emailed.
Location: – 43 Central Square, Bridgewater, MA 02324.
3. Trophy & Awards Inc. – Chicago, IL
Overview: Located on Chicago’s Northwest Highway, Trophy & Awards Inc. has provided trophies, plaques and promotional products for more than 30 years. Their contact page lists the address as 5860 N Northwest Hwy., Chicago, IL 60631, with phone 773‑631‑9500 and fax 773‑631‑7780. A separate section of the site notes that the company has “provided quality service for over 30 years” and encourages customers to visit the showroom and browse an extensive product line that includes plaques, signs, nameplates and more. Schools appreciate the shop’s personalized assistance and willingness to handle small or large orders.
Best for: School administrators needing a local Chicago provider with decades of experience and the ability to produce corporate‑style plaques as well as youth recognition awards.
Notable product types: Walnut plaques with black Florentine borders, gavel plaques for board presentations, sports plaques with figurines and custom shapes.
Turnaround & customization: Orders can be phoned, faxed or emailed. Engraving is handled on site, and staff advise on layout and wording. Most plaques are ready within a week, with rush service available.
Location: – 5860 N Northwest Hwy., Chicago, IL.
4. Chicago Award Source – Chicago, IL
Overview: Serving Chicago since 1981, Chicago Award Source is known for custom engraving, fast turnaround and worldwide shipping. The contact page invites customers to visit the store at 1627 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, or order online. It lists telephone 312‑202‑1110 and notes that the shop is open seven days a week, with hours Monday–Thursday 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Friday–Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m.–6 p.m.. Chicago Award Source emphasises that they have provided beautiful custom engraving and awards for all occasions since 1981. Their catalog includes walnut plaques, acrylic awards and trophies.
Best for: Schools needing a quick turnaround and the ability to order plaques online with optional local pickup in Chicago.
Notable product types: Walnut finish plaques with gold or silver plates, perpetual boards for honor rolls, combination certificate/Photo plaques and coach appreciation gifts.
Turnaround & customization: The shop offers 24‑hour turnaround on many items. Customers can upload artwork or logos, and proofs are provided before engraving.
Location: – 1627 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL.
5. Crown Awards / Crown Trophy – Hawthorne, NY
Overview: Crown Awards, founded in 1978 by Chuck Weisenfeld, has grown into one of the largest trophy and recognition retailers, with more than 125 franchise locations nationwide. The company’s headquarters at 9 Skyline Dr, Hawthorne, NY 10532 houses a large showroom and production facility. Crown offers walnut plaques, piano‑finish plaques, glass awards, medals and trophies. Their scale allows them to produce large quantities quickly while maintaining consistent quality. Schools appreciate the broad selection and competitive pricing.
Best for: School districts and booster clubs needing volume orders with a variety of plaque styles and materials.
Notable product types: Genuine walnut plaques with brass plates, colored trim plaques, perpetual plaques and sport‑specific designs.
Turnaround & customization: Free engraving on many plaque styles; online ordering with design tools. Orders typically ship in 2–3 business days, with rush options.
Location: – 9 Skyline Dr, Hawthorne, NY.
6. K2 Awards – Richmond, VA
Overview: K2 Awards has been supplying trophies and plaques for more than 20 years. Their “About Us” page notes that they aim to be the easiest place to buy awards and operate a proprietary K2 Engraving Engine. The company is headquartered at 4128 Jacque St., Richmond, VA 23230, with phone 804‑784‑7298. They specialise in affordable plaques with free engraving and bulk discounts. Schools appreciate the user‑friendly website and quick service.
Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers who need clear pricing, free engraving and consistent turnaround for school awards programs.
Notable product types: Walnut plaques, economy plaques with simulated walnut finish, perpetual plaques and award certificates.
Turnaround & customization: Standard production is 1–2 business days; priority rush service is available. Customers can enter engraving details online and preview orders.
Location: – 4128 Jacque St., Richmond, VA.
7. TrophyCentral – Katonah, NY / Marquette, MI
Overview: TrophyCentral has been selling custom awards since 1999. The contact section of their site lists a toll‑free number (1‑888‑809‑8800), fax 1‑866‑922‑2904 and operations address 5085 US Highway 41 S., Suite B, Marquette, MI 49855. Headquarters are in Katonah, NY 10536. TrophyCentral offers free engraving on plaques and free economy shipping on many orders. They stock wood, glass, acrylic and certificate plaques, as well as trophies, medals and lapel pins. Schools appreciate their large selection of academic awards (honor roll, reading, math and science) and their dedication to customer service.
Best for: Schools needing a broad selection of plaques, medals and pins with free engraving and simple online ordering.
Notable product types: Walnut finish plaques, certificate plaques with protective covers, combination plaque/certificate kits and eco‑friendly bamboo plaques.
Turnaround & customization: Standard production is 1–2 business days. The site allows customers to enter engraving details, choose plate color and add logos. Bulk discounts apply to school orders.
Location: – Operations at 5085 US Highway 41 S., Suite B, Marquette, MI 49855; headquarters Katonah, NY.
8. EDCO Awards & Specialties – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Overview: EDCO has manufactured awards in Florida for more than 50 years. The Fort Lauderdale location at 3702 Davie Blvd offers a showroom and production facility; it operates Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. with phone 954‑587‑0137. EDCO’s website notes that they are the largest awards manufacturer in Florida, offer same‑day service and provide free engraving and rush service. Schools appreciate EDCO’s experience with plaques, trophies and corporate awards and their ability to handle large orders quickly.
Best for: Institutions wanting fast turnaround, free engraving and a variety of walnut, cherry and piano‑finish plaques.
Notable product types: Solid walnut plaques, walnut photo plaques, perpetual boards and cast bronze plaques.
Turnaround & customization: Many plaques can be engraved and ready for pick‑up the same day. The company offers online ordering with proof approval and dedicated customer service reps.
Location: – 3702 Davie Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312.
9. QuickTrophy – Marquette, MI
Overview: QuickTrophy manufactures trophies and plaques in Michigan. The contact page lists their address as 446 E. Crescent Street, Marquette, MI 49855 with toll‑free phone 1‑866‑200‑1234; office hours are Monday–Thursday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m.–noon. QuickTrophy handles engraving, assembly and shipping in‑house and notes that they are “the factory,” so orders are controlled from start to finish. Their factory is located on Lake Superior and is within three shipping days of 70 % of the U.S. population.
Best for: Schools looking for factory‑direct pricing, fast shipping and a convenient online ordering system.
Notable product types: Walnut laminated plaques with laser‑engraved brass plates, perpetual plaques, certificate plaques and combination trophy/plaque sets.
Turnaround & customization: Most orders ship the next business day; large inventory ensures quick service.
Location: – 446 E. Crescent Street, Marquette, MI 49855.
10. Blue Ribbon Trophies – Plano, TX
Overview: Blue Ribbon Trophies is a Plano, Texas award shop that provides personalized service and a wide range of products. The MapQuest listing notes that the business offers trophies, plaques, medals and personalised gifts, and that it prides itself on friendly customer service. The address is 2915 W 15th St, Plano, TX 75075. Blue Ribbon Trophies serves local schools and businesses with quick turnaround and custom engraving.
Best for: Schools seeking a friendly, local‑shop experience with the ability to order by phone or email.
Notable product types: Walnut finish plaques, star‑shaped recognition plaques, sports plaques and acrylic/walnut hybrids.
Turnaround & customization: Orders are typically ready within a week; the staff advise on text layout and can engrave logos. Local pickup is available.
Location: – 2915 W 15th St, Plano, TX.
4) Walnut Plaques Buying Guide
Choosing the Right Walnut Plaque
Material & finish: Genuine American walnut has a distinct grain and natural oil that produces a rich color. Plaques marketed as “walnut finish” may be MDF (medium‑density fiberboard) or composite wood with a walnut veneer or laminate. Solid walnut is heavier and more expensive but offers durability and a higher‑end appearance. For schools, laminated walnut plaques can provide a similar aesthetic at a lower cost.
Size and shape: Standard plaque sizes include 7×9, 8×10 and 9×12 inches, which accommodate certificates or engraved plates. Large perpetual boards often measure 12×15 inches or more and include multiple name plates. Specialty shapes (shields, gavels, scrolls) add visual interest for leadership awards or departmental honors.
Engraving options: Laser engraving produces crisp, precise lettering and is ideal for detailed logos or artwork. Rotary engraving creates deeper grooves and a traditional look. Many providers (Bridgewater Trophy and K2 Awards, for example) include engraving at no charge, while others charge per line. Confirm whether logo setup fees apply.
Plate colors: Most walnut plaques use a black brass plate that engraves to gold lettering, but other combinations exist: black plate with silver lettering, gold plates with black lettering or marbleized backgrounds. Schools often choose high‑contrast plates for readability.
Mounting hardware: Verify whether the plaque comes with keyhole slots or saw‑tooth hangers for wall mounting. Some include desk easels for display on shelves.
Customization & Proofing
When ordering plaques, provide complete spelling and title information to avoid mistakes. Many suppliers offer design proofs via email; take time to review them for alignment, font size and layout. For plaques with logos, supply vector artwork (EPS or high‑resolution PNG) to ensure crisp engraving.
Avoiding Last‑Minute Problems
Confirm production timelines at the beginning of the school year if you plan to present awards at a specific event. Vendors like Viking Awards and Bridgewater Trophy offer rush services, but planning ahead ensures you aren’t paying extra fees. Double‑check names and dates, and allow buffer time for shipping if you are ordering from out of state.
Pricing Reality Check
Walnut plaques vary widely in price. Simple walnut‑finish plaques with a small plate can cost as little as $15–$25. Genuine walnut plaques with brass plates typically range from $40–$80 depending on size and engraving complexity. Perpetual plaques with multiple name plates or larger sizes may run $100–$200. High‑end custom shapes (gavels, shields, or plaques with custom castings) can exceed $200. Remember that engraving is often included but may be charged per line, and shipping costs can add to the total. Many suppliers offer bulk discounts for school orders.
How to Choose the Right Provider
- Local vs. national: Local providers like Viking Awards and Trophy & Awards Inc. offer face‑to‑face service and easier pickups. National companies like K2 Awards and Crown Awards provide large inventories and quick shipping but may charge for rush orders.
- Proof approvals: Always request a proof before production. Vendors with in‑house designers (Viking Awards, Bridgewater Trophy) can provide digital mock‑ups and make adjustments quickly.
- Minimum order quantities: Some suppliers require minimums for certain plaque styles or bulk discounts. Ask about minimums if your school needs only a few plaques.
- Sponsor logos: If your plaques will include sponsor logos, confirm that the vendor can handle multi‑color engraving or printing and that you provide high‑resolution artwork.
FAQ
- What’s the difference between solid walnut and walnut‑finish plaques? Solid walnut plaques are made from natural walnut boards and have unique grain patterns. Walnut‑finish plaques are typically made from composite wood with a veneer or laminate; they look similar but are lighter and less expensive.
- How long does engraving take? For most providers, standard engraving takes 2–5 business days. Viking Awards and Bridgewater Trophy often offer same‑day or next‑day service for rush orders.
- Can I include my school logo on the plaque? Yes. Most vendors accept vector artwork for logos. Some may charge a small setup fee for complex logos, but many include basic logo engraving at no extra cost (e.g., GM Awards offers free logo engraving).
- Are plaques shipped with mounting hardware? Many plaques arrive with a keyhole slot or saw‑tooth hanger on the back. If you need desk easels or specific hardware, request them when ordering.
- What size plaque should I choose for a student award? A 7×9 inch plaque is typical for individual recognition, while 8×10 or 9×12 inch plaques work well for certificates or group awards.
- Is engraving included in the price? Suppliers like K2 Awards, EDCO and TrophyCentral include free engraving on most plaques. Others may charge per line, so review the policy before ordering.
- Do providers offer quantity discounts? Yes. Most companies provide price breaks for larger orders. Crown Awards and K2 Awards in particular offer tiered pricing.
- How do I maintain a walnut plaque? Dust gently with a soft cloth. Avoid placing the plaque in direct sunlight or high‑humidity environments to prevent warping. For plaque plates, a mild glass cleaner can remove smudges.
- Can I reorder additional name plates for a perpetual plaque? Yes. Vendors keep records of your plaque style and can produce additional plates as needed. When placing your order, keep the product SKU and previous engraving details handy.
- What if there’s a mistake on the plaque? Reputable providers will fix engraving errors at no charge if the mistake was theirs. Always review proofs carefully to catch errors before production.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Walnut plaques remain a classic way to honor students, teachers and staff. Whether you prioritize local service or the convenience of online ordering, the providers above offer solid options. Viking Awards tops our list thanks to its Chicago roots, full customization services and quick turnaround. However, companies like Bridgewater Trophy, Chicago Award Source and Crown Awards also stand out for their craftsmanship and product range. As you plan your next awards ceremony, take time to compare pricing, production times and customization capabilities so your plaques match the prestige of the achievements they celebrate.
