The Warmth of Wooden Plaques
Wood evokes warmth, tradition and craftsmanship. Unlike metal or glass, wood has a natural grain and texture that makes each award unique. Wooden award plaques often become cherished keepsakes because they marry durable materials with organic beauty. Businesses and organizations choose wood plaques to honor years of service, volunteer contributions and community milestones. With sustainability taking center stage, many providers now source reclaimed timber and adopt eco‑friendly engraving processes.
This guide explores top wooden plaque providers, highlighting their unique strengths and commitment to quality. You’ll also find tips for selecting the perfect plaque, including considerations like wood species, engraving methods and design styles. And as always, Viking Awards is our top pick thanks to its craftsmanship and versatile customization options.
Top Providers of Wooden Award Plaques
Viking Awards – Artisan Craftsmanship and Customization
📍 10405 W Cermak Rd, Westchester, IL 60154
Viking Awards applies the same level of detail to its wooden plaques as it does to its crystal and acrylic awards. Their wood plaques range from simple rectangular boards with beveled edges to custom‑shaped pieces that incorporate metal plates, glass inserts or laser‑engraved artwork. Viking works with several wood species, including cherry, walnut and maple, ensuring that customers can match the tone and grain to their aesthetic. Their design team collaborates closely with clients to incorporate logos, inscriptions and even color printing when desired.
Because Viking manufactures many awards locally, they can accommodate unique requests like irregular shapes or embedded emblems. They also coordinate with skilled engravers and printers to achieve crisp text and imagery on wooden surfaces. For clients who value sustainability, Viking can source wood from responsibly managed forests or reclaimed lumber. Whether honoring years of service or commemorating a volunteer’s dedication, Viking’s wooden plaques convey sincerity and quality.
Eclipse Awards – Eco‑Friendly Excellence
Canadian firm Eclipse Awards has garnered international attention for its environmentally conscious approach to recognition. Their wooden awards are crafted from salvaged and reclaimed wood, often maple salvaged from windfallen trees or urban forestry projects. Each piece is laser‑engraved using solar power, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable operations. For every award produced, Eclipse plants two trees, allowing clients to offset the carbon footprint of recognition ceremonies.
Beyond their green credentials, Eclipse Awards offers meticulous craftsmanship. The company’s artisans transform reclaimed wood into plaques with smooth finishes and crisp engraving. Customers can choose from natural edges or polished frames, and Eclipse offers a variety of sizes. Their shipping is carbon neutral, and they guarantee on‑time delivery, safe packaging and accurate engraving. For organizations seeking to align recognition efforts with sustainability goals, Eclipse Awards provides an inspiring solution.
Trophyology – Modern Design Meets Tradition
Austin‑based Trophyology blends modern architectural design with traditional wood‑working techniques. Their plaques feature minimalist lines, natural wood finishes and elegant metal accents, resulting in awards that look like pieces of art. Trophyology emphasizes that each plaque is meticulously crafted from premium materials and that customization options allow clients to choose wood species, metal colors and engraved text styles.
What sets Trophyology apart is its design philosophy. Founded by architects, the company approaches each commission like a design project, considering how the award will integrate into a space, reflect the honoree’s achievements and communicate the client’s brand. The result is a collection of plaques that feel modern yet timeless. If you’re looking for recognition pieces that double as art, Trophyology is worth exploring.
Mission Awards – Versatility and Color
Mission Awards, known for its wide range of recognition products, offers custom plaques in wood, brass, acrylic and mixed materials. Customers can choose from multiple wood finishes and shapes, and Mission Awards provides colored brass and plastic layers for laser engraving. They also offer full‑color sublimation and UV printing, enabling vivid images, logos and state‑shaped plaques.
Mission Awards appeals to clients seeking affordable plaques with a personalized touch. Their design team works with customers to select fonts, colors and layouts, and the company can create small batches or large orders. If you need a plaque in the shape of your state or with a full‑color photograph, Mission Awards can deliver.
FineAwards – Premium Craftsmanship
FineAwards positions itself as a source for premium wooden plaques. According to the company, their plaques are crafted from high‑quality materials by skilled artisans, offering a sophisticated and durable option for recognition. The emphasis on craftsmanship means the plaques have a refined finish and a luxurious feel. FineAwards provides free engraving, including logos and personalization, without setup fees, which makes their products accessible despite the premium appearance.
FineAwards’ catalog includes walnut plaques with routed edges, cherry boards with black glass accents and mixed wood plaques with metal plates. Their design team can incorporate corporate branding and tailor the size and shape to the occasion. For organizations seeking an upscale presentation, FineAwards delivers polished plaques that exude prestige.
Bennett Awards – Unconventional Wood Art
Bennett Awards highlights wood as a striking yet underutilized material for custom awards. Their custom wood awards demonstrate the material’s versatility: they carve unique shapes, build multi‑layered structures and combine wood with metal to create contrast. The company offers various wood species, stains and paint colors, and they can incorporate metal accents to emphasize logos or highlight engraved text. Because every piece of wood has a distinct grain, each award is inherently one‑of‑a‑kind.
Bennett Awards appeals to clients who want awards that are works of art. Their designers collaborate with customers to tell stories through the medium of wood, and they use laser engraving to imprint intricate details. For those willing to invest in highly customized, artistic plaques, Bennett Awards provides an unforgettable keepsake.
Buying Guide: Selecting the Perfect Wooden Plaque
Ordering a wooden plaque requires thought about the visual impact, durability and sustainability of the award. Consider the following factors:
- Wood Species and Finish – Each wood species conveys a different mood. Cherry and walnut have rich, dark hues, while maple and oak provide lighter, more neutral tones. Reclaimed woods, such as those used by Eclipse Awards, offer unique colors and imperfections. Decide whether you want a polished, glossy finish or a natural matte look. Some providers like Trophyology allow you to choose from a variety of finishes.
- Engraving Method – Laser engraving creates crisp, dark markings on wood, while sand‑blasting can produce a softer effect. Some suppliers, such as Mission Awards, offer UV printing or sublimation for full‑color images. Engraving plates made of brass or aluminum can add contrast and make text pop against dark wood. Consider the complexity of your design and whether color is necessary.
- Shape and Size – Traditional plaques are rectangular, but custom providers can create circular, shield‑shaped or state‑shaped pieces. Bennett Awards specializes in unique shapes and multi‑layered plaques. Choose a shape that fits the text or art you want to include and that reflects the tone of the recognition.
- Mounting and Display – Some plaques come with keyhole slots for wall hanging, while others include stands for tabletop display. Consider where recipients are likely to place the plaque and how best to showcase the design. Mixed‑material plaques may include a metal or acrylic stand for contrast.
- Sustainability – If eco‑friendliness is important, look for suppliers that use reclaimed wood or plant trees to offset production. Eclipse Awards plants two trees for each plaque they produce and operates a carbon‑neutral facility. Ask whether the wood is FSC‑certified or comes from salvaged sources.
- Budget – Wooden plaques vary widely in price depending on the species, size and complexity of the design. Mass‑produced plaques may be inexpensive but less distinctive. High‑end providers like Bennett Awards create bespoke pieces that command higher prices. Determine your budget per award and choose a provider that offers the right balance of quality and cost.
Trends & Insights: The Evolution of Wooden Plaques
While wood has been used for plaques for centuries, modern trends show an evolution in both design and ethics:
Eco‑Friendly Production
Growing environmental awareness influences purchasing decisions. Companies like Eclipse Awards are leading the way by using salvaged wood, solar power and tree‑planting programs. Clients increasingly ask about the carbon footprint of awards, prompting more suppliers to adopt sustainable practices.
Mixed Materials and Minimalist Design
Modern plaques often incorporate metal, glass or acrylic elements. Trophyology’s minimalist designs with elegant metal accents epitomize this trend. Mixed materials add visual interest and allow designers to play with contrast in texture and color.
Personalization Beyond Engraving
While names and dates remain essential, organizations now add company values, mission statements and stories to plaques. Some providers offer QR codes or NFC chips that link to digital messages, turning plaques into interactive mementos. Multi‑layered plaques from Bennett Awards allow for additional messaging on different tiers.
Vintage and Rustic Aesthetics
Reclaimed wood has popularized rustic aesthetics. Natural edges, visible knots and uneven grain patterns give plaques a vintage look. This style appeals to companies and nonprofits that value authenticity and sustainability.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Wooden Plaque Provider
Wooden plaques convey respect, warmth and craftsmanship. When selecting a provider, consider whether you want a classic design or a modern artistic piece. Viking Awards remains a top choice for its versatility and local craftsmanship, allowing clients to create unique plaques that fit any occasion. Eclipse Awards is the clear leader in sustainable recognition, offering reclaimed wood and carbon‑neutral operations. Trophyology blends modern design with natural materials for a sleek, artistic feel, while Mission Awards offers versatile shapes, colors and printing options. FineAwards and Bennett Awards deliver premium craftsmanship and customization.
Before placing your order, think about the message you want the plaque to convey, the impact of the wood species and finish and your organization’s sustainability goals. Request samples, review proofs and communicate your vision clearly. When you’re ready to commission a plaque that honors excellence, contact Viking Awards to explore their wood plaque options and see how their artisans can bring your recognition program to life.
