How to Make Wooden Floor Medallions

Draw a design that complements your distinctive style. Be creative using simple geometric designs such as a star, diamonds or circles. Use the drawing to guide your project. The easiest pattern is a starburst-shaped medallion where the star has 12 diamond-shaped rays bursting from the middle. Each ray will be two colors.

Stain six pieces of scrap 1-by-4 boards with wood stain and a wide paint brush. Stain another six pieces of scrap 1-by-4s either a lighter or a darker shade than the first six pieces. Allow all of the pieces to dry overnight.

Cut each stained board in half lengthwise with a table saw.

Measure one inch from one side of each half board. Place a dot marking these spots with a pencil. This spot is where the widest part of the diamond-shaped rays will be.

Cut 15-degree angles on the top and bottom of the boards with the table saw measuring with the draftsman compass. The angles will proceed from the unmarked edge of the board at the corners to the dot drawn on the side. These cuts will make one half of each diamond-shaped starburst ray.

Center a 2-foot plywood square on a work table.

Check the coloring and appearance of the pieces of wood. Choose the side that is most aesthetically appealing and lay that side face up on the plywood.

Arrange the starburst ray halves on the plywood. Set a darker piece down with the flat side facing right. Set a lighter piece next to the first piece with the flat side facing left. Push these pieces together to make one starburst ray. Continue laying down the halves in the same manner until the starburst is complete.

Apply wood glue to the backs of the stained wood pieces, one by one, carefully replacing the pieces in the exact order you had them set. Allow the pieces to dry for 24 hours.

Hammer 5/8-inch brad nails into each half of each starburst ray at the top and bottom. The brads are small enough to remain hidden after installation of the medallion.

Cut the starburst wood medallion out of the plywood square with a jigsaw.