Pulpboard vs. reusable bar coasters

The short answer

Choose printed pulpboard when the coaster is there to serve drinks and carry your message: a bar, taproom, restaurant, festival or campaign, where it absorbs the ring from a wet glass and is replaced as it wears. Choose a reusable coaster, such as cork or neoprene, when it is meant to be kept: merchandise, retail or a gift. Custom Bar Coasters prints pulpboard, from 12 coasters. See round pulpboard beer mats or heavyweight pub coasters.

Side by side

When pulpboard is the right call

A bar coaster sits under a sweating glass all night, so the job is to take up the condensation. Pulpboard absorbs through its top face, which is also why a mat can cup if the board and grain direction are wrong, so both are written on every quote. Because it is made to be used and thrown away, the cost per piece stays low enough to put a fresh coaster under every drink, and both faces take print: the front for the brand, the back for a tap list, a special or a QR code. Recycled and compostable board is available. For a wider look at stocks, read the materials guide or see the recycled and compostable range.

When a reusable coaster is the right call

Reusable coasters earn their place when the coaster is the product or the keepsake: a brewery selling merchandise, a hotel dressing a lobby bar or a gift in a welcome kit. Each material behaves differently, since some absorb condensation and others are wiped clean, and each carries artwork differently. Custom Bar Coasters does not make cork, stone, wood or neoprene coasters, and will point you to the right specialist. Our comparison of reusable coaster materials explains the trade-offs.

The verdict

Pick pulpboard when the coaster has to work a busy bar and carry a message on both sides.

Pick reusable when guests are meant to take it home or buy it.

Not sure which fits? Send your logo and a rough quantity and you get a free mockup within 24 hours, with orders starting from 12 coasters.