Backing for a Plaque

[tony]

Hi folks , I have been asked to make a backing board to fix a metal ? plaque on . This is a fairly large plaque measuring about 33" x 18 " , what would you suggest I use & should I mould the edge ? This is going to be fixed indoors , should I put a finish on it . Thanks for looking , cheers Tony

 

[Tasky]

Oak might be nice.
A bit of moulding and perhaps a raised centre could look good. Definitely a finish of some kind, but type and shade would probably depend on how the plaque looks.
A frame would work just as well, if you preferred.

What does the client want?

 

[tony]

Hi Tasky , this is a plaque we are putting up at work in memory of some colleagues. I don't have the knowledge that most people on here do but I'm reasonably competent with a saw & router. I don't think we will have a board that big in hard wood & I am guessing it would be a frame if that's the case . Never done one before, but could follow guidance & get it done . Thanks for the reply & advice , cheers Tony

 

[sunnybob]

If its an understated board merely to hold the plaque, I suggest decent birch plywood with a stain to match the surroundings.
It is strong enough to hold that without becoming bulky or heavy. even edges look good stained if its decent ply. or you could lip it with real wood.

 

[thetyreman]

it shouldn't be difficult to make a simple box frame with no moulding say 15 x 15 with a 5mm rebate, from solid wood, as long as the plaque is dead square on every corner then it'll work well.

 

[Tasky]

I don't think we will have a board that big in hard wood & I am guessing it would be a frame if that's the case .

Well, you could joint up some boards to size.
Another alternative is, as Tyreman says, to frame it instead.

A third option, if backing is preferred or wood is in short supply, is to make up a frame as before but then mount the plaque on top of it instead of recessing it in. It will look the same when hung on the wall, but will be hollow behind the plaque except for the outer edge (say 10mm to an inch?).
This would also make it easier to install some flush mounting options, maybe a French Cleat or various picture hanging brackets?

Either way, I'd personally say you want the right amount of wood surrounding the plaque to frame it well... and you want it finished in a shade/colour with a notable degree of contrast to its intended surroundings, so that draws attention to the plaque.

Here's some ideas, from simply rounding the edges with a plane or router, to more raising and moulding sort of stuff:

http://www.precisionengravingweymouth.c ... 590994.jpg
http://www.bronzebells.com/images/Plaque%20Farm.jpg
http://www.plaquemaker.com/site/images/ ... in-001.jpg
http://www.premier-engraving.co.uk/file ... plaque.jpg
https://www.akg-images.co.uk/Docs/AKG/M ... 590893.jpg (not sure if this one is actual wood or plaster, but still looks nice)
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/14/1a/64 ... 7b9aba.jpg

 

[tony]

Thanks Tasky , lots of good ideas there , cheers Tony