Mega StoneCut world map

Most spaces are suitable for a regular-sized world wall map with a width of approximately 214 cm (7' 0.25'') and a height of approximately 117 cm (3' 10''). However, some are privileged to have large walls where they can install a truly expansive world map, one that nearly spans the entire wall. At MapaWall, they craft these magnificent world maps from a variety of materials. What's more, they ship them worldwide via UPS, making them practically available for everyone. This post focuses on one of these remarkable world maps: the StoneCut Hawksbill Brown XL, installed in Spain.

***Installation template StoneCut world map XL***

Bigger can be better for sure

Giant world maps can add a stylish touch to any space, whether it's an office or a private residence. A large map, like the one in this example, creates a striking impression on visitors as they enter the room, especially in case of this hallway. The larger-sized MapaWalls span almost 3 meters in width, approximately 10 feet, and stand at 160 cm (5' 1'') in height. As you can see from the photos in this post, these XL maps really set a new standard in size. However, it's not just the map itself that's massive; the included templates are also substantial. Two giant rolls of 1-meter-wide paper come with the map, along with all the necessary materials for easy wall mounting. Given that these XL maps are shipped worldwide, it's no surprise that the packaging is also sizeable. Whether the maps are crafted from wood, stone, or steel, the dimensions of the XL packages remain consistent. These dimensions are close to the maximum limit for shipping via UPS Capital (insured shipping).

***StoneCut XL brown marble world map***

Real marble on top of the wood

For some of you, StoneCut maps might be a new concept. Let me explain: StoneCut world maps feature a wooden base with a thin layer of real stone on top. These stone layers come in various types, including slate, limestone, quartz, and the brown marble from this example. While marble is often associated with polished finishes, the marble used for this world map is of a brown variety. Traditionally, stone can only be cut using a CNC router. However, this company has developed a groundbreaking method of laser cutting, which remains somewhat of a secret. This innovative approach allows them to cut through various thicknesses of stone, resulting in the most stunning world maps available on the market.

StoneCut world map XL (brown marble) — ***Close-up StoneCut XL brown marble world map***

If you have any questions regarding this post. Feel free to send us a message through our contact form.

Slate stone with beautiful colours

Occasionally, we receive breathtaking images from our clients, often captured on the farthest corners of the globe. These photographs showcase remarkable offices or exquisite mansions with designer interiors. It's truly gratifying when our clients proudly display their world map within these elegant settings, underscoring the global reach of our designs originating from the Netherlands. Witnessing our map seamlessly complementing diverse and distant locales serves as a testament to its versatility and appeal beyond the boundaries of Holland.

**The Autumn Forest world map unboxing**

World maps with character

When considering world maps as wall décor, many immediately envision the classic wooden varieties. Popularised nearly a decade ago, these maps decorated the walls of travelers worldwide. Today, wooden maps remain a sought-after choice for wall decorations. However, alongside these traditional options, a myriad of variations and materials have emerged in the market, expanding the possibilities beyond wood.

In this showcase, we'll introduce you to a new addition: the MapaWall Autumn Forest from the StoneCut series, recently installed on the Portuguese island of Madeira. The Autumn Forest maps stand out with their wooden bases topped by slabs of slate stone, intricately infused with colours reminiscent of lush autumn forests, truly living up to their name.

***StoneCut Autumn Forest world map from the side***

As evident in the photos, the StoneCut maps boast the same level of detail as their laser-cut wooden counterparts. This is largely attributed to the advanced laser technology utilised in crafting these stone maps, capable of precisely cutting through 1-5mm of real slate stone. Much like the unique grain patterns found in various wood types, the intricate layers and vivid colour gradients of the stone maps lend them an unparalleled charm.

Unlike wooden world maps, each StoneCut map is inherently unique. Crafted from authentic stone, the colour schemes and variations vary with each piece, ensuring a one-of-a-kind addition to any space. Therefore, if you're uncertain about a specific model's aesthetics, we recommend reaching out to the seller for photos of the current batch or taking a leap of faith. After all, every world map from this series exudes its own unique beauty.

Marble world map

The web never fails to bring the pinnacle of luxury, from extravagant cars to opulent home décor. Among these treasures are world maps transformed into stunning wall decorations, and at MapaWall, we've been at the forefront of crafting such masterpieces for over a decade. However, there was one exceptional creation missing from our repertoire until just a few years ago—the Rolls Royce of world maps: The MapaWall Stone, crafted from genuine Grigio Orobico marble. Each piece is cut using waterjet technology and polished to a glossy finish reminiscent of a precious gemstone.

Designed in The Netherlands, produced in Italy

With nearly a decade of expertise in cutting and engraving world maps, along with a lot of custom designs, MapaWall has established itself as a leader in high-end wall decorations. While our previous maps were crafted in the Netherlands using CO2 and fiber laser techniques, the idea of creating a map from authentic stone sparked a new venture for us. Teaming up with a Dutch stone supplier, we embarked on the journey of crafting a world map from solid stone—a feat achievable only through waterjet cutting. Recognizing the unique challenges of this endeavor, we collaborated with stone specialists in Italy to bring our vision to life.

Cutting marble world map with waterjet — **Slab of Grigio Orobico marble cut by waterjet**

Following extensive consultation and sampling, we prototyped the world map using a precious slab of Grigio Orobico marble, resulting in a breathtaking masterpiece measuring 0.78 inches (20 mm) in thickness. Despite its weight (almost 100 kg) and delicate details, the beauty of this stone map was undeniable.

Upon its arrival in The Netherlands, we encountered some handling challenges due to its fragility. Nevertheless, the allure of this exclusive world map captivated a discerning buyer who recognized its unparalleled uniqueness. As the proud new owner, she entrusted us with the installation, leading to a stunning display of artistry (see photo below).

**Stone world map installed on taupe wall**

The creation of our inaugural stone map marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with our stone processing partners in The Netherlands and Italy. Through quite some refinement, we developed innovative techniques to enhance the strength of the stone, ensuring a broader reach and availability for clients worldwide. Explore the process behind crafting our stone world map and experience the epitome of luxury wall décor.

World map made with limestone

Stone world maps offer a blend of artistry and geology, and nowhere is this more evident than in the exquisite StoneCut world maps. Crafted with super precision using advanced laser-cutting technology, these maps feature a unique combination of wood and real stone layers.

Among the diverse range of stone options available, limestone stands out for its distinctive characteristics. Formed over millions of years through the accumulation and compression of marine organisms like coral, shells, and algae, limestone showcases a spectrum of hues, from serene whites and grays to earthy greens, with occasional hints of white fragments dispersed throughout its surface.

The limestone variant employed in crafting these maps boasts a grey and green palette, accentuated by delicate white speckles that shimmer subtly under the play of light. While appearing relatively flat at first glance, closer inspection reveals the enchanting sparkle emanating from the stone's internal minerals, lending a mesmerizing depth to the map's surface.

This light-toned limestone world map harmonizes effortlessly with interior settings featuring lighter walls, such as shades of beige or pristine white. Its understated elegance allows it to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, while the bold black contours, etched by the precision of laser technology, provide a striking contrast for the 3-dimensional effect.

Moreover, with the map standing 10 mm away from the wall, it casts a drop-shadow when illuminated, further enhancing its visual allure. To experience the enchanting beauty of these StoneCut maps firsthand, consider to bring a visit to MapaWall's showroom or requesting a complimentary sample through their contact page.

Maps made from wood and stone

Wall decor featuring world maps comes in a variety of materials, with one of the most popular being the wooden world map. The inception of laser-cut wooden world maps can be traced back to 2015 when the Dutch company MapaWall BV pioneered this trend. Utilizing four types of wood, they set the standard that inspired numerous others to follow suit.

Fast forward almost a decade, and MapaWall BV is once again at the forefront of innovation, introducing a new trend: StoneCut world maps. Departing from traditional wooden maps, these unique pieces are crafted by placing a thin layer of real stone on top of a wooden base map. This fusion of wood and stone adds a captivating dimension to the world map, showcasing the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression in decor.

Different types of stone

The all-new StoneCut series by MapaWall is a visual delight, crafted with utmost dedication, requiring a considerable amount of time to bring each piece to life. Similar to their iconic wooden maps, these creations predominantly feature wood, serving as the foundational layer. This wooden base provides the perfect canvas for the application of a genuine stone topping. Notably, MapaWall has recently achieved a breakthrough by developing a technique to press a thin layer of stone onto the wooden base.

What sets MapaWall apart is their exclusive ability to cut these types of stones using laser technology, a cutting-edge technique that remains undisclosed to the public. It is safe to say that MapaWall currently stands as the sole company known for its proficiency in laser-cutting stone, marking a significant milestone in the realm of map artistry.

They offer their StoneCut world maps in a variety of options, each featuring distinct stone types such as quartz, limestone, slate, and marble. It's important to note that the marble used in these maps differs from those created exclusively from solid marble, a topic we'll explore in a forthcoming post.

The layers of stone applied to the wood are positioned on a sheet of synthetic resin. Through a meticulous warm pressing process with specialized adhesive, the stone-infused sheet adheres seamlessly to the wooden base layer. Following several days in the press, the material is ready to undergo precision cutting and engraving, transforming it into a magnificent and unparalleled world map.

Stay tuned for upcoming posts, where we'll delve into the intricacies of individual StoneCut models and explore the fascinating process behind crafting these exceptional maps.