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.