XL map made with quartz

In certain spaces, a standard world map simply doesn't suffice. For those fortunate enough to possess expansive homes or offices, the opportunity for grandeur beckons. Today, we delve into the realm of design with an exploration of an exceptional world map crafted from genuine quartz stone. A magnificent piece tailored to its environment with precision.

From the mine to the press

The journey from raw material to finished masterpiece is a testament to the artistry and dedication involved. Originating from the quarries of North India, large chunks of quartz rock undergo a big transformation. Through a process involving layering with synthetic resin and drying, these rocks are transformed into flexible sheets. Each with 1-5 mm (0.39''- 0.59'') of authentic stone in shades ranging from grey to warm brown, accentuated by glimmers across its surface.

For our featured client, a single massive plate of this quartz stone, measuring nearly 2.5 meters (3,28 ft) in length and 1.5 (4 ft) meters in width, served as the canvas for their vision. The resulting world map stretches almost 2.5 meters in width and nearly 2 (6,65 ft) meters in height—a true statement piece commanding attention and admiration.

A sheet of quartz stone from the north of India — ***Sheets of quartz stone***

Cutting an oversized plate of quartz into a world map

Crafting such a monumental artwork requires planning and execution. Alterations to the AutoCAD design ensure precision in the laser cutting process, while adjustments to installation templates account for the substantial weight of the quartz stone. Each step in the process reflects a commitment to quality and a dedication to realising the client's vision on a grand scale.

Through the fusion of natural beauty and expert craftsmanship, this extraordinary quartz stone world map stands as a testament to the boundless possibilities of bespoke design. Its presence not only enriches the space it inhabits but also serves as a reminder of the power of art to transcend the ordinary and inspire awe.

The installation template of a stone map XL made from quartz — ***Installation template for a stone world map XL***

As depicted in the photo of the installation template, mounting this quartz stone map is a task best undertaken by two individuals. The sheer size and weight of this unique piece make it a singular addition to any space. Though the lighting may not have been optimal at the time of the photo, the impact of the XL map is undeniable.

Upon entering the hall where it resides, the map commands immediate attention, its presence both striking and captivating. The culmination of craftsmanship and exquisite materials, the stunning quartz stone world map stands as a testament to the beauty of bespoke design. For a closer look at the breathtaking result, refer to the photo below.

The XL world map made of quartz stone — **StoneCut Rusty Lady world map XL**

Redecoration with a StoneCut map

When embarking on a redecoration project, the opportunity for a complete transformation presents itself. New colours, furniture, and ornaments can breathe new life into a space, along with the addition of a stone world map to decorate the wall. In today's example, we explore one such instance featuring a StoneCut world map nicely integrated into a newly furnished room in the UK.

Injecting vibrancy into the space

The spotlight of today's display shines on a world map from the StoneCut series, proudly displayed in the United Kingdom. In the accompanying photo collage, the transformation of the space is evident; the client's renovation efforts have rejuvenated the room, with all walls painted a pristine white and the former fireplace replaced by a sleek cupboard wall. A strategically placed plant in the corner adds a refreshing touch of nature to the ambiance. The world map, with its rich, global hues, serves as a focal point against the clean backdrop of white walls and ceiling. Specifically, the StoneCut Autumn Forest world map is famous for its autumnal palette, ranging from vivid yellows to deep reds and from lush greens to earthy browns. The slate stone texture gives the impression that the map itself was crafted from layers of autumn leaves, patiently accumulating over time. It's truly remarkable how nature can produce such exquisite materials over millions of years, and it becomes even more extraordinary when those same materials depict the world from whence they came.

**Collection of photos from the StoneCut Autumn Forest world map**

Hawaii as part of the map

While not the most petite of world wall pieces, maps of this size certainly draw attention with their expansive coverage. However, despite their considerable dimensions, they inevitably fall short in accurately depicting the smaller islands scattered across our globe. To visualise the scale discrepancy, one need only consult Google Maps for a firsthand perspective.

Nonetheless, there are islands that warrant special consideration, such as segments of the Hawaiian archipelago, which are just slightly too small to be represented at this scale. In response to the client's desire to include these islands in the wall piece, select smaller ones were enlarged to integrate with the overall design. The resulting effect, in our opinion, is really pleasing.

***Close-up Autumn Forest world map, Hawaii included***

We invite you to share your thoughts on this slate stone world map or to inquire further about the redecoration process and its accompanying map design.

Unboxing and installing

Installing a world wall map is often perceived as a challenging task, particularly with complicated designs like the StoneCut and the stone world maps. However, contrary to popular belief, it's really simple. Thanks to MapaWall's innovative magnetic installation system, the process becomes straightforward, making it accessible to anyone.

A well secured package

When ordering a precious item online, one always hopes that both the selling company and the shipping carrier recognise its value. Especially when purchasing a world map crafted from real stone, as in this example. This becomes even more critical when the map is ordered from the United States for example and shipped from The Netherlands. To ensure the map's safety during transit, this company has made advanced packaging solutions, such as the 'carton suitcases,' secured with extra-hardened carton profiles to withstand potential impacts. In the accompanying unboxing and installation video, viewers can witness the robustness of the suitcase and the clever use of installation attributes to secure its contents securely.

In addition to the reinforced packaging, all shipments containing these stone world maps benefit from a specialised shipping service. This service, provided by UPS Capital, offers insurance coverage for packages shipped outside The Netherlands and Europe, providing buyers with peace of mind against loss or damage. This assurance is particularly reassuring when purchasing a precious item like a quartz stone map from this client's example. Although in the video, which was sent in by previous clients, the delivery process was overseen by the customer, typically, the UPS driver would deliver the map to its final destination of course.

Unboxing and installing a stone world map

Opening and installing

Inside the carton suitcase, a 3-step manual guides you through the process of opening the casing without risking damage to its contents. By laying the suitcase on its back and cutting along the sides, you can easily access the securely packaged contents. Upon opening, you'll discover two layers containing the continents firmly attached to the carton plates, along with two separate boxes housing the islands and installation materials.

Included in the installation kit is a template, that simplifies the installation process. Fixing the template to the wall with tape completes half of all the work. The remaining steps just involve drilling seven holes and marking additional points. This is done by using the template as a guide for the islands placement. Once all pre-pinched holes are marked, remove the template from the wall and insert plugs into the drilled holes, followed by securing the 7 magnets into place. With the magnets installed, attach the large pieces to the wall and begin with glueing the glass spacers. These spacers correspond with the previously marked pencil points, requiring only a small amount of included gel to stick them to the wall.

Within minutes, all islands are precisely installed in their designated locations, voila! The greatest convenience lies in the ability to attach and detach the entire world map in just a few seconds. Ideal for those considering a wall colour change, for instance. Still uncertain about the simplicity of this installation process? Take a look at this unboxing and installation video from one of our clients for reassurance.

**StoneCut world map with quartz stone installed**

Maps made with brown marble

We've explored the endless possibilities of crafting a world map from various types of stone, yet one particularly well worth option remains unexplored: the marble map. Today, we'll delve into an example featuring brown marble, known as the Hawksbill Brown.

Unpolished roughness

When you say marble, the image that often comes to mind is of a polished surface, mostly one with a glossy finish. This is similar to the map we discussed in a previous post. The stone world map constructed from a solid 2 cm (approx. 0.8 inch) thick slab of Grigio Orobico marble, this stone map underwent the same polishing process as any other fine piece of furniture. However, a distinctive approach was taken with this particular map.

Brown marble world map installed on a wall above a sofa — **World map made with brown marble**

Advancements in technology have paved the way for a novel technique: embedding various types of stone onto thin sheets of synthetic resin. By adhering rock fragments to this adhesive sheet, a thin layer of authentic stone is formed. Once fully hardened, the result is a slab of genuine rock suitable for wall decoration or further processing into furniture, among other applications. The featured map today was made with this innovative method, a layer of brown marble characterised by stunning veins ranging from light to dark brown.

This close-up photo shows the varieties in height/thickness of the slate of brown marble. — ***Close-up photo slab of brown marble***

Different thickness like real mountains

The key disparity between the traditional brown polished marble slab and the marble sticked to a synthetic layer lies in both surface finish and weight. Whereas a solid marble slab of this size weighs over 100 kg (approximately 220 pounds), a map created with this marble on a synthetic layer weighs just 3 kg (approximately 7 pounds). Additionally, while the massive marble has a glossy surface, the thin stone veneer possesses a really rough texture. Besides, this particular brown marble has notable variations in thickness, with the topping ranging from 1-5 mm (approximately 0.39- 0.59 inch). Upon closer inspection, these irregularities resemble authentic mountain formations, adding a captivating dimension to the map's aesthetic appeal.

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.

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.