When you hear the phrase custom wood map, you might picture a beautiful wall piece that highlights a favorite city, lake, or coastline—carefully crafted in layers of natural wood. But beyond its striking appearance, a custom wood map tells a story. It’s the result of thoughtful design, skilled craftsmanship, and often, deep personal meaning.
What is Custom Woodwork?
At its core, custom woodwork refers to any woodworking project that’s designed and made specifically to meet the preferences or needs of an individual client. Unlike mass-produced items, custom pieces are one-of-a-kind creations. They reflect not only functional requirements but also personal stories, values, and aesthetics.
In the context of wood maps, this means turning a location with meaning into a tangible work of art. It could be the city where you met your partner, the lake where you spent summers as a kid, or even the route of a memorable road trip. These maps can be minimalist or detailed, rustic or modern, depending on your vision.
Professional woodworkers or artisans begin with a digital layout—often using advanced design software to convert topographic data or street layouts into a format suitable for cutting. From there, they select the right wood species, considering color, texture, and durability. Popular choices include birch for its smooth grain, walnut for its rich tone, and cherry for its warmth.
The wood is then shaped, layered, engraved, and finished with great care. High-end makers may use CNC machines or laser cutters to achieve precision, followed by hand-finishing that brings character and soul to each piece.
Where Do You Get Custom Wood Maps?
There are several paths to getting your own custom wood map, ranging from local artisans to online designers. One particularly unique and artistic approach comes from architect and carpenter-artist Hubert Roguski, who creates custom wooden maps with a modern, minimalist design and a striking Indigo blue finish. Each map is laser-cut for precision and hand-finished, blending architectural detail with natural craftsmanship.
Roguski, a trained urban architect, draws inspiration both from bustling cities and the calm of the forest. His work is a reflection of dual passions—exploring modern urban design and finding quietude in nature. Years of study in Tokyo deeply influenced his connection to the harmony between natural materials and meticulous design, a principle that is echoed in every map he creates.
As a carpenter-artist, his goal is to refine every element down to the smallest detail. His CityWood series—a collection of wooden city maps—has earned him several accolades, including the prestigious German Design Award 2019. These pieces are not only maps; they are stories captured in wood, shaped by inspiration drawn from the streets of Tokyo to the silence of forest trails.
What Is Meant by a 3D Wood Map?
A 3D wood map isn’t just a flat image printed on wood—it’s a layered representation of a place, giving it a sense of depth, contour, and realism. These maps often depict land and water at different elevations. For example, the ocean might be carved into the wood while islands or coastlines are raised, creating a tactile and visually stunning landscape.
Some 3D maps also include topographic details, such as mountains, valleys, or water depths, rendered in contour-like layers. Others focus on urban environments, using raised streets, engraved neighborhoods, or landmark markers to highlight specific features.
The depth is achieved by stacking cut wood layers like a puzzle. Each layer represents a different elevation or design element, from lake beds to mountain peaks. This layered construction is not only beautiful—it gives the map texture and dimension that you can see and feel.
Advanced versions may include elements like:
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Resin inlays for water or rivers
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Laser-engraved text for cities or coordinates
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LED backlighting for dramatic wall displays
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Mixed media (like metal, glass, or epoxy) to highlight features
3D wood maps sit at the crossroads of craft and storytelling. They’re not just decorative items; they’re intimate pieces of art that reflect a place and a memory in an entirely new way.
Architect and carpenter artist Hubert Roguski made custom wood map with a new Indigo blue look. Each map is laser cut with a handmade finish.
I am a carpenter artist creating a custom wood map in a modern style. However by profession, I am an urban architect. In my free time I visit new places. I like reaching for inspirations that lie on the streets of a big cities. When I am looking for inspiration and peace, I take my steps to the forest to spend time in nature listening to the silence. I have studied in Tokyo for many years. During the time spent in Japan has allowed me to discover a connection between nature and art, which in the country of blooming cherry is reflected in many areas of life. I have learned to appreciate natural materials and refine all created elements in the smallest detail. I combined the passion of design with love for the forest and created wooden maps of cities. Each custom wooden map I have created was a challenging work. In addition I have been awarded several prestigious awards for CityWood design, among others German Design Award 2019.
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