Inside your kit
- Pre-cut Baltic birch map layers
- Frame, plaque, and marker pieces where included
- Park-marker trees where applicable
DIY map instructions
How to assemble your DIY map.
Your DIY kit arrives precision-cut and ready for your finish. Follow this guide for a clean, secure assembly.
Gather your supplies.
You’ll also need
- Wood stain in your preferred color
- CA glue, super glue, or wood glue
- Lint-free cloth and disposable gloves
- Drop cloth and a ventilated workspace
Follow the steps in order.
No advanced woodworking experience is required. Work at a comfortable pace and let each stage dry completely.
Unpack and dry fit
Lay every piece on a clean, protected surface. Use the engraved outlines on the base layer to check orientation and placement before opening your stain or glue.
Tip: Take a quick photo of the dry fit. It makes a useful reference during final assembly.
Prep your workspace
Cover the work surface, open windows or work outside, put on gloves, and stir your stain thoroughly. Separate the pieces so every surface you plan to stain is easy to reach.
Tip: Keep any engraved piece face-up and handle it by the edges to keep the detail crisp.
Apply the stain
Use a lint-free cloth to apply a light, even coat with the grain. Work sparingly around engraved details and immediately wipe away excess. Repeat only after the first coat has dried completely.
Tip: Less is more on Baltic birch. Several light passes produce a cleaner result than one heavy coat.
Assemble the map
Once every piece is fully dry, return to your dry-fit reference. Apply a small amount of adhesive to the back of each upper layer, align it with the engraved guide below, and press firmly.
Tip: Place a clean sheet of paper over glued pieces before adding a book or light weight.
Add the frame and let it cure
Glue the frame pieces along the outer edge, checking that the corners meet cleanly. Allow the adhesive to cure for the full manufacturer-recommended time before standing, hanging, or moving the map.
Tip: Wait until everything is fully cured before adding your first park-marker tree.
Safety
Work safely and allow time to dry.
Follow every safety and disposal instruction on your chosen stain and adhesive. Work in a ventilated area, wear gloves, keep supplies away from children and pets, and allow all pieces to cure fully before bringing the finished map indoors.
DIY map FAQ.
What stain should I use?
Most oil- or water-based interior wood stains work well on Baltic birch. Test a small hidden area first because different stains develop differently on natural wood.
What glue works best?
CA or super glue offers a quick bond. Wood glue gives you more positioning time but requires clamping or weight while it cures. Use a small amount to avoid squeeze-out.
What if I need help during assembly?
Take a clear photo of the pieces and contact us. We’ll help you identify the correct orientation before you glue anything down.
How do I display the finished map?
Standard-size travel maps include a display stand. For wall mounting, use properly rated picture-hanging strips or hardware suitable for your wall surface.