Paddle Lamination Styles

Solid paddles are crafted from a single piece of lumber, typically a two-by-four (which in reality only measures 1-1/2" x 3-1/2") of appropriate length. Crafting a laminated Greenland paddle involves cutting and gluing multiple woods together to create a starting board (what is known as a paddle blank) prior to the start of carving. Different species of wood can be combined to create a large variety of patterns. Patterns are created by combining strips of wood in different colors and widths. The most common designs are vertical (stripes) and/or horizontal (layers). Lamination can involve gluing as few as two pieces of lumber together or as many as nine strips of wood -- more complex glue-ups can create very attractive patterns within the paddle. You can view some of my common lamination designs below.

Each stripe of wood is identified with a letter which represents a wood choice. For each letter, you may choose:

• whether to request a light colored or dark colored wood

• thickness of the stripes - minor stripes typically are 1/8"-3/8" width while major stripes are 1/4"-5/8"

• the species of wood and whether the same wood will be used for multiple stripes - often repeated use of the same wood results in interesting grain pattern matchups

There is no end to the variety of designs that can be crafted. During the paddle estimation process, you will have the opportunity to select your pattern, and for each lettered stripe, make wood selections. Let's work together to build the Greenland paddle of your desires!

Solid Paddle (style SLD-1A) - a single species of wood is used to carve the paddle. As a result, there are no stripes. This is one of the more traditional paddle designs as the Inuit did not have access to adhesives (nor no lifestyle need for a laminated paddle)!

3-Layer (style LAM-3A) - two species of wood are cut and glued to create a simple but elegant pattern. Often, the center stripe is a hardwood and can be either light or dark colored for contrast.

3-Layer (style LAM-3B) - similar to style LAM-3A earlier, two species of wood are cut and glued to create a simple but elegant pattern. In this version, the center stripe is thicker.

5-Layer (style LAM-5A) - two or three species of wood are cut and glued to create an interesting pattern. Often, the center stripe and the outer edges are hardwoods but don't have to be of the same species. For example, Poplar can be used for a light colored center stripe while Cherry edges provide paddle blade protection - alternatively, all three stripes can be Cherry.

5-Layer (style LAM-5B) - this is a variation of style LAM-5A. Similar in construction, except the stripes are different widths.

7-Layer (style LAM-7A) - two to four species of wood can be cut and glued for a more striking design. Pattern widths can be adjusted to take advantage of any interesting wood grain patterns. Combining the same species of wood with different grain patterns creates a unique effect. I usually recommend that hardwoods be selected for center and edge stripes for strength and protection.

7-Layer (style LAM-7B) - this variation of style LAM-7A positions the stripes in different positions which creates a striking effect.

7-Layer (style LAM-7C) - another variation of style LAM-7A where thin hardwood stripes separate the primary wood.

9-Layer (style LAM-9A) - two to five species of wood can be cut and glued for an even more elaborate design. Pattern widths can be adjusted to take advantage of interesting wood grain patterns. It's recommended that hardwoods be selected for the center and edge stripes to add strength and protection.

9-Layer (style LAM-9B) - the design is an alternate to style LAM-9A where the stripes are positioned in varying widths. Looking closely at the example paddle image, you can see that two different stripes of Western Red Cedar are matched to create a different grain pattern.

9-Layer (style LAM-9C) - another variation of style LAM-9A where thin stripes are positioned so as to separate neighboring woods.

11-Layer (style LAM-11A) -

11-Layer (style LAM-11B) -

Your Creative Paddle Design Here! - I am excited for the opportunity to work with you to create your perfect, personal, paddle design. Start your paddle building journey today by visiting my Paddle Quote Request page.