Guide To KAPLA Blocks

Kapla building blocks, natural pine wood blocks of a uniform shape and size. Central block branded with KAPLA

KAPLA blocks at Babipur

These innovative wooden building planks are THE open-ended toy of choice in France, where there are KAPLA school clubs, parties and even the Centre KAPLA Paris, dedicated to all things KAPLA blocks. Children are intuitively drawn to these deceptively simple wooden blocks. But what makes them so special? In this blog post let's take a look at what makes these planks unique and find out which is the best set (or sets) for you.

What is KAPLA?

KAPLA is a wooden construction toy loved by children and adults. All the planks have identical dimensions (L 11.7cm x W 2.34cm x D 0.78cm), in the ratio of 1:3:5. This makes them ideal for creating increasingly complex structures, due to their stability. They’re held together by gravity alone, so there’s no need for glue!

Kapla tower made with the 280 case — Kapla 280 Case

This ratio is used for designing architectural features including lintels, roofs and floors. This makes KAPLA creations surprisingly difficult to knock down. The tight constraints of having only one type of block stimulates creativity in children to overcome challenges. It also allows for rapid building, as there's no need to search for the perfect block as they're all the same.

KAPLA is made from 100% untreated pine wood from natural pine forests in Les Landes in the South-West of France. This top quality pine wood is smooth, tactile and durable, a renewable and sustainable material. By manufacturing in their own factory in Morocco, KAPLA can ensure the high precision of each building block.

Learning through play with KAPLA blocks

KAPLA planks make a fantastic open-ended learning resource. Perfect for home educators, Montessori and Waldorf settings, schools and nurseries. Children can practice their fine motor skills, spatial awareness, precision and concentration through playing with KAPLA blocks.

Kapla are an open ended play resourse, being used to make square boxes to hold colourful Grapat loose parts — Lauren has made a Kapla tinker tray to sort Grapat loose parts

By igniting creativity and a passion for engineering and logical thinking, KAPLA planks bring together both art and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects. From building architectural marvels to creating fantastical animals, KAPLA will inspire creative thinking and problem solving in children (and adults) of all ages.

How many KAPLA blocks do I need?

You can learn the basics of KAPLA building with surprisingly few blocks. The KAPLA Challenge set contains just 16 wooden planks to practice precision building and balance techniques. However, for building structures you'll want to start with 100-200 planks. You can always add more with the small 40 block sets in a fun range of colours.

Child making a Kapla rabbit on the floor — Kapla 200 Spring Box

From small travel sized sets to huge cases of 1000 planks for building with friends, there are a wide range of sets to choose from. Lets take a look at the options …

Which KAPLA set do I need?

The KAPLA 100 case or the KAPLA 200 box is a great starting point for your plank building play. With 100 and 200 planks respectively, in smooth, natural pine, both these sets give you plenty of options to create awesome structures. The 100 set comes in a lovely wooden case with a slide out perspex lid, making an attractive storage solution or gift set. The 200 box comes in a robust cardboard box for storage, and both sets have a building inspiration leaflet to get you started.

The 280 Kapla case with an open book in the centre surrounded by a complex swirling Kapla block pattern — Kapla 280 Case

The KAPLA 280 case makes a wonderful birthday or Christmas gift. With its beautiful pine storage case and beginners art book with coloured photographs and technical drawings, it will be a set to pass on to the next generation of little architects.

If you are looking to add more colour and tone to your builds then the Octocolour case of 100 planks is a great option. With eight colours there are plenty of options to add depth and colour to your builds, bringing them to life. If monotone is more your style, then there is a Black & White 100 case for you! Using non-toxic, water based dyes, these colourful building planks are safe and allow the beauty of the natural wood grain to shine through.

A mandala using coloured Kapla planks — Lauren has made a beautiful mandala using coloured Kapla blocks and Grapat loose parts

KAPLA add-on sets

Already a fan? Then there are smaller 40 square cases in and array of colours to add to your collection. These are a great option for taking out and about and travelling with for a build session on the go. There’s a selection of 40 piece coloured planks and a creative art book for inspiration. A fantastic gift for your KAPLA enthusiast.

Kapla 40 square red used to add colour to a natural Kapla build on a small table in a lounge — Kapla 40 Square Red used to add colour to a natural Kapla build

Childcare settings and schools

For childcare settings, Montessori or Waldorf schools and nurseries, the KAPLA 1000 case is the ideal choice. Plenty of planks for lots of children to play together for creative learning. The study wooden storage case is on casters and easily wheeled about. This will keep your planks tidy and safely stored away when not in play.

Three children working together on a Kapla octopus on a wooden floor — The large 1000 block case is perfect for education settings

KAPLA building ideas

Once the basic building techniques are mastered, there is no end of structures to make with KAPLA planks. Building towers, bridges and houses is a great starting point, but let your imagination run free creating animals, birds and even ball runs.

A child creates a Kapla Spider on a coffee table with a sofa behind — The KAPLA 75 Piece Spider Case

For more guidance or play inspiration, there’s a selection of KAPLA art books. These cover architectural and animal builds for beginners through to more advanced builders. These hardback books have beautiful colour photography and technical drawings to guide young builders.

Kapla bridge made with the 280 case — Kapla 280 box

The Eiffel Tower Set is perfect for more advanced builders. Create your own replica model of this iconic architectural landmark, recommended from 9 years +.

Family fun KAPLA Challenge

Finally, for family fun and games night, there is the KAPLA Challenge game. Test your building skills with this game of precision, balance and a steady hand. Who’s got what it takes to be the Master builder?

Woman playing the Kapla challenge at a table — Kapla Challenge - fun for all the family!