Lumber / Toys

Canada's tradition of wooden toys dates back to the Victorian era in the middle of the 19th Century, when the country stopped importing toys from Europe, and decided instead to create its own industry.

Maron lumber keeps this tradition alive by offering wood varieties that are popular among toy craftsmen who consider wood to be the ideal raw material thanks to its unique characteristics: solidity (resistant and repairable), malleability, rounded angles, and warm feel. Wood does not create health hazards for children, and it stimulates the imagination, because it is less representative of reality than a plastic toy, not to mention the aesthetic element, which makes wood a charming decorative item.

Wood is suited as much for traditional toys as well as for todays modern ones. In catalogues, we find toys depicting both ancient and modern forms of transportation and construction vehicles along with helicopters and Formula 1 cars, lovely crafted wooden dolls, marionettes, and animals. Rocking horses and games like tic-tac-toe and ring toss or beanbags are passed on from generation to generation, and are always among the favourites, right next to the impressive outdoor play modules.

They say that adults are eternal children! Look at how they collect replicas of locomotives and antique cars sold at exorbitant prices!

For a toy designer, the most important attribute of wood is that it is easy to polish and stain.Different woods are used depending on the type of toys. Maple and Beech, are dense and very hard and are perfectly suited for toys that must have a certain amount of resistance. Some components of hand made dolls are made from exotic woods, and offer multiple colour combinations. Birch and Pine are lighter, with a smooth shimmering quality, and can be transformed into fascinating toys.

In short, by offering a variety of species from Canada and abroad, Maron lumber helps to maintain a tradition that dates back more than a century!

Beech (latin name: Fagus Grandifolia)

Source: Canada / USA

Color : Light brown

Hardness: Very hard - resistant

Use:
Tool handles, Household items, Floors, Toys

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Douglas Fir (latin name: Pseudotsuga Menziesil)

Source: Canada

Color : Yellowish White to Reddish Brown

Hardness: Quite hard

Use:
Woodwork - Outdoor play equipment

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Hard Maple (latin name: Acer)

Source: Canada / USA

Color : Brown - white

Hardness: Very hard - resistant

Use:
Sculptures, Furniture, Floors, Toys

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White Maple (latin name: Acer)

Source: Canada / USA

Color : White

Hardness: Very hard - resistant

Use:
Sculptures, Furniture, Floors, Toys

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Paper Birch (latin name: Betula Papyrifera)

Source: Canada / USA

Color : Brown - White

Hardness: Hard - resistant

Use:
Wood turning, Plywood, Toys

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Red Pine (latin name: Pinus Resinosa)

Source: Canada / USA

Color : Light brown - reddish

Hardness: Quite hard

Use:
Sculptures, Structural timber, Poles, Toys

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White Pine (latin name: Pinus Strobus)

Source: Canada / USA

Color : Creamy brown to yellow

Hardness: Not very resistant

Use:
Sculptures, Doors, Woodwork, Cabinet making, Cladding and panels, Shutters, Toys

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