FAQs
What are the dimensions of KEVA Planks? What size are planks? Are they all the same size?
Each plank is exactly the same size. The approximate dimensions in inches are 5/16" x 7/8" x 4 5/8".
How do I disinfect KEVA Planks? What will work against COVID-19?
Our #1 recommendation for disinfection during the COVID-19 pandemic is to put planks into a rotation, as the virus becomes inactive on wooden surfaces after 2 days. At that point, the planks are perfectly safe for handling again without having to do any manual disinfection which might alter the texture or cause warping. For alternative options, click here for cleaning instructions and click here for disinfection instructions.
Where does the name KEVA come from?
KEVA is a mnemonic or acronym. It stands for Knowledge, Exploration, and Visual Arts.
How do you pronounce KEVA?
KEVA is pronounced KEE-vah. If you look closely on our logo, you'll see there's a thin horizontal line stretched on top of the "e" that makes it a long vowel. That's the hint that it should be pronounced like the first e in eagle. Long vowels are pronounced the way their name is said. As in, the letter E. Most of the time though, you can't see that hint in regular typing, so we don't hold it against you if you've been a "kev-ah" fan in the past.
How can you tell the difference between a maple plank and a pine plank?
Maple and pine have distinctive wood grain patterns, color, and surface durability. To determine if a plank is maple or pine, you could observe photos of pine and maple planks, and compare. You could press a fingernail into the wood; if it easily leaves a mark, it is probably pine.
Which set should I buy?
1. Quantity of Planks
- The more planks you have, the bigger the project you can make and the more multiple people can enjoy building
together. For this reason, the bare minimum we recommend is 100 planks per person. For most families, we
recommend starting with at least 400 planks so that you can build together and with friends.
- If you are an educator, looking to purchase for a classroom, library, or other group usage, the 100 plank rule still
applies. The bare minimum we recommend as a starter would be 800 planks to encourage team building.
Type of Wood
- Go for Maple if you want:
a. Highest quality
b. Most durability
c. Heirloom Quality
d. Made in USA
- Go for Pine if you want:
a. Best affordability
b. Build the same structures as with Maple planks
All products in the KEVA Planks Home collection use Maple KEVA Planks for the finest quality, beauty and function. Maple and Pine KEVA planks are the same size and both provide amazing creative construction experiences but Maple provides a few extra benefits.
Maple is commonly used for gym floors, bowling pins, and cutting boards because of its superior durability. We use Maple for the same reason. It resists dings, dents, and rounded edges. Straight, crisp edges are necessary for the best stacking experience.
Maple has very tight pores that resist fingerprints and dirt.
Maple is very dense so the planks stack with more stability and feel weighty and balanced.
The wood grain of maple is particularly beautiful, so maple is commonly used in art galleries and for works of art. Maple KEVA Planks are works of art.
Maple KEVA planks are made in the USA with the finest woodworking machinery in the world so the planks are cut with incredible precision and no sanding.
Maple costs more upfront than pine, but provides the best construction experience and the best long term value.
Maple KEVA Planks are made with heirloom quality for heirloom memories. Your children can grow up with maple KEVA planks and pass them on to their children.
How can I replace the Guide Book for my set?
There are a few options for getting a replacement Guidebook.
- If you are mostly wanting ideas, the free option is to click here.
- Our new 70+ page full color guidebook is available for purchase in our Shop.
- If you want the most durable "guide book" available, look for the Laminated Idea Cards in our store.
The laminated idea card packet contains the following:
- 4 Heavy duty laminated idea cards, includes 1 card each for Simple Projects, Advanced Projects, Structures, and
Kinetics. The heavy duty laminated idea cards are 16 pt for thickness, 2 mil lamination for durability, and rounded corners for safety (8.5" x 5.5").
- 2 Teacher Reference Cards with open-ended challenges and activities
- 4 Branded KEVA planks
- 5 Sample 3D Challenge Cards
How do I ship to an APO address?
How do I get a W-9?
Click here to download our W-9.
Email info@kevaplanks.com with any questions.
Which items are sole source?
Most of the products in the KEVA Education section are Sole Source. We have developed proprietary storage systems and educator resource materials that are copyrighted and only available from KEVA Planks Education.
Please send an email to info@KEVAplanks.com to request a Sole Source Letter.
The following items are sole source:
- Maple KEVA 1000 with Duraflex™ Storage Bin (Combo Lid/building platform optional)
- Maple KEVA 800 with DualPort™ Heavy Duty Canvas Storage Totes - 2 large bags
- Maple KEVA 800 with DualPort™ Heavy Duty Canvas Storage Totes - 4 medium bags
- Maple KEVA 800 with Plastic Storage Tubs with lids
- KEVA Mat™
- Giant KEVA Planks™
- Giant KEVA Planks - with SolidCore™Cardboard Design
Do you ship internationally?
We make international shipping easy and costs reasonable for shipping almost anywhere. Just be sure to click the round flag icon in the lower left corner of the website and set it to your country.
Our system will calculate the total landed cost of your order so it will sail through customs with all duties, taxes, VAT, GST etc paid up front. No surprises, no hassles. If you don't like the taxes or exchange rate, you'll have to take that up with your country, though.
International Returns:
We very rarely get returns but if you wish to return an item from outside of the continental US, you are responsible for return shipping costs.