Round Maple 2-Piece Rims — for Nantucket Basket Weaving
Authentic Maple Rims for Traditional Nantucket Lightship Basketry
Crafted from select hard maple, our Round Maple 2-Piece Rims are precision-machined for the traditional Nantucket basket weaver who demands quality materials that honor the heritage of the craft. Whether you are building a classic lightship basket from scratch or restoring a treasured piece, these two-piece rims deliver the strength, workability, and clean finish that maple is known for.
Why Maple?
Hard maple has been a preferred wood in Nantucket basket making since the craft's earliest days. Unlike softer woods, maple offers:
- Density and durability — holds its shape and resists wear over years of use
- Fine, even grain — takes stain and finish beautifully, whether you prefer a natural blonde look or a deeper rubbed finish
- Stability — minimal movement after turning and fitting, giving you reliable tension when lashed to the basket
- Workability — cuts, sands, and carves cleanly, making spoke-holes and lashing channels crisp and precise
Authentic Nantucket lightship baskets evolved from humble seafaring origins into heirloom craftsmanship, and hardwood rims remain one of the defining elements of a properly built basket [ref:Tpz7]. Our maple rims continue that tradition.
Two-Piece Rim Construction
Traditional Nantucket baskets use a two-piece rim system — an inner and outer rim that sandwich the staves and weaving, secured by lashing. This design creates the clean, finished edge that distinguishes a quality basket. Each pair is machined to fit together properly so you can focus on your weaving, not on fighting ill-matched parts.
Available Sizes
| Size | Use Case |
|---|
| 4″ Wide | Ideal for small purses, coin purses, mini-nest baskets, and jewelry baskets |
| 7″ Wide | Perfect for hand baskets, midsize totes, and tabletop baskets |
Both sizes are cut from solid maple stock with uniform thickness for even, consistent lashing.
Limited Supply
These rims are produced in very limited quantities. When they're gone, we may not restock this batch. If you are planning a project — or stocking up for the season — we recommend securing your rims now.
What's Included
- One (1) pair of Round Maple 2-Piece Rims (inner + outer rim) per order
- All pairs are pre-sized and ready to fit the corresponding basket molds
Product Specs
- Material: Select hard maple
- Style: 2-piece rim (inner and outer)
- Shape: Round
- Available Sizes: 4″ diameter and 7″ diameter
- Finish: Unfinished (ready for your preferred stain, oil, or lacquer)
- Craft: Nantucket Lightship Basket making
Recommended For
- Nantucket basket weavers of all skill levels
- Basket kits and custom builds
- Repair and restoration of existing baskets
- Weavers seeking maple rims specifically for their workability and finished appearance
Ready to weave? These Round Maple 2-Piece Rims are ready to ship. Order now while supplies last.
