Stacking stones & balance boards at a glance
Questions & Answers about Stacking Stones and Balance Boards
Stacking stones are modular play and movement elements made of lightweight, durable EPP (expanded polypropylene). The round elements can be stacked, used as stepping stones, stools, or building blocks, and are suitable for free movement, balancing, and creative play. Combined with stacking stone balance boards, they offer additional possibilities for dynamic sitting and more challenging balance exercises.
The manufacturer's recommendation for stacking blocks is generally around 1 year or 12 months. At this age, children can begin to explore the blocks while sitting, crawling, and standing. As they get older, the possibilities for using them expand – from simply standing on a stacking block to more complex obstacle courses and balance games. Regardless of age, children should be accompanied and supervised while playing with stacking blocks, according to their developmental stage.
A single stacking stone weighs only around 180 g and, depending on the model, can support up to approximately 180 kg. Stacking stone balance boards are also made of EPP and are designed for high loads, but depending on the model, they can support slightly less weight than the original stacking stones. The manufacturer's specifications or the product description are definitive for the specific maximum load capacity. Thanks to their high load-bearing capacity, these elements can be used by children and many adults.
Stacking stones and balance boards are intentionally designed to be open and versatile. They are suitable for use at home, in daycare centers, schools, medical practices, and other educational institutions.
- Balancing, climbing, jumping and turning on single or multiple elements.
- Building obstacle courses, "islands" and paths that children can climb over or jump over.
- Can be used as a stool, platform or footrest – also in combination with a balance board as a dynamic seat.
- Integration into color and movement games, for example through matching, counting or associating colors with specific exercises.
Stacking stones are made of waterproof, UV-resistant EPP and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. They can be used on balconies, patios, or in gardens and can also be used as play objects in shallow water. However, it is important to note that stacking stones and balance boards are not swimming aids. In water, they serve solely as toys and should only be used in shallow areas and always under adult supervision.
Original Stapelstein products are designed for use with children and comply with all relevant European safety standards. The EPP material is free of plasticizers and problematic additives; the pieces are lightweight, have no sharp edges, and are water-, saliva-, and usually bite-resistant. For safe use, the manufacturer's instructions should be followed – for example, regarding the maximum stacking height, the recommendation to use them on a non-slip surface, and that playing in water should only be supervised.
Stacking stones and balance boards can usually be cleaned with water and a mild detergent. Harsh cleaning agents or abrasive sponges are unnecessary and can damage the material. After cleaning, the pieces should dry thoroughly, ideally in the air, before being used or stacked again. Sharp or very rough objects and surfaces should be avoided to prevent damage.
The ideal number of stacking stones depends on the available space, the children's ages, and the intended uses. For smaller rooms or initial experiences, a set of three is often sufficient for simple balance exercises and small obstacle courses. A set of six, or a 6+1 set with a balance board, offers significantly more combination possibilities and is particularly suitable for families with several children, daycare centers, schools, or medical practices.