A wooden chess board is typically made by cutting thin strips of wood, called veneers, and glueing them together to form a larger piece. This process is known as lamination. The lamination process is used to make the chessboard because it allows for a stable and durable surface that won't warp over time, and it also allows to use of different types of wood that might not be suitable for a solid board.

The veneers used for the chessboard typically have a uniform thickness, usually around 1/8 inch, and they are selected to match in colour and grain patterns. The veneers are then glued together with a strong adhesive, such as waterproof glue. After the glue has dried, the board is cut to the desired size and the edges are trimmed and sanded smooth.

The next step is to cut out the squares of the chessboard. The most common method is to use a table saw to make precise cuts, however some craftsman use a hand saw, or chisels. The size of the squares depends on the size of the chess pieces and the preferences of the maker.

After the squares are cut, the chessboard is sanded again to remove any roughness and smooth out the surface. A final finishing process is then applied to protect the wood and bring out its natural beauty. This can include staining, oiling or varnishing the board.

The end result is a beautiful and functional chess board that is ready to be used for chess games and enjoyed by chess enthusiasts.

There are many different types of chess boards available for sale, catering to a wide range of preferences and budgets. Some of the most common types include:

• Wooden chess boards: These are the most traditional type of chess board and are often made from high-quality woods such as maple, rosewood, and ebony. They can be purchased as solid wooden boards or as laminated boards made from multiple layers of wood veneers.

• Plastic chess boards: These are a popular choice for casual players because they are inexpensive and durable. They are also lightweight, making them easy to transport. Plastic chess boards come in a variety of colours and designs.

• Glass chess boards: These boards are made of tempered glass, which makes them extremely durable and easy to clean. They are often sold with plastic chess pieces and are good options for people looking for a nice and clean look.

• Electronic chess boards: These are boards that have a built-in computer that can be used for playing against an AI or other human opponents. Some models also have the ability to save and replay games and have different levels of difficulty.

• Themed chess boards: These chess boards have a specific theme or artwork on the board and some pieces are also customized to match the theme. They can be a very nice option for collectors or for people looking for a unique chess set.

These are just a few examples of the many types of chess boards that are available for sale. You can find them in different sizes, materials, colours, designs, and price points, so you can easily find one that fits your needs and preferences.

Every chess set needs a chess board. When you buy a full set you get both a chess board and pieces, but sometimes, you might not want to buy a full set to play the classic game. If you already have your chess pieces, you might only need to buy a chess board. That is why Official Staunton has a range of just chess boards to shop from. Browse our collection of chess boards in a range of styles, sizes, and materials. Choose the board you like that matches your playing style and existing pieces. Or chat with our experts to discover the best chess board for you.

Chess Boards

Chess boards come in many sizes, colours, styles, and materials. It can make finding the right chess board to match your piece or your style difficult.

 

Guide To Buying the Right Chess Board

When you are looking to buy a new wooden chess board, whether it is to replace an old one or to complement your custom set, you should start by considering how you will use the board. 

Is it for travel? Is it decorative? Or will you use your chessboard for tournaments and club events?

Once you know the answer to these questions, you can start to narrow down the options available to you when looking for a new chessboard.

Types Of Chess Boards

The next step is to consider the different types of chess boards and which will be more suitable for you.

Decorative chess boards are often modern collectables and can vary in size and be for outdoor décor as well. 

Practical chess boards are designed for everyday use and are usually of better quality so that they can endure usage on a daily basis. 

Thematic chess boards are often more for fun and are a collector’s item displaying various themes such as war, history, etc.

 

Standard Chess Board 

You might want to look at the very practical, magnetic chess board. These boards are usually available in different sized sets of three or four variables. The boards are typically made of wood. You can use this magnetic material to hold the pieces of the game while you play. 

Or you might want to invest in a luxury chess board that will stand the test of time and be something special. At Official Staunton, our luxury chess boards are manufactured in Italy by Master Craftsmen. We are the exclusive UK distributor for the renowned Italian chess boards manufacturer Giglio Asla. We are proud to offer these superbly crafted chessboards that are simply beautifully made and make a fantastic centrepiece and the perfect platform to display your chess set. 

 

How Much Is A Chess Board?

You should consider the quality and cost of the material when shopping for chess boards. Some materials will be more expensive than others and some brands will be more expensive due to the quality of the craftsmanship.

If you want an every-day chess board to replace an old board from a set, you might want a less expensive option so that you aren’t worried about using it. But if you want a decorative board that will have pride of place in your home office then you might want to choose a more expensive chessboard made from high quality material.

 

What Is A Standard Chess Board?

When choosing a chess board, you need to consider whether you will be using it privately or during tournaments. 

A standard chess board has 64 squares and features a grid reference that enables the chess game moves to be recorded. Chess boards can be made and used in a range of styles and sizes. However, a regulation tournament chess board should be 19 inches. This size and standard is also the preference of Chess Clubs and Scholastic events

A Chess Board To Match Your Pieces

Anyone looking to buy a chessboard will likely understand just how difficult it is to find the perfect size for their pieces since chessboard square sizes fluctuate considerably. But size really does matter when it comes to chess.

The general rule of matching your chess board with your pieces is that the pieces remain smaller than the squares of the chessboard. Your pieces should never overlap over the squares of the chessboard. Read our full article on choosing the right size chess board to match your pieces for more information. 

The most popular chess board is the wooden chessboard. It comes in a variety of wood types and finishes. A wood board is a great place to begin. Our wooden chess boards are mostly made in Spain, India and Poland. You can view all the wooden chess boards on our page. If you aren't sure which one you want, we can help you find the right one.

We offer a range of high-quality hardwood chess boards. This heirloom-quality gift is a great choice if you are looking for a unique gift idea.

Need a Storage chessboard?  just one of the many products that we have in stock. A storage board is a great option for protecting your pieces from dust and pets, whether you have a set or are looking to purchase new pieces. You will only need to ensure that the slots on the storage board are big enough for the pieces you choose.

A wall-hanging demo chess board will be a great tool for teachers and coaches. These "demo" boards can be made of vinyl and rolled up in the same way as club boards. The demo board can be easily transported to other classrooms.

Natural wood chessboards are handcrafted by skilled craftsmen for our customers. Each board is carefully selected by the craftsman and has a unique appearance thanks to the contours of the natural edge that surround a slightly elevated playing field.

 

‎How To Set Up A Chess Board 

Once you have your chess board and pieces, you will need to know how to set up your pieces on the right places on the board

1. White on the Right
   Start with the white squares on the bottom right of the board
2. Get Your Pawns In A Row
   Set out your pawns next to each other on the second row
3. Castle Barricades Up
   Set your castles (or rooks) in either corner of the first row
4. Knights In The Castle
   Set your knights next to either castle on the first row
5. Stinking Bishops
   Set your bishops next to your knights on the first row
6. Match The Queen’s Outfit
   Set your queen on the square of the same colour as her next to the bishop
7. King Follows Suit
   Set you king in the last square on the first row
8. Whites Move First
   The white suit pieces move first to start play

For information about how to set up a chessboard correctly, read our guide on setting up a chessboard.