I've been looking for hours and I just can't find a board like this for cheap. 2.5 inch squares is standard tournament size so you wouldn't think it would be hard. You can get cutting boards this book for less than $100, but apparently not chess boards. My chess set has a 4.4 inch king so a full size board would match it.
A Non-Folding Wooden Chessboard with 2.5"/6.35cm Squares
AustriaBargain on 11/09/2025 - 00:25
Comments
Yes walnut will be good. Are you offering to make me one JV?
I tried making one similar to this using basic power tools.
It is extremely difficult to get it perfect if you don't have all the good quality accurate equipment that he has (table saw, thicknesser etc)
Mine ended up looking very rustic (but not without some charm)
I initially read this as cheeseboard.
I'd consider a cheeseboard and just sharpie the squares on it. These boards with guaranteed 2.5 inch squares are like $300.
A chess board like this is a once-a-lifetime purchase so if you love your chess as much as I do, consider getting one made, or buy one that’s been made. This is an item worth spending money on.
A friend of mine used to make them at Men in Sheds. I can’t guarantee success but check out a word-working show or exhibition.
One bought in a store is likely to be one with a veneer; My board for my fancy Staunton set has that and it has worn a little.
Good luck. A beautiful set needs a beautiful board.
Following 👀
Curious to know what board you purchase.
Yes, me too; I suspect a ploy to make me buy even more sets and boards! ha ha ha
Might put it off for a little while, unless I can find one cheap enough. I wouldn't want to spend $150 on a subpar board and then just want a nicer one for $300 later anyway.
Definitely don't purchase an inferior board, but put the money aside and keep actively looking.
Back in the late 1990s, I finally found my beautiful wooden set by accident after years of looking. I've never seen a set I like more since - it's a save from the burning house item (after family is safe). I mention this because, a chess set and board you love is one on the things truly worth having.
It's also why we save so much money on other things on OzB so we have the money to spend on things like this!
Good hunting. Post a picture when you find the right board.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3EVqOPJ0UM
You're welcome…