Handmade chess boards?
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charmingtruly
Mar 24, 2026
0
#1
I’m considering purchasing a handmade board. Aside from a couple sellers on Etsy whose work looks very nice, I’ve not seen many options that stand out. If anyone has recommendations on particular sellers, types of wood that look best, etc., I will certainly appreciate it.
There are several good makers on Etsy, America makes good chessboards just not the pieces usually. These were some the ones I have saved, there's really a lot more. I have only bought one from the ColoradoWoodWorker and it was good one, made out of solid wood. I have also got several Spanish wood veneer boards from House of Staunton. These are really good but you have make sure and get the ones made by Rechapados Ferrer. That site I believe sells ones made from china too so can be hard to tell.
ColoradoWoodWorker
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ColoradoWoodWorker
FallingLeafChess
https://www.etsy.com/shop/FallingLeafChess
JimAndsonWoods
https://www.etsy.com/shop/JimAndsonWoods
ChessnBoards
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChessnBoards
he has some stock from India boards and pieces
Not sure where you are located, but if you have local fairs, you may encounter people that make chessboards.
I am in WA and a few years ago I noticed the stand of an OR wood worker who made really nice boards. I got his business card at the time, but I don't remember where it is. They had traveled to WA for a yearly fair in Bellevue downtown. I don't remember them being on Etsy, so it might also help to search online and see what sellers you can uncover that way.
Anyway, if you have such fairs, check them out. You might find a local contact and it's always nicer to shop in person than online.
Mar 28, 2026
0
#5
charmingtruly wrote:
I’m considering purchasing a handmade board. Aside from a couple sellers on Etsy whose work looks very nice, I’ve not seen many options that stand out. If anyone has recommendations on particular sellers, types of wood that look best, etc., I will certainly appreciate it.
Check out the JLP boards at Chess House and let us know what you think.
Mar 28, 2026
0
#6
As my friends here know, I’m a big fan of Colorado Woodworker (Brad Borkowski). He’ll give you a square deal on a custom board.
FallingLeafChess (Tim Offenstein) is another - he made me a gorgeous custom box for a special set, but check out his boards - also on ETSY.
Be aware that solid wood boards need a little extra care (as do wood chess pieces!). Store boards vertically to avoid warping. Veneer boards like those from Rechapados don’t have this problem.