Post Your Chess Boards

In another thread, Goodknightmike asked me to post some pictures of my chess boards. I thought it made more sense to start a new thread so that others could show us their boards as well. Sorry for the family album, Mike, but you asked for it!

As with most of us, I have a number of chess boards; most of which are pretty standard fare . So I'm only posting pictures of my custom, solid wood boards.

Here's a profile shot of all four boards (2.5", 2.375", 2.125" & 2.0"). They may look pretty boring, sans frames, but this enables me to use a larger size board in venues where space is limited. Plus, it makes it easier and cheaper to transport, as I can use smaller, less expensive board bags.

The 2.125" (bloodwood & maple) on the 2.5" (padauk & ash)

Close up of the 2.5" (padauk & ash)

Close up of the 2.125" (bloodwood & maple)

The 2.0" (bloodwood & ash) on the 2.375" (bubinga & maple)

Close up of the 2.375" (bubinga & maple)

Close up with New American chess pieces (newly waxed)

Close up of the 2.0" (bloodwood & ash)

All that's missing is a custom 2.25" board. As I already have a number of inlaid, laminated, vinyl, silicone and mouse pad boards in this size; and only two sets to play on them (I've sold off and gave away a number of sets on the past year), it hasn't been a high priority. Strangely enough, I recently purchased two sets with the intention of using with a 2.25" board, only to find they fit much better on a larger board.

As an aside, you may have noticed that all the boards above have the grain structure running in the same direction, either horizontal or verticle, never mixed. Mixing directions may seem 'artistic', but it makes it difficult to  sand, because no matter what you do (unless you're sanding one square at a time) you're sanding against some grain.

Lou.. those are all nice looking Boards.! Whom made them for you..?

In the first picture where all the boards are stacked, the bottom board (2.5") and the top two (2.125" and 2.0") were from Bill's WoodPile on Etsy. The 2.375" board, second from the bottom was from Brad at the BnVShop, also on Etsy.

Thanks Lou - very interesting!

Thanks Lou.! I will have to check the site out.

Nice boards Lou and thanks for starting this forum.  Here's some pics of one of my favorite boards I purchased around 15 years ago. Unfortunately, I don't remember its maker.  The 2 1/4" squares are made of,  if memory serves me, walnut and tiger maple. The border is maple burl.  A delimeter of ebony separates the squares from its boarder. I've also added a few pics of my 1970 Dubrovnik Club set with the board.

Wow, all the boards with sets pictured match and look very, very nice.

GKM, that board is a beauty! That burl frame really sets makes it. Looks great with your Dubrovnik set.

Thanks Lou!

Looks great Mike!

Is it bare wood on the bottom of this board, or it have some green wax resin ?

did you buy new ?

Stunningly gorgeous boards, Lou! Thanks for posting!!

Awesome board and set-up, Mike!

Thanks

Here's another inlaid board from my collection. The board features maple and cherry 2 .5" squares. The board is shown with ChessBazaar's 4.4" Abaco Barb ebony and boxwood set and a circa 1930s Koopman clock.

That board looks even better with those chess pieces IMO.

Very nice!

Thanks Frank, I think its the cherry wood which contrasts nicely with the pieces