How to create a wooden chessboard with contrasting woods

Creating a wooden chessboard with contrasting woods is a rewarding and enjoyable woodworking project that allows you to create a beautiful and functional piece. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of crafting a chessboard using two types of wood that contrast each other, giving the board its distinctive look.

Materials and Tools Needed:

Materials:

1. Two types of wood with contrasting colors, such as light maple and dark walnut or oak and cherry. You’ll need enough of each to create 64 squares (8×8 grid).
2. Wood glue
3. Sandpaper (120, 220, and 400 grit)
4. Finish (such as polyurethane, Danish oil, or a wood wax finish)
5. Veneer or plywood (optional, if you want to create a backing)
6. Clamps
7. Chessboard pattern stencil or ruler for layout

Tools:

1. Table saw or circular saw
2. Jointer (optional but helpful for smooth edges)
3. Miter saw or hand saw
4. Router (optional, for edge profiling)
5. Drill (for adding holes if you want to add a felt bottom or hanging hooks)
6. Measuring tape or ruler
7. Woodworking clamps

Step-by-Step Process:

Step 1: Plan and Measure

1. Select Your Wood: Choose two contrasting woods. Typically, one wood will be a lighter color and the other a darker color. Maple and walnut are a classic combination, but you can experiment with other hardwoods for unique looks.
2. Cut the Pieces: You need 32 pieces of each wood. Each piece should be cut into 1.5-inch wide strips, which will eventually make up the 8×8 grid. The length of each strip should be 8 inches, giving you a total of 64 squares (8 rows of 8 squares).
3. Cut the Squares: After cutting the strips, crosscut them into 1.5-inch squares. Ensure that the squares are all the same size for uniformity.

Step 2: Assemble the Squares

1. Arrange the Squares: Lay out your squares in a checkerboard pattern on a flat surface. Alternate between the two types of wood to create the classic light and dark squares. Make sure the pattern is symmetrical and all the edges align neatly.
2. Glue the Squares Together: Apply a thin layer of wood glue to the edges of each square and press them together to form rows. Use clamps to hold the pieces tightly while the glue sets. Let the glue dry for about 30 minutes to an hour.
3. Attach the Rows Together: Once the glue on the individual rows has dried, glue the rows together to form the full chessboard. Again, use clamps to keep everything aligned while the glue sets.

Step 3: Flatten and Smooth the Surface

1. Flatten the Board: Once the glue has completely dried, you may notice slight unevenness in the surface. Use a planer or jointer to smooth the surface of the chessboard. If you don’t have these tools, a hand plane will also do the job.
2. Sand the Surface: After flattening the surface, sand the entire chessboard using progressively finer grits of sandpaper, starting with 120 grit, then moving on to 220 grit, and finally finishing with 400 grit for a smooth, silky finish.

Step 4: Add a Border (Optional)

1. Cut the Border Pieces: To enhance the look of the chessboard, consider adding a contrasting wood border. Cut strips of your chosen border wood to the length and width of the sides of the board. The border should be about 2-3 inches wide.
2. Glue the Border: Apply wood glue along the edges of the chessboard and attach the border strips. Use clamps to hold them in place while the glue dries. This step adds dimension and a professional touch to the project.

Step 5: Apply Finish

1. Choose a Finish: To protect your chessboard and enhance the wood’s natural colors, apply a finish. You can use polyurethane for a durable and glossy finish, Danish oil for a more natural look, or wax for a softer sheen.
2. Apply the Finish: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your chosen finish. Typically, you’ll want to apply 2-3 coats of finish, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
3. Buff the Surface: After the final coat has dried, lightly sand the surface with 400 grit sandpaper and then buff it to a smooth and glossy finish. This ensures the board has a professional look and feel.

Step 6: Install a Backing (Optional)

1. Cut the Backing: If you want a more finished look or need to prevent the chessboard from warping, you can attach a plywood or veneer backing. Cut the backing to the size of the chessboard and attach it using wood glue.
2. Add Felt or Hooks: To protect the surface underneath, you can glue a layer of felt to the back. If you’d like, you can also add small hooks to the back so the board can be hung on the wall when not in use.

Step 7: Final Touches

1. Final Inspection: Once the finish is dry and any optional features are added, take a moment to inspect your chessboard. Check for any uneven areas or imperfections that may need sanding or additional finishing.
2. Enjoy Your Chessboard: Your contrasting wooden chessboard is now ready for use! Whether you keep it for yourself or give it as a gift, it’s sure to be a beautiful and functional piece.

Conclusion

Creating a chessboard with contrasting woods requires patience, attention to detail, and the right materials, but the results are worth the effort. Not only will you have a stunning chessboard to use for years, but the process of crafting it is a great way to improve your woodworking skills. The contrasting colors of the wood enhance the aesthetics, and the process itself gives you a sense of accomplishment. Take pride in your craftsmanship, and enjoy your new wooden chessboard!

For a step-by-step woodworking guide, check out Ted’s Woodworking course: Ted’s Woodworking Course.