This project was built and designed by Connor from Shopfix.
It’s a detailed and rewarding build that transforms raw hardwood into a stunning, playable chessboard table using purple heart, padauk, and maple.
More than just a game surface, this board is a showpiece. Connor demonstrates how careful planning, precise cuts, and thoughtful design choices result in a durable, handcrafted table that will last for years of play and display.
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Why Build Your Own Chessboard?
Creating a chessboard by hand is a chance to blend function with craftsmanship. It’s a rewarding project that doesn’t just look good—it becomes part of the games and memories you share with others.
Whether you’re a woodworking hobbyist or a chess fan, making your own board allows for complete control over wood selection, finish, and size. The result is a piece that’s not only personal but built to last.
Materials and Tools
Connor uses hardwoods like purple heart and padauk for their striking contrast and durability. Maple provides the lighter squares, creating a clean checker pattern with bold visual appeal.
The tool list includes a table saw, jointer, thickness planer, miter saw, and various clamps. These tools help ensure tight joints, consistent thickness, and a smooth finish—crucial for both appearance and playability.
Milling and Preparing the Wood
The first step involves cutting the rough lumber into manageable lengths using a miter saw. Each piece is then jointed and planed to create flat, parallel surfaces.
Connor emphasizes accuracy during this process, especially since each board will be ripped and re-glued to form the square grid. Uniform thickness is key to a balanced and symmetrical checkerboard pattern.
Cutting and Arranging the Squares
Once the boards are flattened and squared, they are ripped to a precise width—around 2.25 inches per square. These strips are then arranged in an alternating pattern to create the classic checkered layout.
This layout step is crucial, as the orientation of the grain and the color contrast directly affect the final appearance. Connor carefully arranges the pieces before gluing to make sure the pattern is centered and consistent.
Gluing the Board Together
The checker strips are glued and clamped together using light but even pressure to avoid bowing. Connor uses alignment boards along the edges to maintain a clean, square setup during the glue-up.
Once the glue dries, the panel is flattened again to remove any inconsistencies. At this stage, the board begins to take shape, revealing the alternating square layout and clean transitions between colors.
Adding a Backer for Stability
To add strength and prevent future warping, Connor attaches the glued board to a slightly smaller MDF panel. This creates a floating effect while keeping the playing surface stable and flat.
The MDF is glued and clamped without fasteners to preserve the clean look. Its smaller size ensures it doesn’t distract from the overall design while offering long-term stability.
Cutting and Adding the Border
A frame made of purple heart is cut and mitered at 45 degrees to wrap around the chessboard. Connor tests several widths before selecting a proportion that frames the board without overwhelming it.
Each border piece is glued on carefully, with particular attention paid to tight miters and clean transitions at each corner. This adds a polished look and ties the design together visually.
Sanding and Surface Preparation
Once the border is secured, the entire board is sanded thoroughly. Starting with a coarse grit and progressing to finer levels, Connor ensures a smooth, uniform surface across all woods.
Any minor gaps or imperfections are filled with matching wood filler, then sanded down to disappear into the surrounding grain. Special care is taken not to round over the crisp square edges of each square.
Applying the Finish
Connor finishes the board with Odie’s Oil, a natural hard wax that enhances the vibrant tones of each wood species. The oil is massaged into the grain and left to cure before being buffed to a soft sheen.
This finish not only brings out the deep purple and orange hues of the exotic hardwoods but also protects the surface from fingerprints, moisture, and daily wear.
Final Touches
Rubber feet are attached to the bottom to elevate the board slightly and prevent slipping during play. The entire piece is now ready to use as a game surface or display piece.
The finished board is smooth, square, and built to exacting standards. With its contrasting woods and careful construction, it stands out as both a woodworking accomplishment and a centerpiece for any game room.
Please support Connor by visiting his website: https://www.shopfix.services/.