This project was built and designed by Mark from Gunflint Designs. It’s a beautifully executed end-grain chess board using black walnut and ash, created as a gift and built with precision, patience, and care.
With its striking contrast and long-lasting surface, this board is as functional as it is visually appealing. Mark’s step-by-step approach highlights how thoughtful woodworking can turn leftover materials into a gift-worthy, heirloom-quality piece.
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Getting Started with the Build
This project was sparked by a friend’s request to make a chess board as a gift for his father. Though Mark didn’t record the first build, leftover materials gave him the chance to recreate the process and share it with viewers.
The board begins with preparing black walnut and ash strips, which are crosscut and arranged in alternating patterns. The pieces are carefully aligned to form the signature checkerboard layout, using end grain facing up for a durable and unique surface.
Gluing and Shaping the Board
After arranging the blocks into the desired pattern, Mark glues them into a panel using plenty of clamping pressure to keep the alignment tight. Straight edges and square corners help avoid gaps and make the layout cleaner.
Once the glue is dry, the entire board is flattened and squared off. This step is critical, especially with end-grain surfaces, which can be prone to unevenness if not milled properly.
Building the Frame
The border frame is made from black walnut to complement the chess squares while adding structure and visual depth. Mark mills the frame stock using a jointer and planer to ensure a smooth, even thickness.
He then cuts the pieces to about three inches wide, trimming the ends square and to length. Biscuit joinery is used to reinforce the corners, providing strength and long-term stability without overly complicating the build.
Assembling the Board and Frame
Because Mark doesn’t have clamps long enough for a four-sided frame wrap, he lays the frame flat and glues the sides in place in a single clamping session. After the glue sets, he sands the full assembly to eliminate dried glue and blend the frame and board into one seamless surface.
The sanding process is especially important at this stage, not just for looks, but to ensure the lacquer finish adheres evenly.
Cutting the Recess for a Flush Fit
To nest the chess board inside the frame, Mark uses a half-inch rabbeting bit to carve a groove into the frame. This allows the board to drop in cleanly and sit flush with the surface.
The same bit is then used to trim the edges of the chess board so both pieces fit together precisely. Any rounded corners from the router are carefully squared off by hand to match the clean edges of the frame opening.
Fine Sanding and Detailing
Mark sands the board up to a high grit to get a perfectly smooth surface. This is especially important for end-grain projects, where rough fibers can leave an uneven texture.
The smoother the surface, the better the final finish will look and feel. It also adds to the tactile quality of the piece—important for a game board that will be touched and used frequently.
Branding for a Personal Touch
Before applying finish, Mark uses a heated branding iron to mark the underside of the board and the bottom of the frame. This signature touch gives the piece identity and marks it as handmade, something that elevates it beyond a standard store-bought item.
Applying Oil and Lacquer
To bring out the rich tones of the walnut and ash, Mark applies tung oil first. This enhances the grain and color while penetrating deep into the end grain for lasting protection.
After the oil dries, a high-gloss lacquer is applied in multiple coats, with light sanding between each pass. The lacquer levels out small imperfections and adds a sleek, professional finish that highlights the contrast between the two wood species.
Final Assembly and Functionality
The chess board is glued into the frame using an elastic adhesive. This allows for minor wood movement without cracking, an important step when working with large wood surfaces that may expand or contract with humidity.
Self-adhesive felt feet are added to the bottom of the frame to protect tabletops and prevent scratching. These small details make the board easier to use and keep it looking good over time.
Choosing the Chess Pieces
To complete the set, Mark chooses glass chess pieces that pop visually against the wood grain. The clear and frosted glass contrasts nicely with the dark walnut and light ash, giving the whole setup a contemporary yet classic look.
This thoughtful pairing of wood and glass shows how material choices can elevate the finished piece and give it a distinctive personality.
A Gift with Lasting Value
This chess board is more than just a woodworking project—it’s a meaningful gift and a showcase of skill. Built from carefully selected materials and finished to a high standard, it’s a game board that will be treasured for years.
Mark’s attention to joinery, fit, and finish shows how woodworking can be both personal and precise. Whether you’re making one for yourself or someone else, this project offers a rewarding build experience and a result worth showing off.
You can see all of Mark’s plans here: https://www.gunflintdesigns.com/project-plans.