This DIY checkerboard was created by Wes from Woodworking With Wes, and it’s perfect for a weekend project. With just a few tools and materials, Wes guides you through making a beautiful checkerboard that your family will enjoy for years to come.
Materials and Tools Needed
- Maple wood
- Black walnut wood
- Wood glue
- Table saw
- Benchtop planer
- Sanding tools
- Clamps
- Finish (Deft rattle can finish)
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Wes starts by visiting his local hardwood supplier to find the whitest maple and the darkest black walnut available. These woods will create a stunning contrast for the checkerboard.
Step 2: Rip the Wood
Using a table saw, Wes rips all of his stock to 2 and 1/4 inches wide, preparing for the glue-up. He explains that checkerboards are made up of eight strips wide, alternating dark and light pieces.
Step 3: Glue the Pieces Together
Since Wes’s planer is only 12 inches wide, he glues up two pieces together to create the required width. After applying plenty of glue, he ensures the strips are clamped tightly to avoid any gaps.
Step 4: Planing the Wood
After the glue dries, Wes takes the glued pieces and runs them through the planer to achieve a uniform thickness of just over 3/4 inch. He marks both sides with a pencil to ensure a clean plane on both sides.
Step 5: Cut and Arrange for Checkerboard Pattern
Once the pieces are planed, Wes cuts them into 2 and 1/4 inch squares to form the checkerboard pattern. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining the dark-light arrangement during this process.
Step 6: Final Glue-Up
With all pieces cut, Wes glues them together again to form the final checkerboard layout. He uses clamps to ensure everything stays square and aligned.
Step 7: Sanding
After the glue has dried, Wes begins sanding the checkerboard to achieve a smooth finish. He uses a palm sander for this task, taking his time to ensure every surface is even.
Step 8: Adding a Border
Next, Wes creates a border for the checkerboard by gluing on a decorative edge banding. He uses scrap pieces of wood to form this border, giving the checkerboard a polished look.
Step 9: Finishing Touches
For the final touch, Wes applies a rattle can finish to enhance the colors of the wood. He sprays a sealer coat, followed by a final coat to protect the board and bring out the contrast between the walnut and maple.
Conclusion
This DIY checkerboard project is not only a great way to practice woodworking skills, but it also results in a beautiful game that can be enjoyed by family and friends. Wes encourages viewers to take on this project, emphasizing the fun and satisfaction that comes from creating something with your own hands.