Discover the Beauty of Wooden Chess Pieces

Nothing beats the tactile warmth and timeless look of wooden chess pieces. Hand-turned on the lathe, polished by artisans, and perfectly weighted, they bring every game to life with a satisfying “thunk” on the board. Whether you’re building a tournament kit or curating a display set, wood strikes the sweet spot between tradition, durability, and pure aesthetic pleasure.

Why Wood?

• Natural Feel & Balance – Dense hardwoods like boxwood, sheesham, padauk, and genuine ebony give each piece a solid center of gravity, so they glide smoothly without tipping.

• Rich Grain & Colour – No two knights share the exact same streaks or hue. From the honey tones of boxwood to the deep jet of ebony, wooden sets age gracefully and develop character over time.

• Quiet Authority – Unlike plastic or metal, wood dampens sound. The result: a calm, confident “click” that feels refined rather than clattery.

Wood Types (look, weight, vibe)

• Boxwood – light & smooth: the go-to for white pieces; fine grain, carves clean, soft touch.

• Ebonised boxwood – deep black on a budget: boxwood dyed jet-black to mimic real ebony without the price tag.

• Sheesham (golden rosewood) – honey-brown swirls: warm caramel streaks, every pawn unique, medium weight.

• Padauk – fiery red: bright orange-red that ages to burgundy; dense and eye-catching.

• True ebony – luxury “piano-black”: ultra-heavy, silky finish, reserved for heirloom sets and collectors.

Recommended Sizes (king height → square size)

• 3¼″ (≈83 mm) king → 2″ (≈50 mm) squares: compact coffee-table or casual blitz setup.

• 3¾″ (≈95 mm) king → 2¼″ (≈57 mm) squares: FIDE tournament standard—perfect blend of playability and visibility.

• 4¼″–4½″ (≈108–114 mm) king → 2½″–2¾″ (≈64–70 mm) squares: prestige display size; big pieces show off the carving.
  Quick rule: aim for the king’s base to be about 75 % of the square width—never cramped, never floating.

Craftsmanship That Counts

Our wooden chess pieces follow the world-standard Staunton silhouette—instantly recognisable and FIDE-compliant—yet every knight’s mane and rook’s crenellation is carved by hand. Triple weighting in the bases gives the king a decisive heft, and green billiard-felt pads protect both board and finish. Expect flawless polish (matte wax for tournament play or high-gloss French shellac for showpieces) that lets the grain shine.

Sizing Made Simple

Use the 75-80 % rule for a perfect fit: match a 3.75″ (95 mm) king to a 2.25″ (57 mm) square, or size up to a 4.25″ (108 mm) king on 2.5″ squares for a commanding table presence. When in doubt, check the king’s base diameter—aim for three-quarters of the square width and you’re golden.

Care in Two Easy Steps

1. Dust & Wipe – A soft, dry cloth keeps finishes pristine. For fingerprints, a barely damp wipe followed by immediate drying does the trick.

2. Store Smart – Keep pieces in a lined wooden box or pouch away from direct sunlight and high humidity. That’s it. They’ll last decades.