Wanted: Solid maple/walnut chess board

I agree the shipping for a solid wood board from the US is a no-no on most boards, as the charge plus customs (import tax + customs tariff) would effectively double the cost of the board. 

The reason why you didn't get a single suggestion for European-made solid wood boards is this: there aren't any. European makers clearly favour veneer/inlaid boards - for price but also the increased risk of a solid board warping/splitting. Just a couple of days ago I read a report by a customer whose ColoradoWoodworker stacked(!) board had started warping after just one year. 

On Etsy I found a single maker from Spain who sells solid wood boards: https://www.etsy.com/de/shop/VetaMadera?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=630421687

Problem is, he doesn't seem to make very many. 

I've all but given up finding a maker for competitively priced solid wood boards from Europe myself.

So, I've pretty much resigned into buying veneer boards, as I need some more boards to fit my now 20+ sets. And they can be pretty nice, too - and affordable:

e.g. this is an inexpensive veneer inlaid board from Philos, the company that pretty much dominates the market here in Germany on cost-conscious wooden chess boards. And I actually like it very much: You don't see the combination of walnut + zebrano ebony very often, it's decently made, and it's just €45. Unfortunately it has been discontinued, so I was happy to pick up one of the remaining new ones.

Hi all,

I am looking for a high quality solid maple and walnut board with 55mm (2.25 in.) squares, preferable from a European manufacturer.

I really like the stuff from CWW and Drueke, but they based in the US and shipping will be fairly costly. Can someone recommend something else? 

Thanks in advance and have a great day

/Rikard

Chess House advertises "discounted global shipping" on its web page.

Consider the JLP chess boards sold by them. Most come in 2.25" square sizes. I purchased a folding JLP board with 2" squares and am happy with it.

Foegelben,

I have a friend that sells on Ebay.  Company name Sweet Hill Wood.  He does custom made wood boards of SUPER high quality.  The guy that makes them is AJ.  Tell him Shely sent you.  best bang for your buck.

thanks

Shelby Lohrman

American Chess Equipment

Between CWW and Sweet Hill Wood, I would choose CWW.

I own 1 of each so I have firsthand experience with both.

On what basis?  Quality/Workmanship? Price?

Mainly quality. On the issue of price, my CWW board was cheaper than my SHW board but that might be due to the type of board I chose from SHW.

Hi all,

I am looking for a high quality solid maple and walnut board with 55mm (2.25 in.) squares, preferable from a European manufacturer.

I really like the stuff from CWW and Drueke, but they based in the US and shipping will be fairly costly. Can someone recommend something else? 

Thanks in advance and have a great day

/Rikard

i can help you with this