Selecting the right wood species for chess boards is crucial. Choosing the right wood for your board from the wide variety available might be a daunting task. Here are some points to think about while selecting the wood for your chess board.
Ebony
Black in color, ebony is an extremely thick wood. It's also rather pricey. Chess pieces are traditionally crafted from this wood. Its tonal properties also make it a favorite among musicians.
Chess pieces are traditionally crafted from Diospyros melanoxylon, a tree native to Africa. Tendu, Marblewood, and East Indian Ebony are some of the other names for this tree.
Occasionally, ebony will be an even darker black than normal. Sometimes the grain has dark brown streaks. This prevents you from easily shaping and polishing the material.
The deep, lustrous finish of ebony is well-known. It ranks high on the list of the toughest woods available. Because of this, it's ideal for carving. It's also quite long-lasting.
Musical instruments like violins and piano keys are also made from ebony. Because of its sophistication, it is highly sought after by collectors. It is also utilized in the creation of premium guitars.
Boxwood
Boxwood is the strongest and most long-lasting of the woods used to make chess boards. It is perfect for turning and carving because to its fine grain and homogeneous texture. The material's resistance to rot and insects is another selling point.
Stains, lacquers, and even ebonizing can be applied to boxwood. It has long been the material of choice for crafting white chess pieces. The reverse, which is black, is equally usable. Ebonized boxwood is boxwood that has been stained to resemble ebony.
Chess boards can be crafted from boxwood as well. It is a common component in high-end chess sets. In addition, chess sets of the highest quality are often crafted from rosewood. A deluxe chess set would most likely be made of rosewood, a dark and luxurious wood. Guitar fingerboards are also commonly crafted from this material.
Gold-Plated Rosewood
Several different kinds of wood have been used to craft chess sets throughout the years. The most appealing and long-lasting materials were used for this project. Luxury chess sets, for instance, are often crafted from rosewood. It's also what gets utilized to make a chessboard's white squares.
Rosewood is a high-quality dark wood with a smooth texture and excellent polishing properties. Guitar fingerboards are also typically made from this material.
Ebony, maple, and walnut are also often used in the manufacture of chess sets. They are all unique in their own ways. Ebony is a dense ebony wood that lasts a long time. Insects can't harm it either.
The color of maple is quite pale, nearly white. It's a tough wood that can be shaped by both hands and machines. It is also resistant to rot and wear and tear. It is widely used in the furniture industry and in the curing of meats. Walnut is an extremely strong and long-lasting wood with a dark red hue.
Sandalwood, Red
Red Sandalwood chess sets are highly prized and considered among of the finest available. The rarity of the wood used in these sets contributes significantly to their exorbitant asking price.
The fabaceae family includes the trees from which red sandalwood comes. It shimmers and glows with deep, crimson tones. It has medicinal uses and is also a stunning wood species.
The pieces of a chess set are often crafted from exotic woods. Rosewood, ebony, and sheesham are just a few examples of the timbers available. Woods like mahogany, boxwood, and ivory are a few more.
Ebony is a dense and dark wood that is also quite weighty. It's a key component in creating stringed instruments like violins. Ebony is not only utilized for chess pieces, but also for violin and guitar fingerboards.
Sheesham
Several different kinds of wood are used for chess boards. Sheesham wood is one of these and is also called Golden Rosewood. This wood is cheap compared to others. Each grain is compact and visually appealing. It's commonly used for crafting chess tables.
The dark wood ebony is also quite lovely. There's a white line running through the grain of the dark brown wood. This timber lasts for a very long time. Insects can't harm it either. It may be found in high-end chess sets. Ebony, sometimes known as "Black wood," is a popular material for making musical instruments.
Boxwood is another popular choice for chess boards. It is decay-resistant and has a tight grain. Chess sets are commonly made out of boxwood that has been red-stained for aesthetic purposes. The board may be painted by hand or with spray paint.
