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Appropriate Wood Types
While you can make a chess board out of virtually any kind of wood, you will want to choose two primary woods, one light, one dark, for the central 64 squares. Popular dark woods include teak, mahogany and black walnut, while maple is often a favorite for light woods. The sides and backing of the board can be made from a more readily available wood, such as ash or plywood.
Since the total depth of the wood used to make the 64 squares will not be substantial, you do not need a tremendous amount of wood. Depending on the size of the chess board, even scrap pieces of high-quality wood will suffice.
Square Sizing Process
The base size of your chess pieces will influence how large each square on your board should be. For example, if you have small chess pieces with bases that have a total diameter of 1 inch, each square should be at least 1.5 inch, so that the chess pieces will rest comfortably in each square.
Cutting and Gluing Process
The 64 squares will not be made individually, but rather by cutting and gluing the two woods end to end. If you are going to have a chess board that is 16 inches on each side (which translates to each square being 2 inches square) then you will need to find strips of wood that are slightly longer than 16 inches.
Make very straight, precise cuts, so that your edges are exactly 90 degrees. Cut a strip of dark wood 2 inches by 16 inches, then glue this to a strip of light wood 2 inches by 16 nches. The cuts can be 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch deep. Make eight of these pairings, emphasizing the straight edges of each cut. A planer or table saw will allow you to be extremely precise.
Once these pairings have dried, cut them again, so that you have alternating light/dark segments. Glue eight sets of four light/dark segments together. Allow this to set. Then glue the eight segments together to create the 64-square board. Glue the finished 64 squares to a plywood backing.
Wood Sides and Backing
Cut a piece of wood that is 20 inches square. In the center of this piece of wood, cut out a 16-inch square hole that is the depth of your 64-inch board, plus the additional depth of the plywood backing.
Glue the 64 square pieces into the hole. They should be flush with your wood backing and sides. Allow this to set. You will now have a homemade wood chess board.