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How to Build a Chess Board

A wood chess board can cost a lot of money. Why not make one yourself? All you need are some simple tools, basic skills and a little time, and you can make this simple homemade wood chess board that will become a family heirloom.

Instructions

- 1
  Cut a flat piece of wood into a square that is 18 and 3/8 inches on each side. To make a perfect cut the first time, measure each side with a ruler, and draw a line with a pencil. Then use a table or hand saw to make the cut.
- 2
  Sand down the rough edges. A belt sander will give you the smoothest finish, but coarse sandpaper can work well for those who prefer to sand by hand.
- 3
  Use your pencil and a ruler to draw a square within your wood piece that is 14 inches on each side. This will give you a 2 and 5/16 inch boarder.
- 4
  Draw in the squares of your chess board. The playing area will have 8 rows and 8 columns. Each square should be 1 and 3/4 inches on each side.
- 5
  Use dark brown or black craft stain to stain every other square into a chess board pattern.
- 6
  Finish by polishing your chess board with tung oil to keep it shiny and protected.

Chess & Checkers