Ever wondered what your chess set is really made of besides pride, patience, and a touch of rivalry? Short answer: chess sets are made from wood, plastic, stone, metal, and even glass, depending on their purpose. From handcrafted masterpieces to tournament workhorses, every material tells a story. Whether you dream of owning a Luxury Chess Set or just want to know why your club set feels so different, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.
When it comes to how chess sets are made, wood remains the gold standard. There’s something about its warmth and texture that plastic can’t match.
Sheesham wood, often called Golden Rosewood, is one of the most common choices. It’s rich in colour, durable, and looks even better with age. Acacia wood has a deeper tone and tougher grain, giving the pieces a solid, balanced feel. Then there’s Ebonised Boxwood, a clever alternative to ebony that gives you that classic black-and-white contrast without the eye-watering price tag.
You’ll find these woods used in many tournament chess sets and home collections because they combine durability with old-school charm.
If you’ve ever held a Genuine Ebony chess set, you’ll understand why professionals love it. The weight, the polish, the way it feels between your fingers, it’s like driving a luxury car compared to a hatchback.
Bud Rosewood is another favourite for collectors, famous for its deep red and purple tones that shimmer under light. Sandalwood, with its soft texture and natural fragrance, takes craftsmanship to a sensory level. These materials are common in high-end or ivory-style chess sets, where artistry meets heirloom quality.
Each move with these pieces feels like a performance, not just a play.
If chess had a “default” material, it would be Boxwood. Nearly every traditional set uses it for the lighter pieces.
Boxwood’s fine grain and creamy tone make it perfect for carving knights and queens with fine detail. It pairs beautifully with darker materials like ebony or rosewood, creating that timeless contrast seen in professional chess sets.
Simply put, Boxwood is the backbone of chess craftsmanship, used everywhere from family heirlooms to FIDE-approved boards.
Walk into any school tournament or local chess club and you’ll see them, those trusty plastic chess sets that have seen thousands of games. They may not look fancy, but they’re almost indestructible.
Plastic sets are easy to produce, lightweight, and perfect for travel. You can drop one, spill coffee on it, even stuff it in a backpack, it’ll survive. That’s why they’re the go-to choice for tournament organisers and training programs around the world.
And the best part? Modern moulding techniques mean even budget sets can mimic the shape and balance of expensive wooden ones.
The difference between a cheap plastic set and a good one comes down to weighting. Ever moved a piece that felt flimsy or hollow? That’s a set without internal weights.
High-quality sets have steel or lead slugs inside each piece. It’s a small touch, but it changes everything the stability, the sound, the feel. Most pros prefer triple-weighted plastic sets because they’re sturdy, balanced, and great for fast-paced tournament play.
So yes, even plastic can feel premium when built right.
If you’ve ever walked into a grand study or hotel lobby and spotted a chess set that looks like it belongs in a museum, it was probably made of stone.
Marble, alabaster, and onyx chess sets are sculpted masterpieces, each piece hand-carved by artisans who treat the game like fine art. They’re heavy, cold to the touch, and absolutely stunning under light.
But while they look incredible, these sets are often more about display than play. Try blitz chess on marble and you’ll understand why.
Metal chess sets feel like something out of a king’s armoury. Brass, pewter, and bronze are the classic choices, each lending a satisfying weight and shine. Some modern makers use aluminium for a sleeker, lighter touch.
They often come in themed designs, think ancient warriors, historical battles, or minimalist geometric shapes. Every move feels deliberate, almost cinematic. It’s chess with a touch of drama.
Few things catch the eye like a glass or crystal chess set. They shimmer under light, turning a simple board into a centrepiece.
You’ll often find them as gifts or decorative sets in luxury homes. However, while they’re gorgeous, they’re fragile. One wrong move and your bishop becomes modern art.
Glass chess sets are made for admiration, not competition.
If you’re curious about what type of wood is used for chess boards, the classics still reign supreme: walnut, maple, and mahogany.
A solid walnut chess board offers deep tones and durability that feel timeless. But veneered boards, made by layering thin slices of fine wood over a sturdy base, look just as elegant for a fraction of the price.
Wondering how to tell a good quality chess board? Lift it. A solid, balanced feel, tight inlays, and smooth finishing are all hallmarks of craftsmanship.
For those always on the go, vinyl and silicone chess boards are unbeatable. They roll up, wipe clean, and survive everything from travel to spilled coffee.
These boards are what you’ll find in tournament play and club practice sessions. They might lack the charm of wood, but when convenience counts, nothing beats them.
That satisfying “thunk” when you move a piece on the board isn’t magic, it’s metal.
Most quality chess pieces are weighted with lead or steel slugs, hidden inside the base. It’s what gives them that sturdy, confident feel. The base is usually covered with green felt to protect the board and allow smooth movement.
Weighted chess pieces feel premium because they are. Once you’ve played with them, there’s no going back.
Professionals typically use Ebony for black pieces and Boxwood for white. The contrast is crisp, the weight is perfect, and both woods are built to last through years of tournament play.
“Ebonised” simply means Boxwood that’s been stained or lacquered black to resemble real ebony. It’s more affordable but still looks classy and elegant, perfect for players who want the look of an Ebony Chess Set without the price tag.
Not really. They’re stunning but heavy, slippery, and easy to chip. They belong on display tables, not in blitz tournaments.
If you’re asking what chess sets are used in tournaments, stick to wood or high-quality plastic. They’re practical, balanced, and built for serious play.
Final Move
From the rich tones of a walnut chess set to the cool gleam of marble or the practicality of plastic, every material offers something different. Some are built for endurance, others for admiration.
A good chess set isn’t just about what it’s made of, it’s about how it feels when you play. Whether you’re strategising over plastic pawns or admiring handcrafted ebony kings, the material tells a story. And that’s the beauty of the game.
Ever noticed how someone instantly looks smarter the moment they touch a chess piece? Short answer: yes, playing chess is classy, it’s a blend of intellect, patience, and timeless elegance. From royal courts to Luxury Chess Sets on modern desks,...
Ever stared at your Luxury Chess Set and wondered, “Am I actually good at this, or just lucky on a good day?”Short answer: you’re good if you can spot patterns, plan ahead, and stay calm under pressure. But true skill...
Wondering if your little genius is ready to master the board? The best age to start chess is between 4 and 7, when curiosity meets focus. From boosting logic to building patience, this guide reveals how early play and even...
Ever felt your brain melting mid-match? That’s where No Stress in Chess comes in, it’s the cool-headed approach to one of the most mentally demanding games on earth. The short answer: it’s about playing with clarity, not chaos. Whether you’re...
Ever wondered if there’s a secret move that guarantees victory? The short answer: there isn’t just one trick to win chess, it’s about controlling the board, thinking ahead, and staying calm under pressure. Whether you’re practising how to win chess...
