DIY Chess Board from a Thrift Shop Cutting Board
I’ll admit, I don’t know how to play chess. But I’ve always liked the decorative look of old chess boards. So today, I’m going to show you how to make your own DIY chess board from a thrift shop cutting board.
It’s time for another Creative Craft Blog Hop, hosted by Chloe from Celebrate and Decorate and Andrea from Design Morsels. If you’re stopping by after a visit with Rachelle from My Hubbard Home, welcome! There are links at the bottom of this post to all of the talented bloggers that are participating this month.
Inspiration for my DIY Chess Board
I came across a full set of chess pieces at an estate sale a while back. They are wooden and in excellent shape. They also came in a cool old box. What they didn’t come with was a chess board. I snapped them up with the idea that I could make my own chess board.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Old cutting board (these are pretty easy to find at thrift shops like Goodwill)
- Secondhand chess pieces (or checkers)
- Electric sander and sand paper
- Wood stain & foam brush
- Painter’s tape
- pencil and ruler
- Exacto knife
- Black spray paint
- Spray sealer
Step 1.
Sand the cutting board to prep it for stain and paint. You just want to smooth it out a little…with all of the knife marks you’re not going for perfection. Plus, the nicks give it character!
Step 2.
Brush on a coat of wood stain. I used Varathane in Provincial.
Step 3.
Wipe off the excess stain with a cotton cloth. Let dry overnight.
Step 4.
Plan the size of your chessboard. I had a cardboard version that I used as a template, but you can go larger or smaller based on the size of your cutting board and chess pieces. Mine is a 12.5 inch square.
Step 5.
Put down painter’s tape with your dimensions.
Step 6.
Measure the squares (mine are 1.5 inches) and mark with a pencil and ruler. Try to be as exact as possible. This is the hardest part!
Step 7.
Cut out the squares with an exacto knife to create a checkerboard pattern.
Step 8.
Cover the perimeter of the cutting board with painter’s tape. Spray the exposed wooden squares with black spray paint. After the paint has dried for an hour, spray with one coat of clear sealer. I used Rustoleum spray paint and sealer.
Step 9.
Let dry for about 5 hours, remove the painter’s tape from the perimeter, then carefully peel back the squares of painted tape.
Done! It’s not perfect, but it has charm 🙂 I actually love the scratches and gouges in the wood.
The centerpiece from my Rustic Americana Patriotic Tablescape made it’s way out to the patio.
Now I need to learn how to play chess!
I hope you liked my DIY Chess Board. You’ve got one stop left on the hop! Kristin from White Arrows Home loves vintage decor, too. I can’t wait to see what she’s crafted this month!
Until next time!
Rebecca
Celebrate And Decorate | Design Morsels | My Thrift Store Addiction
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Nice, but you have the chess board in the wrong orientation. A white square is always on the lower right corner.
Beautiful chess set and an amazing board. I love the idea of using a cutting board as a chess board.
I just want to point out a small flaw in your design. When you are looking at a chess board the first square from the left always has to be black. You could of course rotate it 90 degrees while playing. Just a heads up for anyone making a chess board.
Once again, beautiful!
Thanks for your kind words, Bogdan. Another reader pointed out the same error. It shows that I’m not a chess player, lol! I’m glad there’s a work around by rotating it 90 degrees. Again, thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
Rebecca, it looks amazing!! It looks like it has been hanging around with those old chess pieces for years and years! I would never guess that you made that! Fantastic job! Thanks so much for hopping with us again!
Rebecca, this is a an awesome project. So cute for either just decoration or for really playing. Great garage sale find.
Loving this idea! I’ve been wanting to make a checkerboard for either a game of chess or checkers out of a tree stump I have in my backyard. I’ll be following your tips!
What a great idea! This is so pretty, it could stay out as part of the decor and might even encourage a little family game time that’s not on a screen. 😄 Pinning it!
I know how to play chess!! And what a great idea — it turned out really nice!
Liberty
Love this project, its so customizable! Glad to be hopping with you!
This looks so cool and you made it look easy. Have you seen a lot of chess pieces at estate sales? I will have to keep my eye open now. Thanks for sharing in the hop.
Oh I LOVE this Rebecca! You did such a great job and I love the character and patina your cutting board has. Happy to be hopping with you. ♥
What a clever repurpose, Rebecca! Your chess board looks so high end! It is a pleasure to join you–hope you’ll stop by for a visit! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
Rebecca, those chess pieces were a great find and I love how you repurposed the cutting board to go with them. Clever girl! I’ve always loved the look of chess sets and pieces but am not very good at it — partly due to a lack of patience lol! My engineer hubby and mathematically minded sons enjoy the game a lot.
Goodness, both me and my husband love this idea. You’re so clever, Rebecca! I don’t play chess well, but like the idea of having it setout, especially when it’s as attractive as yours.
hugs,
Rachelle
What a great idea! Love it and great tutorial. I’m on the hunt for a cutting board…. Thanks for sharing and lovely crafting with you!
This reminds me so much of my Dad. We played when I was a kid; he never let me win once – lol! I’ve got some orphan chess pieces too; I never did see if it was a full set; I’ll have to go check now 🙂
My son and husband loves to play checkers. I need to make a board for their game. The cloth I have is getting worn out. This is a great way to make a game board for a long time.
What a fun and unique way to learn chess by making your own board, first! How cool is that! What a great inspiration! And your board looks awesome, too!
Aren’t you clever Rebecca! This looks fabulous, what a beautiful set you’ve created! Great job!