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Bud rosewood runs red where most board timbers run brown or near black, and this is that timber at the size most club players end up settling on. The board is 53.34cm across with 55mm squares, so eight of them make a playing grid 44cm wide and leave roughly 4.6cm of timber around the outside of the play. Nothing about it is scaled down.
The dark squares are bud rosewood (Dalbergia oliveri), a deep red brown that the trade sells as blood red, against maple (Acer oblongum) on the light squares. The red side keeps open figure that stays visible right across a 55mm square instead of flattening into a single dark tone, so the chequer carries warmth rather than pure contrast. The underside is felted in green velvet.
At 22mm in section and 5,600g the board sits firmly on a table and stays there through a fast finish. Fifty five millimetre squares are matched here to a king base of 40mm to 45mm, which is standard club and tournament sizing rather than luxury sizing. Other sizes and other timbers run across our chess boards collection.
This timber already runs at other sizes on the site, so the useful question is which footprint and which square size you want it in. The 58.4cm bud rosewood and maple board is the large one, on 60mm squares, and it wants a tall luxury set to fill it. The 48cm bud rosewood and maple board on 50mm squares is the compact one at 50mm squares and a shorter reach across the table. This board lands between them on 55mm squares, which is the size most weighted club and tournament sets are drawn for, and it is the pairing that asks the least of your existing chessmen.
Within this footprint, timber is what separates the choices. A 53cm board in near black ebony against maple gives the hardest contrast wood can manage and reads a position instantly from across a room, which is exactly why tournament equipment tends that way. Sheesham at the same size goes golden brown and gentle. Bud rosewood sits between the two: darker and more emphatic than sheesham, warmer and far more figured than ebony, and red where those two are brown and black.
Against a board that arrives underneath a set of chessmen, the case is straightforward. A bundled board is cut to a package and to a price, and it is usually the first part of that purchase an owner replaces. A board bought on its own is chosen for its timber, its square size and its section, and it stays in service while the set standing on it changes over the years.
The measurement that decides the fit is the diameter of the king's base, not the height of the king. Height is what you notice across a room. Base width is what has to share a square with its neighbours, and two sets standing at exactly the same height routinely differ by eight or ten millimetres at the foot. This board is cut for a king base of 40mm to 45mm.
The arithmetic behind that window is worth doing rather than taking on trust. A base covering about three quarters of its square leaves a clean margin of timber all round, and three quarters of 55mm is roughly 41mm, which is where the range starts. At 45mm the back rank fills generously and only a few millimetres of timber show between neighbouring feet, which is entirely playable and simply a fuller look. Below 40mm a full army starts to look adrift on 44cm of playing grid, particularly once material has come off.
Weighted club and tournament patterns are the natural pairing rather than the tall luxury ones. The Fierce Knight Staunton at 103mm stands on a 45mm base and is drawn for 55mm squares, sitting at the top of the window with the board handsomely filled. A set cut for 60mm squares will usually foot at 48mm or more and will crowd this back rank, so read the base figure on the set before pairing rather than going by the king height.
Dalbergia oliveri is a red timber rather than a brown one, which is uncommon on a chess board. Its colour runs from deep brick red through to a red brown depending on how the piece was cut, and it carries open figure that clouds and runs inside a single square instead of disappearing into a flat dark tone. Against pale maple the result is a chequer with real warmth in it.
The practical difference from a near black board shows up in the evening. An ebony board separates dark from light at maximum contrast in any light at all, which is why tournament equipment goes that way. A red board keeps more character and gives up a little brute legibility, so under a single lamp the position reads a touch more softly. Most people who choose a rosewood board are choosing exactly that trade.
Like every red timber it responds to light over time, deepening and settling rather than staying at the colour it arrives in. Keeping it out of direct sun slows that down considerably and is the single most useful thing an owner can do for it. Each board also carries its own grain, so the figure that arrives will not be a match for the photography.
The whole underside is covered in green velvet felt, which does more work than it sounds like. It stops the base marking a polished table, it takes the click out of the board itself when a move goes down hard, and it holds position on a smooth surface without needing a cloth or a mat underneath. On a board carrying 5,600g that last point matters, because that much mass dragged sideways across a dining table would otherwise be a genuine risk to the finish.
The weight is the thing to plan around. This is a board to place and leave rather than one to shuttle between rooms, and it wants a table that carries it comfortably. At 53.34cm square it leaves space either side on most dining tables for captured material and a clock without either player running short of elbow room. As with any handmade item the finished weight can vary by up to 10 percent either way.
Care is undemanding. Wipe the playing surface with a dry or barely damp soft cloth, keep drinks off it entirely, and keep the board away from heaters, vents and direct sun. Store it flat rather than leaning against a wall, and it will outlast several sets of chessmen.
What makes this one easy to recommend is the match between timber and square size: bud rosewood gives a warm, heavily figured dark square, and putting it on 55mm squares means it takes the weighted 95mm to 103mm patterns most players already own rather than demanding a luxury set to fill it. The honest caveat is the mass, because 5,600g under 22mm makes this a board to give a permanent home rather than one to lift off the table at the end of an evening, and red timbers do shift colour in a sunny room. Square size sets the other limit, so a set cut for 60mm squares will crowd this back rank. It suits a club player pairing it with a standard weighted tournament set, and it suits anyone short of a fixed spot for a board rather poorly. If you want the same timber on a smaller footprint, the 46cm bud rosewood and maple board is the one to look at.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
No. This listing is the board on its own, which is the point of buying a board separately. It is cut for a king base of 40mm to 45mm, so most weighted club and tournament sets will suit it.
A deep red brown, closer to brick red on some cuts, with open figure that stays visible across the square. It is warmer and more characterful than a near black board and slightly less stark against the maple.
A king base between 40mm and 45mm. Measure the widest part of the base rather than going by the height of the set, because sets of identical height frequently differ by ten millimetres at the foot.
Same bud rosewood against the same maple. The 46cm bud rosewood and maple board runs 45mm squares on a 46cm footprint and takes a compact set in the low thirties at the base. This one is larger, deeper in section and cut for a full sized weighted set.
At 53.34cm square it needs a table around 1.1 metres across to leave both players elbow room and space beside the board for captured material and a clock. Measure the table before ordering rather than after.
Keep it out of direct sunlight, which lifts colour out of red timbers faster than anything else, and away from heaters and vents. Wipe it with a dry or barely damp cloth, never stand a glass on the playing surface, and store it flat.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
Board size |
53.34cm x 53.34cm (21 inch) |
|
Square size |
55mm (2.2 inch) |
|
Playing grid |
44cm across eight squares |
|
Board thickness |
22mm (0.9 inch) |
|
Board weight |
5,600g |
|
Weight tolerance |
Handmade, up to 10 percent either way |
|
Dark squares |
Bud rosewood (Dalbergia oliveri) |
|
Light squares |
Maple (Acer oblongum) |
|
Underside |
Felted in green velvet |
|
Recommended king base |
40mm to 45mm (1.5 inch to 1.8 inch) |
|
Chess pieces |
Not included |
One 53.34cm blood red bud rosewood and maple chess board with 55mm squares
Playing pieces are sold separately and are not part of this listing
All products sold by Sterling Chess are backed by a 12 month limited manufacturer warranty. This covers manufacturing defects and cracking, and ensures every product is 100% genuine. If you need assistance, our team is only a call or email away.
Is shipping really free?
Yes — we offer free standard shipping on all orders across Australia, with no minimum spend. The price you see at checkout is the price you pay.
Are there any exceptions to free shipping?
No exceptions. Every order ships free, regardless of size, weight, or order value.
How long will my order take to arrive?
Orders are typically dispatched within 1–2 business days, with delivery times depending on your location. You'll receive tracking details by email once your order is on its way.
Do you ship to all areas of Australia?
Yes, we deliver Australia-wide, including regional and remote areas — all at no shipping cost to you.
Can I track my order?
Absolutely. As soon as your order ships, we'll email you a tracking number so you can follow its journey to your door.
What if I need my order quickly?
Get in touch before ordering and we'll do our best to help. Standard shipping is free, and we'll advise on the fastest available option for your area. To contact us, simply email us at support@sterlingchess.com.au, call (03) 7037 0931 or open the live chat.
Changed your mind? You can return unused, unopened items within 100 days of your order date, provided they’re in original packaging and resaleable condition. Sterling Chess will cover the cost of shipping return items under our 100-day free returns policy.
All Sterling Chess products are backed by Australian Consumer Law and include a minimum 12-month Australian warranty. If there’s an issue with your product, our team is here to help and will work to make it right.
Click here to view our full returns policy.
If you're shopping for a new chess set, you're in the right place—and here's why.
1. We know chess inside and out
At Sterling Chess, we're not just another online store. We’re chess lovers, players, collectors, and game night fanatics.
That means we care about quality, balance, and feel—and we only stock sets we’d use ourselves. From tournament-grade boards to handcrafted wooden pieces, we’ve got what real players want.
2. Unmatched variety for every player
Whether you're just learning or a lifelong grandmaster, we have something for you.
Looking for a folding set for travel? A stunning showpiece for your home? A kid-friendly set for your budding chess champion? We’ve got it all—and more.
3. Fast and FREE shipping on all orders
Shipping is FREE on all Sterling Chess orders.
We ship quickly from local and international warehouses, so you’re not waiting weeks to get your game on.
Most orders are packed and sent within 24–48 hours. Plus, you’ll get tracking updates every step of the way.
4. Customer support that actually helps
Have a question? Need help choosing a set? Our friendly team is ready to help—no scripts, no bots, just real people who care about your experience.
You can call our team anytime between business hours on (03) 7037 0931 or email us at support@sterlingchess.com.au. Alternatively, you can use our live chat during business hours to contact our helpful support team.
5. Thousands of happy customers
Don't just take our word for it—our reviews speak for themselves. Sterling Chess is trusted by thousands of players who keep coming back for more. Great products. Great service. No hassle.
6. Classic games, too
We're all about chess—but we also carry backgammon, checkers, poker and other timeless strategy games. If you love the classics, you’ll feel right at home.
Ready to make your move?
Choose a chess set that fits your style, skill level, and space—and enjoy the Sterling Chess difference. You’ll love how it looks. You’ll love how it plays. And you’ll love buying from a team that loves the game just as much as you do.
Bud rosewood runs red where most board timbers run brown or near black, and this is that timber at the size most club players end up settling on. The board is 53.34cm across with 55mm squares, so eight of them make a playing grid 44cm wide and leave roughly 4.6cm of timber around the outside of the play. Nothing about it is scaled down.
The dark squares are bud rosewood (Dalbergia oliveri), a deep red brown that the trade sells as blood red, against maple (Acer oblongum) on the light squares. The red side keeps open figure that stays visible right across a 55mm square instead of flattening into a single dark tone, so the chequer carries warmth rather than pure contrast. The underside is felted in green velvet.
At 22mm in section and 5,600g the board sits firmly on a table and stays there through a fast finish. Fifty five millimetre squares are matched here to a king base of 40mm to 45mm, which is standard club and tournament sizing rather than luxury sizing. Other sizes and other timbers run across our chess boards collection.
This timber already runs at other sizes on the site, so the useful question is which footprint and which square size you want it in. The 58.4cm bud rosewood and maple board is the large one, on 60mm squares, and it wants a tall luxury set to fill it. The 48cm bud rosewood and maple board on 50mm squares is the compact one at 50mm squares and a shorter reach across the table. This board lands between them on 55mm squares, which is the size most weighted club and tournament sets are drawn for, and it is the pairing that asks the least of your existing chessmen.
Within this footprint, timber is what separates the choices. A 53cm board in near black ebony against maple gives the hardest contrast wood can manage and reads a position instantly from across a room, which is exactly why tournament equipment tends that way. Sheesham at the same size goes golden brown and gentle. Bud rosewood sits between the two: darker and more emphatic than sheesham, warmer and far more figured than ebony, and red where those two are brown and black.
Against a board that arrives underneath a set of chessmen, the case is straightforward. A bundled board is cut to a package and to a price, and it is usually the first part of that purchase an owner replaces. A board bought on its own is chosen for its timber, its square size and its section, and it stays in service while the set standing on it changes over the years.
The measurement that decides the fit is the diameter of the king's base, not the height of the king. Height is what you notice across a room. Base width is what has to share a square with its neighbours, and two sets standing at exactly the same height routinely differ by eight or ten millimetres at the foot. This board is cut for a king base of 40mm to 45mm.
The arithmetic behind that window is worth doing rather than taking on trust. A base covering about three quarters of its square leaves a clean margin of timber all round, and three quarters of 55mm is roughly 41mm, which is where the range starts. At 45mm the back rank fills generously and only a few millimetres of timber show between neighbouring feet, which is entirely playable and simply a fuller look. Below 40mm a full army starts to look adrift on 44cm of playing grid, particularly once material has come off.
Weighted club and tournament patterns are the natural pairing rather than the tall luxury ones. The Fierce Knight Staunton at 103mm stands on a 45mm base and is drawn for 55mm squares, sitting at the top of the window with the board handsomely filled. A set cut for 60mm squares will usually foot at 48mm or more and will crowd this back rank, so read the base figure on the set before pairing rather than going by the king height.
Dalbergia oliveri is a red timber rather than a brown one, which is uncommon on a chess board. Its colour runs from deep brick red through to a red brown depending on how the piece was cut, and it carries open figure that clouds and runs inside a single square instead of disappearing into a flat dark tone. Against pale maple the result is a chequer with real warmth in it.
The practical difference from a near black board shows up in the evening. An ebony board separates dark from light at maximum contrast in any light at all, which is why tournament equipment goes that way. A red board keeps more character and gives up a little brute legibility, so under a single lamp the position reads a touch more softly. Most people who choose a rosewood board are choosing exactly that trade.
Like every red timber it responds to light over time, deepening and settling rather than staying at the colour it arrives in. Keeping it out of direct sun slows that down considerably and is the single most useful thing an owner can do for it. Each board also carries its own grain, so the figure that arrives will not be a match for the photography.
The whole underside is covered in green velvet felt, which does more work than it sounds like. It stops the base marking a polished table, it takes the click out of the board itself when a move goes down hard, and it holds position on a smooth surface without needing a cloth or a mat underneath. On a board carrying 5,600g that last point matters, because that much mass dragged sideways across a dining table would otherwise be a genuine risk to the finish.
The weight is the thing to plan around. This is a board to place and leave rather than one to shuttle between rooms, and it wants a table that carries it comfortably. At 53.34cm square it leaves space either side on most dining tables for captured material and a clock without either player running short of elbow room. As with any handmade item the finished weight can vary by up to 10 percent either way.
Care is undemanding. Wipe the playing surface with a dry or barely damp soft cloth, keep drinks off it entirely, and keep the board away from heaters, vents and direct sun. Store it flat rather than leaning against a wall, and it will outlast several sets of chessmen.
What makes this one easy to recommend is the match between timber and square size: bud rosewood gives a warm, heavily figured dark square, and putting it on 55mm squares means it takes the weighted 95mm to 103mm patterns most players already own rather than demanding a luxury set to fill it. The honest caveat is the mass, because 5,600g under 22mm makes this a board to give a permanent home rather than one to lift off the table at the end of an evening, and red timbers do shift colour in a sunny room. Square size sets the other limit, so a set cut for 60mm squares will crowd this back rank. It suits a club player pairing it with a standard weighted tournament set, and it suits anyone short of a fixed spot for a board rather poorly. If you want the same timber on a smaller footprint, the 46cm bud rosewood and maple board is the one to look at.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
No. This listing is the board on its own, which is the point of buying a board separately. It is cut for a king base of 40mm to 45mm, so most weighted club and tournament sets will suit it.
A deep red brown, closer to brick red on some cuts, with open figure that stays visible across the square. It is warmer and more characterful than a near black board and slightly less stark against the maple.
A king base between 40mm and 45mm. Measure the widest part of the base rather than going by the height of the set, because sets of identical height frequently differ by ten millimetres at the foot.
Same bud rosewood against the same maple. The 46cm bud rosewood and maple board runs 45mm squares on a 46cm footprint and takes a compact set in the low thirties at the base. This one is larger, deeper in section and cut for a full sized weighted set.
At 53.34cm square it needs a table around 1.1 metres across to leave both players elbow room and space beside the board for captured material and a clock. Measure the table before ordering rather than after.
Keep it out of direct sunlight, which lifts colour out of red timbers faster than anything else, and away from heaters and vents. Wipe it with a dry or barely damp cloth, never stand a glass on the playing surface, and store it flat.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
Board size |
53.34cm x 53.34cm (21 inch) |
|
Square size |
55mm (2.2 inch) |
|
Playing grid |
44cm across eight squares |
|
Board thickness |
22mm (0.9 inch) |
|
Board weight |
5,600g |
|
Weight tolerance |
Handmade, up to 10 percent either way |
|
Dark squares |
Bud rosewood (Dalbergia oliveri) |
|
Light squares |
Maple (Acer oblongum) |
|
Underside |
Felted in green velvet |
|
Recommended king base |
40mm to 45mm (1.5 inch to 1.8 inch) |
|
Chess pieces |
Not included |
One 53.34cm blood red bud rosewood and maple chess board with 55mm squares
Playing pieces are sold separately and are not part of this listing
All products sold by Sterling Chess are backed by a 12 month limited manufacturer warranty. This covers manufacturing defects and cracking, and ensures every product is 100% genuine. If you need assistance, our team is only a call or email away.
Is shipping really free?
Yes — we offer free standard shipping on all orders across Australia, with no minimum spend. The price you see at checkout is the price you pay.
Are there any exceptions to free shipping?
No exceptions. Every order ships free, regardless of size, weight, or order value.
How long will my order take to arrive?
Orders are typically dispatched within 1–2 business days, with delivery times depending on your location. You'll receive tracking details by email once your order is on its way.
Do you ship to all areas of Australia?
Yes, we deliver Australia-wide, including regional and remote areas — all at no shipping cost to you.
Can I track my order?
Absolutely. As soon as your order ships, we'll email you a tracking number so you can follow its journey to your door.
What if I need my order quickly?
Get in touch before ordering and we'll do our best to help. Standard shipping is free, and we'll advise on the fastest available option for your area. To contact us, simply email us at support@sterlingchess.com.au, call (03) 7037 0931 or open the live chat.
Changed your mind? You can return unused, unopened items within 100 days of your order date, provided they’re in original packaging and resaleable condition. Sterling Chess will cover the cost of shipping return items under our 100-day free returns policy.
All Sterling Chess products are backed by Australian Consumer Law and include a minimum 12-month Australian warranty. If there’s an issue with your product, our team is here to help and will work to make it right.
Click here to view our full returns policy.
If you're shopping for a new chess set, you're in the right place—and here's why.
1. We know chess inside and out
At Sterling Chess, we're not just another online store. We’re chess lovers, players, collectors, and game night fanatics.
That means we care about quality, balance, and feel—and we only stock sets we’d use ourselves. From tournament-grade boards to handcrafted wooden pieces, we’ve got what real players want.
2. Unmatched variety for every player
Whether you're just learning or a lifelong grandmaster, we have something for you.
Looking for a folding set for travel? A stunning showpiece for your home? A kid-friendly set for your budding chess champion? We’ve got it all—and more.
3. Fast and FREE shipping on all orders
Shipping is FREE on all Sterling Chess orders.
We ship quickly from local and international warehouses, so you’re not waiting weeks to get your game on.
Most orders are packed and sent within 24–48 hours. Plus, you’ll get tracking updates every step of the way.
4. Customer support that actually helps
Have a question? Need help choosing a set? Our friendly team is ready to help—no scripts, no bots, just real people who care about your experience.
You can call our team anytime between business hours on (03) 7037 0931 or email us at support@sterlingchess.com.au. Alternatively, you can use our live chat during business hours to contact our helpful support team.
5. Thousands of happy customers
Don't just take our word for it—our reviews speak for themselves. Sterling Chess is trusted by thousands of players who keep coming back for more. Great products. Great service. No hassle.
6. Classic games, too
We're all about chess—but we also carry backgammon, checkers, poker and other timeless strategy games. If you love the classics, you’ll feel right at home.
Ready to make your move?
Choose a chess set that fits your style, skill level, and space—and enjoy the Sterling Chess difference. You’ll love how it looks. You’ll love how it plays. And you’ll love buying from a team that loves the game just as much as you do.
