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Indian rosewood is the timber most people picture when they picture a serious chess board, and this is that timber at the square size most club players settle on. The board is 53cm across with 55mm squares, so eight of them give a playing grid 44cm wide with roughly 4.5cm of timber around the outside of the play.
The dark squares are Indian rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia), a deep chocolate brown with a purple cast in it and a long, straight figure that runs across a square rather than clouding inside it. The light squares are maple (Acer oblongum), pale and close grained. The whole surface is finished hi-gloss and shiny, which pushes the rosewood towards the colour it shows freshly cut and makes the maple read brighter against it.
At 22.86mm in section and 4,500g, this is a board that stays exactly where it is put and has a visible edge to it rather than sitting flush with the table. It is cut for a king base of 40mm to 45mm, which covers most weighted club and tournament patterns. Other sizes, square sizes and timbers run across our chess boards collection.
The 53cm sheesham and maple board built the same way is the direct alternative, because it is this exact build with sheesham on the dark squares instead of Indian rosewood. Same 53cm footprint, same 55mm squares, same 22.86mm section, same 4,500g and the same hi-gloss surface. Sheesham is the warmer and busier of the two, a golden brown with open grain that keeps a lot of visible character in the dark squares. Indian rosewood is darker, cooler and quieter, and it separates from the maple more emphatically.
The 53cm Indian rosewood and maple board runs the same two timbers at effectively the same footprint and square size, so the difference there is build rather than colour. That one is 20mm in section, a slimmer board that is easier to lift and takes up the same room on a table. This one adds nearly three millimetres of section and a gloss surface over it, so the timber reads wet rather than dry and the edge has more presence to it.
Stepping up rather than sideways, the 58.4cm dark brown Indian rosewood board on 60mm squares takes the same dark brown Indian rosewood and maple to 58.4cm on 60mm squares, which is the size for a tall luxury set rather than a club one. Against a board that arrives underneath a set of chessmen, any of these is a different class of object: bundled boards are cut thin so a package ships cheaply, and a board bought on its own is chosen for its timber, its square size and its section.
Base diameter is the number that decides the fit, not the height of the king. Two sets standing at exactly the same height often differ by eight or ten millimetres at the foot, and the foot is the part that has to share a square with its neighbours. On these 55mm squares the useful target is a king base of 40mm to 45mm.
The arithmetic is straightforward. A base covering about three quarters of its square leaves a clear margin of timber all round, and three quarters of 55mm is roughly 41mm, which sits at the foot of the recommended window. At 45mm the back rank fills generously and only a few millimetres of timber show between neighbouring feet in the opening, which is entirely playable if you like a well populated board. Much below 40mm and the army begins to look small against 44cm of playing grid.
Weighted club and tournament patterns are the natural pairing. 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 filled. The Modern Staunton Genuine Ebony 95mm sits on a 43mm base, also cut for 55mm squares, closer to the middle of the window and leaving a little more timber visible around each foot. Genuine ebony against these rosewood squares also reads more strongly than an ebonised set would.
Dalbergia latifolia is a dense, oily timber that runs from a deep chocolate brown through to something close to purple black depending on the cut, with a long straight figure that crosses a square rather than swirling inside it. It is the quiet, formal end of the rosewood family, and it is the reason so many serious boards are made from it: it reads dark enough to separate cleanly from a pale timber without going as flat and featureless as ebony.
A gloss surface changes what you see of that. Light travels into the figure instead of bouncing off the top, so the colour deepens and the purple undertone becomes visible where a matte surface would keep the whole square a uniform brown. The maple gains too, reading brighter and cleaner than it would under a dry finish, which widens the gap between the two halves of the chequer.
What you take on with that is upkeep. Gloss shows fingerprints, dust and the mark of a palm resting on the edge far more readily than matte does, and a lamp or window directly above the table will sit as a reflection on the surface. A soft dry cloth handles all of it in seconds, but it is a board that rewards being wiped down after a session rather than left.
Fifty three centimetres is the size that solves most rooms. It fits a dining table without either player leaning across it, leaves space at the side for captured material and a clock, and it sits on a decent sized coffee table with a little to spare. Anything much larger starts to dictate the furniture around it, and anything much smaller starts to crowd a full sized weighted set.
The 4,500g helps as well. A board at that weight stays put on a stable surface without needing a cloth or mat under it, does not travel when somebody leans on the table and does not shift in the scramble at the end of a fast game. It is still a lift you can manage, so the board can be moved off a table when the space is needed for something else, which a heavier board of the same footprint would make awkward.
Care is simple and worth doing. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heaters and vents, wipe the playing surface with a dry or barely damp soft cloth, and never leave anything wet standing on it. Store it flat rather than on edge. As with any handmade item the finished weight can vary by up to 10 percent either way, and the grain on the board that arrives will be its own.
The strength here is that it puts a properly dark timber on a club standard square size with more section than that footprint usually gets: 22.86mm and 4,500g under 55mm squares gives a surface that stays completely still in play, and the gloss brings out a purple depth in the rosewood that a matte board keeps hidden. The honest caveat is maintenance, because gloss shows fingerprints and dust that matte does not and it will hold a reflection from a light directly above the table, so it wants wiping down after a session and a spot away from a downlight. The 55mm squares also cap the set, and a large luxury pattern footing at 48mm or more will crowd this back rank. It suits a player pairing it with a weighted club set in the low to middle forties at the base, and anyone who wants a dark board without going all the way to near black ebony. If you would rather a warmer board in the same build, the sheesham version of this board is the alternative.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
No. This listing is the board alone. It is cut for a king base of 40mm to 45mm, which covers most weighted club and tournament patterns.
Dalbergia latifolia, a dense Indian timber that runs a deep chocolate brown with a purple undertone and long straight grain. It is darker and quieter than sheesham or bud rosewood and slightly less flat than ebony.
A king base between 40mm and 45mm. Measure the widest part of the base rather than relying on the quoted king height, because sets of identical height often differ by several millimetres at the foot.
Only in the dark timber. Both are 53cm across on 55mm squares, both are 22.86mm in section, both weigh 4,500g and both carry the same hi-gloss surface. Sheesham is a warmer golden brown with more visible grain; Indian rosewood is darker, cooler and separates more sharply from the maple.
At 53cm square it needs a table around 1.1 metres across to leave both players elbow room and room beside the board for captured material and a clock. Measure the table first rather than after it arrives.
Wipe it with a dry or barely damp soft cloth and dry it straight away, keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heaters and vents, and avoid standing glasses on the playing surface. Store it flat rather than leaning on an edge.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
Board size |
53cm x 53cm (21 inch) |
|
Square size |
55mm (2.16 inch) |
|
Playing grid |
44cm across eight squares |
|
Board thickness |
22.86mm (0.9 inch) |
|
Board weight |
4,500g |
|
Weight tolerance |
Handmade, up to 10 percent either way |
|
Dark squares |
Indian rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia) |
|
Light squares |
Maple (Acer oblongum) |
|
Board finish |
Hi-gloss, shiny finish |
|
Recommended king base |
40mm to 45mm (1.5 inch to 1.8 inch) |
|
Chess pieces |
Not included |
One 53cm Indian rosewood and maple chess board with 55mm squares and a hi-gloss finish
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.
Indian rosewood is the timber most people picture when they picture a serious chess board, and this is that timber at the square size most club players settle on. The board is 53cm across with 55mm squares, so eight of them give a playing grid 44cm wide with roughly 4.5cm of timber around the outside of the play.
The dark squares are Indian rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia), a deep chocolate brown with a purple cast in it and a long, straight figure that runs across a square rather than clouding inside it. The light squares are maple (Acer oblongum), pale and close grained. The whole surface is finished hi-gloss and shiny, which pushes the rosewood towards the colour it shows freshly cut and makes the maple read brighter against it.
At 22.86mm in section and 4,500g, this is a board that stays exactly where it is put and has a visible edge to it rather than sitting flush with the table. It is cut for a king base of 40mm to 45mm, which covers most weighted club and tournament patterns. Other sizes, square sizes and timbers run across our chess boards collection.
The 53cm sheesham and maple board built the same way is the direct alternative, because it is this exact build with sheesham on the dark squares instead of Indian rosewood. Same 53cm footprint, same 55mm squares, same 22.86mm section, same 4,500g and the same hi-gloss surface. Sheesham is the warmer and busier of the two, a golden brown with open grain that keeps a lot of visible character in the dark squares. Indian rosewood is darker, cooler and quieter, and it separates from the maple more emphatically.
The 53cm Indian rosewood and maple board runs the same two timbers at effectively the same footprint and square size, so the difference there is build rather than colour. That one is 20mm in section, a slimmer board that is easier to lift and takes up the same room on a table. This one adds nearly three millimetres of section and a gloss surface over it, so the timber reads wet rather than dry and the edge has more presence to it.
Stepping up rather than sideways, the 58.4cm dark brown Indian rosewood board on 60mm squares takes the same dark brown Indian rosewood and maple to 58.4cm on 60mm squares, which is the size for a tall luxury set rather than a club one. Against a board that arrives underneath a set of chessmen, any of these is a different class of object: bundled boards are cut thin so a package ships cheaply, and a board bought on its own is chosen for its timber, its square size and its section.
Base diameter is the number that decides the fit, not the height of the king. Two sets standing at exactly the same height often differ by eight or ten millimetres at the foot, and the foot is the part that has to share a square with its neighbours. On these 55mm squares the useful target is a king base of 40mm to 45mm.
The arithmetic is straightforward. A base covering about three quarters of its square leaves a clear margin of timber all round, and three quarters of 55mm is roughly 41mm, which sits at the foot of the recommended window. At 45mm the back rank fills generously and only a few millimetres of timber show between neighbouring feet in the opening, which is entirely playable if you like a well populated board. Much below 40mm and the army begins to look small against 44cm of playing grid.
Weighted club and tournament patterns are the natural pairing. 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 filled. The Modern Staunton Genuine Ebony 95mm sits on a 43mm base, also cut for 55mm squares, closer to the middle of the window and leaving a little more timber visible around each foot. Genuine ebony against these rosewood squares also reads more strongly than an ebonised set would.
Dalbergia latifolia is a dense, oily timber that runs from a deep chocolate brown through to something close to purple black depending on the cut, with a long straight figure that crosses a square rather than swirling inside it. It is the quiet, formal end of the rosewood family, and it is the reason so many serious boards are made from it: it reads dark enough to separate cleanly from a pale timber without going as flat and featureless as ebony.
A gloss surface changes what you see of that. Light travels into the figure instead of bouncing off the top, so the colour deepens and the purple undertone becomes visible where a matte surface would keep the whole square a uniform brown. The maple gains too, reading brighter and cleaner than it would under a dry finish, which widens the gap between the two halves of the chequer.
What you take on with that is upkeep. Gloss shows fingerprints, dust and the mark of a palm resting on the edge far more readily than matte does, and a lamp or window directly above the table will sit as a reflection on the surface. A soft dry cloth handles all of it in seconds, but it is a board that rewards being wiped down after a session rather than left.
Fifty three centimetres is the size that solves most rooms. It fits a dining table without either player leaning across it, leaves space at the side for captured material and a clock, and it sits on a decent sized coffee table with a little to spare. Anything much larger starts to dictate the furniture around it, and anything much smaller starts to crowd a full sized weighted set.
The 4,500g helps as well. A board at that weight stays put on a stable surface without needing a cloth or mat under it, does not travel when somebody leans on the table and does not shift in the scramble at the end of a fast game. It is still a lift you can manage, so the board can be moved off a table when the space is needed for something else, which a heavier board of the same footprint would make awkward.
Care is simple and worth doing. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heaters and vents, wipe the playing surface with a dry or barely damp soft cloth, and never leave anything wet standing on it. Store it flat rather than on edge. As with any handmade item the finished weight can vary by up to 10 percent either way, and the grain on the board that arrives will be its own.
The strength here is that it puts a properly dark timber on a club standard square size with more section than that footprint usually gets: 22.86mm and 4,500g under 55mm squares gives a surface that stays completely still in play, and the gloss brings out a purple depth in the rosewood that a matte board keeps hidden. The honest caveat is maintenance, because gloss shows fingerprints and dust that matte does not and it will hold a reflection from a light directly above the table, so it wants wiping down after a session and a spot away from a downlight. The 55mm squares also cap the set, and a large luxury pattern footing at 48mm or more will crowd this back rank. It suits a player pairing it with a weighted club set in the low to middle forties at the base, and anyone who wants a dark board without going all the way to near black ebony. If you would rather a warmer board in the same build, the sheesham version of this board is the alternative.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
No. This listing is the board alone. It is cut for a king base of 40mm to 45mm, which covers most weighted club and tournament patterns.
Dalbergia latifolia, a dense Indian timber that runs a deep chocolate brown with a purple undertone and long straight grain. It is darker and quieter than sheesham or bud rosewood and slightly less flat than ebony.
A king base between 40mm and 45mm. Measure the widest part of the base rather than relying on the quoted king height, because sets of identical height often differ by several millimetres at the foot.
Only in the dark timber. Both are 53cm across on 55mm squares, both are 22.86mm in section, both weigh 4,500g and both carry the same hi-gloss surface. Sheesham is a warmer golden brown with more visible grain; Indian rosewood is darker, cooler and separates more sharply from the maple.
At 53cm square it needs a table around 1.1 metres across to leave both players elbow room and room beside the board for captured material and a clock. Measure the table first rather than after it arrives.
Wipe it with a dry or barely damp soft cloth and dry it straight away, keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heaters and vents, and avoid standing glasses on the playing surface. Store it flat rather than leaning on an edge.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
Board size |
53cm x 53cm (21 inch) |
|
Square size |
55mm (2.16 inch) |
|
Playing grid |
44cm across eight squares |
|
Board thickness |
22.86mm (0.9 inch) |
|
Board weight |
4,500g |
|
Weight tolerance |
Handmade, up to 10 percent either way |
|
Dark squares |
Indian rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia) |
|
Light squares |
Maple (Acer oblongum) |
|
Board finish |
Hi-gloss, shiny finish |
|
Recommended king base |
40mm to 45mm (1.5 inch to 1.8 inch) |
|
Chess pieces |
Not included |
One 53cm Indian rosewood and maple chess board with 55mm squares and a hi-gloss finish
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.
