✔ Australian Owned & Operated
✔ FREE Shipping On All Orders
✔ 100 Day FREE Returns
✔ Authorised Australian Dealer
✔ Questions? Call Us: (03) 7037 0931
A board bought on its own, 53cm across on 55mm squares, and surfaced hi-gloss. Eight squares of 55mm make a playing grid 44cm wide, which leaves roughly 4.5cm of timber around the outside of the play. Fifty five millimetres is the square size most club players end up on, so this is a full sized playing surface rather than a display object that happens to be chequered.
The dark squares are sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), the Indian timber also sold as golden rosewood, against maple (Acer oblongum) on the light. Sheesham is the warm one: a golden brown with open, visible grain that stays legible across a square instead of flattening into a single dark tone. Under a gloss surface that grain gains depth rather than losing it, which is the whole argument for finishing this timber this way.
The section is 22.86mm and the board weighs 4,500g, so it sits well proud of a table and stays where it is put. It is cut for a king base of 40mm to 45mm, standard club and tournament sizing. Other sizes, square sizes and timbers run across our chess boards collection.
The comparison worth making first is the Players Choice sheesham and maple board at the same size, which runs the same sheesham and maple across the same 53cm footprint on the same 55mm squares. What separates them is build rather than materials. That board is 20mm in section, felted in green velvet underneath and offered with a notation option, so it is the one to look at if coordinates around the play matter to you or if the board has to sit straight onto a polished table. This one is thicker at 22.86mm and carries a gloss surface instead, which is a different kind of board doing the same job.
The 53cm Indian rosewood version of this board is the other half of the decision, because it is this exact build with Indian rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia) on the dark squares in place of sheesham. Every published figure matches: 53cm, 55mm squares, 22.86mm, 4,500g and the same hi-gloss surface. The choice between them is purely a question of what colour you want the dark half of the chequer to be, and there is more on that further down the page.
If 53cm is not the size, the same two timbers run either side of it. The 48cm sheesham and maple board on 50mm squares steps down to 50mm squares for a smaller table and a slightly more compact set, and the 58.4cm sheesham and maple board on 60mm squares steps up to 60mm squares for a large weighted set with room around every foot. Against a board that arrives underneath a set of chessmen, all of these are a different proposition: a bundled board is cut to a package and a price, and it is usually the first part of that purchase an owner replaces.
The measurement that decides whether a set suits a board is the diameter of the king's base, not the height of the king. Height is what you notice from across a room; base width is what has to share a square with its neighbours. On these 55mm squares the sensible target is a king base of 40mm to 45mm.
The proportion behind that 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 sits at the foot of the window. Push to 45mm and the back rank fills handsomely, with only a few millimetres of timber showing between neighbouring feet in the opening. Drop much below 40mm and a full army starts to look undersized against 44cm of playing grid, particularly once material has come off.
Weighted club patterns with a king somewhere between 95mm and 105mm are the natural pairing. The Fierce Knight Staunton at 103mm stands on a 45mm base and is drawn for 55mm squares, which puts it at the top of the window and squarely on this board. Sets of the same height frequently foot two or three millimetres narrower than that, which is entirely fine here, so read the base figure on the set rather than the king height before pairing the two.
Gloss is not decoration on a timber board. It is a surface treatment that changes how the grain reads, and on an open grained timber like sheesham it changes it considerably. Sheesham carries visible figure that runs and lifts across a 55mm square rather than sitting flat, and a shiny surface throws light down into that figure instead of scattering it off the top. The dark squares end up with real depth in them, closer to how the timber looks freshly cut than to how a dry matte surface looks.
It also sharpens the boundary between the two timbers. Maple under gloss reads brighter and cleaner than maple under a matte surface, so the chequer separates a little more emphatically even though neither timber has changed. On a golden brown board, where the contrast is warm rather than absolute, that extra separation is doing useful work at a seated distance.
The honest other half is that gloss shows what matte hides. Fingerprints, dust and the smear left by a hand resting on the edge are all more visible, and a lamp or a window sitting directly above the table will put a reflection on the surface that a matte board would have absorbed. Neither is hard to live with, but both are worth knowing before choosing a finish rather than after.
Sheesham is one of the most widely used timbers in traditional Indian board making, and there is a reason it keeps turning up. It is dense enough to take a fine edge on a square, stable enough not to move much with the seasons, and it carries far more visible character than a near black timber does. What it gives up is absolute contrast: golden brown against cream is a gentler chequer than black against cream, and a crowded middlegame resolves a fraction more slowly across a room.
Colour is the other thing to plan for. Like most warm timbers it responds to light over years rather than months, deepening and settling rather than fading. Keeping the board out of direct sun slows that considerably and is the single most useful thing an owner can do for it, particularly on a gloss surface where the colour is the point.
Care beyond that is undemanding. Wipe the playing surface with a dry or barely damp soft cloth and dry it straight away, keep drinks off it entirely, and keep the board clear of heaters and vents. Store it flat rather than leaning on an edge. As with any handmade item the finished weight can vary by up to 10 percent either way, and the figure in the timber will be particular to the board that arrives rather than a match for the photography.
The reason to look at this one is the combination of a club standard square size with more section than that usually attracts: 22.86mm and 4,500g under 55mm squares gives a surface that does not move in play and has a visible edge to it, and the gloss puts genuine depth into sheesham that a matte finish leaves flat. The caveat is that same finish read from the other side, because gloss shows fingerprints and dust that matte hides and it will pick up a reflection from a light sitting directly over the table, so it wants a considered spot rather than any spot. Sheesham against maple is also a warm contrast rather than an absolute one, so anyone who wants a position to resolve instantly from across a room should be looking at a near black board instead. 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 board that is worth looking at when nobody is playing. If you want the same build in a darker timber, the Indian rosewood version of this board is the direct alternative.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
No. This listing is the board on its own, which is the point of buying a board separately. The playing set is chosen to suit it and bought as its own purchase.
Aim for a king base between 40mm and 45mm, which is what these 55mm squares are cut for. Measure the widest part of the base rather than going by the height of the set, because two sets of the same height can differ by ten millimetres at the foot.
Dalbergia sissoo, an Indian timber also sold as golden rosewood. It is a golden brown with open, visible grain, warmer in tone than ebony or Indian rosewood and one of the most widely used timbers in traditional chess board making.
It gives the sheesham a wet depth of colour and makes the maple read brighter, so the chequer separates crisply. It also reflects a light source sitting directly overhead and shows fingerprints more readily than a matte surface would.
At 53cm 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.
Wipe it with a dry or barely damp soft cloth and dry it immediately, keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat vents, and avoid standing glasses on the playing surface. A gloss surface rewards a soft cloth and dislikes anything abrasive.
|
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 |
Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), also sold as golden rosewood |
|
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 sheesham 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.
A board bought on its own, 53cm across on 55mm squares, and surfaced hi-gloss. Eight squares of 55mm make a playing grid 44cm wide, which leaves roughly 4.5cm of timber around the outside of the play. Fifty five millimetres is the square size most club players end up on, so this is a full sized playing surface rather than a display object that happens to be chequered.
The dark squares are sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), the Indian timber also sold as golden rosewood, against maple (Acer oblongum) on the light. Sheesham is the warm one: a golden brown with open, visible grain that stays legible across a square instead of flattening into a single dark tone. Under a gloss surface that grain gains depth rather than losing it, which is the whole argument for finishing this timber this way.
The section is 22.86mm and the board weighs 4,500g, so it sits well proud of a table and stays where it is put. It is cut for a king base of 40mm to 45mm, standard club and tournament sizing. Other sizes, square sizes and timbers run across our chess boards collection.
The comparison worth making first is the Players Choice sheesham and maple board at the same size, which runs the same sheesham and maple across the same 53cm footprint on the same 55mm squares. What separates them is build rather than materials. That board is 20mm in section, felted in green velvet underneath and offered with a notation option, so it is the one to look at if coordinates around the play matter to you or if the board has to sit straight onto a polished table. This one is thicker at 22.86mm and carries a gloss surface instead, which is a different kind of board doing the same job.
The 53cm Indian rosewood version of this board is the other half of the decision, because it is this exact build with Indian rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia) on the dark squares in place of sheesham. Every published figure matches: 53cm, 55mm squares, 22.86mm, 4,500g and the same hi-gloss surface. The choice between them is purely a question of what colour you want the dark half of the chequer to be, and there is more on that further down the page.
If 53cm is not the size, the same two timbers run either side of it. The 48cm sheesham and maple board on 50mm squares steps down to 50mm squares for a smaller table and a slightly more compact set, and the 58.4cm sheesham and maple board on 60mm squares steps up to 60mm squares for a large weighted set with room around every foot. Against a board that arrives underneath a set of chessmen, all of these are a different proposition: a bundled board is cut to a package and a price, and it is usually the first part of that purchase an owner replaces.
The measurement that decides whether a set suits a board is the diameter of the king's base, not the height of the king. Height is what you notice from across a room; base width is what has to share a square with its neighbours. On these 55mm squares the sensible target is a king base of 40mm to 45mm.
The proportion behind that 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 sits at the foot of the window. Push to 45mm and the back rank fills handsomely, with only a few millimetres of timber showing between neighbouring feet in the opening. Drop much below 40mm and a full army starts to look undersized against 44cm of playing grid, particularly once material has come off.
Weighted club patterns with a king somewhere between 95mm and 105mm are the natural pairing. The Fierce Knight Staunton at 103mm stands on a 45mm base and is drawn for 55mm squares, which puts it at the top of the window and squarely on this board. Sets of the same height frequently foot two or three millimetres narrower than that, which is entirely fine here, so read the base figure on the set rather than the king height before pairing the two.
Gloss is not decoration on a timber board. It is a surface treatment that changes how the grain reads, and on an open grained timber like sheesham it changes it considerably. Sheesham carries visible figure that runs and lifts across a 55mm square rather than sitting flat, and a shiny surface throws light down into that figure instead of scattering it off the top. The dark squares end up with real depth in them, closer to how the timber looks freshly cut than to how a dry matte surface looks.
It also sharpens the boundary between the two timbers. Maple under gloss reads brighter and cleaner than maple under a matte surface, so the chequer separates a little more emphatically even though neither timber has changed. On a golden brown board, where the contrast is warm rather than absolute, that extra separation is doing useful work at a seated distance.
The honest other half is that gloss shows what matte hides. Fingerprints, dust and the smear left by a hand resting on the edge are all more visible, and a lamp or a window sitting directly above the table will put a reflection on the surface that a matte board would have absorbed. Neither is hard to live with, but both are worth knowing before choosing a finish rather than after.
Sheesham is one of the most widely used timbers in traditional Indian board making, and there is a reason it keeps turning up. It is dense enough to take a fine edge on a square, stable enough not to move much with the seasons, and it carries far more visible character than a near black timber does. What it gives up is absolute contrast: golden brown against cream is a gentler chequer than black against cream, and a crowded middlegame resolves a fraction more slowly across a room.
Colour is the other thing to plan for. Like most warm timbers it responds to light over years rather than months, deepening and settling rather than fading. Keeping the board out of direct sun slows that considerably and is the single most useful thing an owner can do for it, particularly on a gloss surface where the colour is the point.
Care beyond that is undemanding. Wipe the playing surface with a dry or barely damp soft cloth and dry it straight away, keep drinks off it entirely, and keep the board clear of heaters and vents. Store it flat rather than leaning on an edge. As with any handmade item the finished weight can vary by up to 10 percent either way, and the figure in the timber will be particular to the board that arrives rather than a match for the photography.
The reason to look at this one is the combination of a club standard square size with more section than that usually attracts: 22.86mm and 4,500g under 55mm squares gives a surface that does not move in play and has a visible edge to it, and the gloss puts genuine depth into sheesham that a matte finish leaves flat. The caveat is that same finish read from the other side, because gloss shows fingerprints and dust that matte hides and it will pick up a reflection from a light sitting directly over the table, so it wants a considered spot rather than any spot. Sheesham against maple is also a warm contrast rather than an absolute one, so anyone who wants a position to resolve instantly from across a room should be looking at a near black board instead. 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 board that is worth looking at when nobody is playing. If you want the same build in a darker timber, the Indian rosewood version of this board is the direct alternative.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
No. This listing is the board on its own, which is the point of buying a board separately. The playing set is chosen to suit it and bought as its own purchase.
Aim for a king base between 40mm and 45mm, which is what these 55mm squares are cut for. Measure the widest part of the base rather than going by the height of the set, because two sets of the same height can differ by ten millimetres at the foot.
Dalbergia sissoo, an Indian timber also sold as golden rosewood. It is a golden brown with open, visible grain, warmer in tone than ebony or Indian rosewood and one of the most widely used timbers in traditional chess board making.
It gives the sheesham a wet depth of colour and makes the maple read brighter, so the chequer separates crisply. It also reflects a light source sitting directly overhead and shows fingerprints more readily than a matte surface would.
At 53cm 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.
Wipe it with a dry or barely damp soft cloth and dry it immediately, keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat vents, and avoid standing glasses on the playing surface. A gloss surface rewards a soft cloth and dislikes anything abrasive.
|
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 |
Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), also sold as golden rosewood |
|
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 sheesham 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.
