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Folding ebony and maple chess board with 40mm squares

Folding Chess Board with 40mm Squares

by Sterling Chess
$339.00

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Description

Folding Chess Board with 40mm Squares

A compact board in three timber pairings, cut with 40mm squares on every one of them. The square size is the thread that runs through the listing: whichever timber you choose, the same set sits on it, so the choice here is about colour and grain rather than fit.

The ebony and maple option and the sheesham and maple option both measure 32cm across, run to 10mm thick and weigh 1,100g. The bud rosewood and maple option is built a little differently at 32.5cm across, 8mm thick and 1,200g. All three fold.

This is the board on its own, so the playing set is chosen separately. Larger surfaces in the same timbers sit across our chess boards collection, and this one is aimed at the player who wants a timber board that does not need a table given over to it.

 Sheesham and maple folding chess board, 32cm across with 40mm squares

Key features

  • 40mm squares on all three options, so one set suits whichever timber you pick
  • Ebony and maple, sheesham and maple, or bud rosewood and maple
  • Ebony and maple and sheesham and maple both measure 32cm across, 10mm thick, 1,100g
  • Bud rosewood and maple measures 32.5cm across, 8mm thick, 1,200g
  • Folds, so it stands on a shelf between games rather than occupying a table
  • Between 1,100g and 1,200g, light enough to move in one hand
  • Suited to pieces with a king base of around 30mm to 35mm
  • Board only, so it can be paired with a set you already own

How this folding board compares to the other boards we stock

Most of the timber boards on this site are single panels built to stay where they are put, and they are drawn for 45mm squares and upwards. This one is drawn at 40mm and it folds, which makes it a different proposition: a board for a coffee table, a desk corner or a weekend away rather than a board that lives permanently in one room.

The fixed board to put beside it is our 37cm sheesham and maple board with 38mm squares, a step up on both counts at 37cm across with 38mm squares, and a board that stays flat and stays where it is put. Against that, this listing trades a permanent playing surface for something you can put away in seconds, and it does so without giving up real timber on the squares.

Within the listing itself the decision is straightforward. Ebony and maple gives the hardest contrast between dark and light. Sheesham reads warmer and browner against the same maple. Bud rosewood is the reddest of the three, and it comes on the slightly wider, slightly thinner carcass.

 Bud rosewood and maple folding chess board measuring 32.5cm across

Choosing the right pieces

Fit is decided by the diameter of the king's base, not by the height of the king. Two sets that stand level with each other can differ by ten millimetres at the foot, and it is the foot that has to share a 40mm square with its neighbours. On 40mm squares we suggest a king base of around 30mm to 35mm.

At that ratio the king covers roughly three quarters of the square it stands on, and the pawns keep a clear margin. Go under it and the position looks marooned in the middle of the board. Go over it and adjacent bases begin to touch, which makes a crowded middlegame harder to read at a glance.

That window points at the smaller Staunton patterns rather than a club standard set, so measure the widest part of the king's base with a ruler before ordering. If you are buying the set at the same time, the base figure is quoted against every pattern in our Staunton chess pieces.

Three timbers, one square size

Ebony and maple is the sharpest of the three. A near black square against a pale, even one, with very little grain on the light side to compete with the position sitting on top of it. Sheesham and maple softens that, sheesham reading warm brown with visible figure where ebony reads flat and dark. Bud rosewood and maple is the reddest and the most decorative of the group.

Eight squares at 40mm come to 32cm end to end, so the playing grid measures 32cm across on every one of the three options. It is a lot of usable board for a footprint this size.

The maple light squares are common to all three, which is worth knowing if you are choosing between them on a screen. The difference you are looking at is the dark timber and, on the bud rosewood option, a carcass that is 8mm rather than 10mm.

 Ebony and maple folding chess board built to 10mm thick

A board that folds, and what that means day to day

Folding is the practical argument for this listing. A 32cm board that folds goes into a drawer, a shelf or a bag between games, which is the difference between a board that gets used on a small table and one that never comes out of the cupboard because there is nowhere to leave it standing.

Weight helps here too. Between 1,100g and 1,200g it is substantial enough to feel like timber under the hand and light enough to carry to a club night or a holiday house without thinking about it. These are handmade items, so the finished weight can vary by up to 10 percent either way.

Care is simple. Keep it out of direct sun and away from heat vents, wipe it with a dry soft cloth, and do not stand a drink on the playing surface. Timber and moisture are a poor combination, and a board this thin has less mass to absorb a spill than a heavy panel does.

Our expert take

The useful thing about this listing is that all three options share the same 40mm square, so you can pick the timber you like and buy the pieces once. The caveat is scale: 32cm is a genuinely compact board, and a club standard set turned for 50mm or 55mm squares will look and feel wrong on it, so this only works if you are buying smaller pieces or already own a set on a 30mm to 35mm base. It suits a player who wants real timber on a coffee table or a desk, or something that can travel, rather than a permanent set piece in a study.

- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess

 Compact folding chess board in sheesham and maple at 1,100g

Frequently asked questions
Are chess pieces included?

No. This listing is the board on its own, so the playing set is chosen and bought separately.

What size pieces suit these boards?

Pieces with a king base of around 30mm to 35mm, which is the window 40mm squares want. Measure the widest part of the king's base rather than working from the height quoted on the set, because two patterns of the same height can sit ten millimetres apart at the foot.

Are the three options the same size?

Almost. The ebony and maple and sheesham and maple options are 32cm across, 10mm thick and 1,100g. The bud rosewood and maple option is 32.5cm across, 8mm thick and 1,200g. The 40mm squares are common to all three.

Will a full size club set fit on it?

No. Sets turned for 50mm or 55mm squares are too large for a 40mm square and will crowd each other. Those want a board cut to their own square size, such as our 53cm sheesham and maple board, which runs 55mm squares.

How should the board be looked after?

Keep it out of direct sun and away from heat, wipe it with a dry soft cloth, and avoid standing drinks on the playing surface. It is not waterproof and it is not UV resistant.
Specifications

Spec

Detail

Square size

40mm (1.57 inch) on every option

Ebony and maple

32cm x 32cm (12.5 inch), 10mm thick, 1,100g

Sheesham and maple

32cm x 32cm (12.5 inch), 10mm thick, 1,100g

Bud rosewood and maple

32.5cm x 32.5cm (12.8 inch), 8mm thick, 1,200g

Format

Folding

Timbers

Ebony (Diospyros Ebenum), sheesham (Dalbergia Sissoo) or bud rosewood (Dalbergia Oliveri), each with maple (Acer oblongum)

Suggested king base (our guidance for 40mm squares)

Around 30mm to 35mm (1.18 inch to 1.37 inch)

Weight tolerance

Handmade, up to 10 percent either way

Chess pieces

Not included
What's In The Box?

One folding chess board in your chosen timber pairing
40mm squares on every option
Playing sets are sold separately and are not part of this listing

Warranty

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.

FREE Shipping

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.

100 Day FREE Returns

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.

Why Buy From Us?

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.

Description

Folding Chess Board with 40mm Squares

A compact board in three timber pairings, cut with 40mm squares on every one of them. The square size is the thread that runs through the listing: whichever timber you choose, the same set sits on it, so the choice here is about colour and grain rather than fit.

The ebony and maple option and the sheesham and maple option both measure 32cm across, run to 10mm thick and weigh 1,100g. The bud rosewood and maple option is built a little differently at 32.5cm across, 8mm thick and 1,200g. All three fold.

This is the board on its own, so the playing set is chosen separately. Larger surfaces in the same timbers sit across our chess boards collection, and this one is aimed at the player who wants a timber board that does not need a table given over to it.

 Sheesham and maple folding chess board, 32cm across with 40mm squares

Key features

  • 40mm squares on all three options, so one set suits whichever timber you pick
  • Ebony and maple, sheesham and maple, or bud rosewood and maple
  • Ebony and maple and sheesham and maple both measure 32cm across, 10mm thick, 1,100g
  • Bud rosewood and maple measures 32.5cm across, 8mm thick, 1,200g
  • Folds, so it stands on a shelf between games rather than occupying a table
  • Between 1,100g and 1,200g, light enough to move in one hand
  • Suited to pieces with a king base of around 30mm to 35mm
  • Board only, so it can be paired with a set you already own

How this folding board compares to the other boards we stock

Most of the timber boards on this site are single panels built to stay where they are put, and they are drawn for 45mm squares and upwards. This one is drawn at 40mm and it folds, which makes it a different proposition: a board for a coffee table, a desk corner or a weekend away rather than a board that lives permanently in one room.

The fixed board to put beside it is our 37cm sheesham and maple board with 38mm squares, a step up on both counts at 37cm across with 38mm squares, and a board that stays flat and stays where it is put. Against that, this listing trades a permanent playing surface for something you can put away in seconds, and it does so without giving up real timber on the squares.

Within the listing itself the decision is straightforward. Ebony and maple gives the hardest contrast between dark and light. Sheesham reads warmer and browner against the same maple. Bud rosewood is the reddest of the three, and it comes on the slightly wider, slightly thinner carcass.

 Bud rosewood and maple folding chess board measuring 32.5cm across

Choosing the right pieces

Fit is decided by the diameter of the king's base, not by the height of the king. Two sets that stand level with each other can differ by ten millimetres at the foot, and it is the foot that has to share a 40mm square with its neighbours. On 40mm squares we suggest a king base of around 30mm to 35mm.

At that ratio the king covers roughly three quarters of the square it stands on, and the pawns keep a clear margin. Go under it and the position looks marooned in the middle of the board. Go over it and adjacent bases begin to touch, which makes a crowded middlegame harder to read at a glance.

That window points at the smaller Staunton patterns rather than a club standard set, so measure the widest part of the king's base with a ruler before ordering. If you are buying the set at the same time, the base figure is quoted against every pattern in our Staunton chess pieces.

Three timbers, one square size

Ebony and maple is the sharpest of the three. A near black square against a pale, even one, with very little grain on the light side to compete with the position sitting on top of it. Sheesham and maple softens that, sheesham reading warm brown with visible figure where ebony reads flat and dark. Bud rosewood and maple is the reddest and the most decorative of the group.

Eight squares at 40mm come to 32cm end to end, so the playing grid measures 32cm across on every one of the three options. It is a lot of usable board for a footprint this size.

The maple light squares are common to all three, which is worth knowing if you are choosing between them on a screen. The difference you are looking at is the dark timber and, on the bud rosewood option, a carcass that is 8mm rather than 10mm.

 Ebony and maple folding chess board built to 10mm thick

A board that folds, and what that means day to day

Folding is the practical argument for this listing. A 32cm board that folds goes into a drawer, a shelf or a bag between games, which is the difference between a board that gets used on a small table and one that never comes out of the cupboard because there is nowhere to leave it standing.

Weight helps here too. Between 1,100g and 1,200g it is substantial enough to feel like timber under the hand and light enough to carry to a club night or a holiday house without thinking about it. These are handmade items, so the finished weight can vary by up to 10 percent either way.

Care is simple. Keep it out of direct sun and away from heat vents, wipe it with a dry soft cloth, and do not stand a drink on the playing surface. Timber and moisture are a poor combination, and a board this thin has less mass to absorb a spill than a heavy panel does.

Our expert take

The useful thing about this listing is that all three options share the same 40mm square, so you can pick the timber you like and buy the pieces once. The caveat is scale: 32cm is a genuinely compact board, and a club standard set turned for 50mm or 55mm squares will look and feel wrong on it, so this only works if you are buying smaller pieces or already own a set on a 30mm to 35mm base. It suits a player who wants real timber on a coffee table or a desk, or something that can travel, rather than a permanent set piece in a study.

- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess

 Compact folding chess board in sheesham and maple at 1,100g

Frequently asked questions
Are chess pieces included?

No. This listing is the board on its own, so the playing set is chosen and bought separately.

What size pieces suit these boards?

Pieces with a king base of around 30mm to 35mm, which is the window 40mm squares want. Measure the widest part of the king's base rather than working from the height quoted on the set, because two patterns of the same height can sit ten millimetres apart at the foot.

Are the three options the same size?

Almost. The ebony and maple and sheesham and maple options are 32cm across, 10mm thick and 1,100g. The bud rosewood and maple option is 32.5cm across, 8mm thick and 1,200g. The 40mm squares are common to all three.

Will a full size club set fit on it?

No. Sets turned for 50mm or 55mm squares are too large for a 40mm square and will crowd each other. Those want a board cut to their own square size, such as our 53cm sheesham and maple board, which runs 55mm squares.

How should the board be looked after?

Keep it out of direct sun and away from heat, wipe it with a dry soft cloth, and avoid standing drinks on the playing surface. It is not waterproof and it is not UV resistant.
Specifications

Spec

Detail

Square size

40mm (1.57 inch) on every option

Ebony and maple

32cm x 32cm (12.5 inch), 10mm thick, 1,100g

Sheesham and maple

32cm x 32cm (12.5 inch), 10mm thick, 1,100g

Bud rosewood and maple

32.5cm x 32.5cm (12.8 inch), 8mm thick, 1,200g

Format

Folding

Timbers

Ebony (Diospyros Ebenum), sheesham (Dalbergia Sissoo) or bud rosewood (Dalbergia Oliveri), each with maple (Acer oblongum)

Suggested king base (our guidance for 40mm squares)

Around 30mm to 35mm (1.18 inch to 1.37 inch)

Weight tolerance

Handmade, up to 10 percent either way

Chess pieces

Not included
What's In The Box?

One folding chess board in your chosen timber pairing
40mm squares on every option
Playing sets are sold separately and are not part of this listing

Warranty

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.

FREE Shipping

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.

100 Day FREE Returns

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.

Why Buy From Us?

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.