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Forty millimetres is the figure to start with. Most timber chess boards are built somewhere between 12mm and 25mm through, and a board at 40mm is not a difference you have to go looking for. It shows in the edge, it is obvious the moment a corner is lifted, and it is the reason this board reads as furniture rather than as equipment.
The playing squares are sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo) against maple (Acer oblongum), and the whole chequered area sits inside a frame of sheesham as well. Sheesham is the Indian timber also sold as golden rosewood: a warm brown with open, visible grain that stays legible across a square rather than closing into a flat tone. Using it for both the dark squares and the surround gives the board one timber family rather than a hard three way contrast.
The squares are 56mm, so eight of them make a playing grid 44.8cm across with roughly 4.2cm of frame on every side, and the underside is felted in green velvet. A king base of 40mm to 45mm is what those squares are matched to, which is standard club and tournament sizing. Other footprints and other timbers sit across our chess boards collection.
The closest comparison on the site is the Players Choice sheesham and maple board at the same footprint, which uses the same sheesham and the same maple across the same 53cm footprint with the same felted underside. Two things separate them. That board runs 55mm squares with no frame around the play and is built at 20mm; this one runs 56mm squares inside a sheesham surround and is twice as deep through the section. If you want the timber and the size at their most straightforward, that is the board. If you want the same materials given weight and an edge, this is.
For the framed idea in a different palette, the 55.3cm ebony and maple board inside a sheesham frame puts near black ebony and maple inside a sheesham frame at 30mm through. The contrast there is deliberately hard, with the middle brown of the frame separating two extremes. This board keeps everything in the warm register instead, so the frame and the dark squares are close relatives rather than opposites, and the play reads as part of a single object rather than as a graphic dropped into a border.
Set against a board that arrives underneath a set of chessmen, this is a different class of thing entirely. Bundled boards are built thin so the package ships cheaply, and they are the first part of that purchase most owners replace. A board at this section is built the other way round, with depth and the frame taking priority, and it is bought to outlast whatever stands on it first.
Base diameter decides the fit, not the height of the king. Two sets standing at the same height can differ by eight or ten millimetres at the foot, and it is the foot that has to share a 56mm square with its neighbours. This board is cut for a king base of 40mm to 45mm.
That window follows the usual proportion closely. A base covering roughly three quarters of its square leaves a clean margin of timber all round, and three quarters of 56mm is about 42mm, which sits neatly in the middle of the range rather than at either end. It also means a set drawn for 55mm squares gains a fraction of extra air here rather than losing any, so anything already suited to a standard club board will look right on this one.
Weighted club and tournament patterns are the natural match. The Modern Staunton Genuine Ebony 95mm stands on a 43mm base and is cut for 55mm squares, so it lands mid window here with a clear margin around every foot. Push to 45mm and the back rank fills generously; drop far below 40mm and a full army starts to look small against 44.8cm of playing grid. A set drawn for 60mm squares will foot at 48mm or more and belongs on a larger board.
Section thickness is the specification most easily skipped when buying a board online, and it is the one that most changes how a board behaves in use. At 40mm this one has a deep visible edge, it stands well proud of the table, and there is no flex anywhere in it. Set a piece down firmly at one corner and nothing at the opposite corner registers it.
Depth also changes what the board looks like when nobody is playing. A thin board reads as a surface laid on a table; a board with this much edge reads as an object sitting on one, and the frame reinforces that by giving the chequer a defined boundary rather than letting it run off a cut edge. That is why a board like this tends to stay set up between games instead of going into a cupboard.
The honest consequence is that a board built this way wants a permanent home and a table that suits it. It is not something to slide behind a sofa at the end of an evening, and if a board has to be put away after every session a slimmer one will serve you better. We would rather say that here than have it arrive as a surprise.
Framing a board is a second decision a maker has to take, and plenty skip it because it costs an extra operation and more timber. Here the sheesham and maple chequer sits inside a band of sheesham roughly 4.2cm wide on each side. It draws a hard boundary around the playing area so the eye stays inside the game rather than running onto the table, and it gives the board an orientation, which sounds like nothing until you have set up on a borderless board that offers no reference at all.
Because the frame and the dark squares are the same timber, the surround is a companion to the play rather than a contrast with it. The result is warmer and quieter than a board framed in an opposing colour, and it suits a room with other timber furniture in it. The trade is that the boundary is softer, so if you want the playing area to snap out of its frame, an ebony chequer inside a sheesham surround does that far more emphatically.
The squares themselves are 56mm rather than the 55mm you see on most club boards, and the difference is real without being dramatic. It buys about a millimetre of extra timber around each piece on a full back rank, which reads as a slightly more open board. Care is the usual: keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heaters and vents, wipe it with a dry or barely damp cloth, and never stand a glass on the playing surface.
The strength here is the section and the frame working together, because 40mm of depth inside a sheesham surround makes a board that stays set up as furniture rather than being packed away, and the 56mm squares take the weighted club patterns most players already own. The caveat is that the frame is the same timber as the dark squares, so the boundary between the play and the surround is softer than on a board framed in a contrasting wood, and a board built this deep wants a permanent place on a table that suits it rather than a shelf between games. It suits someone furnishing a room around a board they intend to keep, and it suits a buyer who needs to store the board between sessions rather poorly. If you want a harder separation between the chequer and its frame, the 53cm ebony and maple board with a sheesham border is the one to compare.
- 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.
It is 40mm through. Thickness is what keeps a board still when a move is set down hard, what stops any flex on a less than perfect table, and what gives the edge a real presence. On a board meant to live out permanently it matters more than almost anything else.
Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), the same timber as the dark squares, running roughly 4.2cm wide around the outside of the play. The light squares are maple.
No. A set drawn for 55mm squares fits with a fraction more room around each base, which is the direction you want the error to run. Aim for a king base of 40mm to 45mm and measure the widest part of the base rather than the height.
The Players Choice sheesham and maple board at the same footprint uses the same two timbers on the same footprint with 55mm squares, no frame and a slimmer section. This one adds the sheesham surround and considerably more depth, so it is the choice when the board is staying out between games.
Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heaters and vents, wipe it with a dry or barely damp soft cloth, and keep drinks off the playing surface. Timber at this depth prefers a stable indoor climate to a rapidly changing one.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
Board size |
53.3cm x 53.3cm (21 inch) |
|
Square size |
56mm |
|
Playing grid |
44.8cm across eight squares |
|
Board thickness |
40mm |
|
Dark squares |
Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo) |
|
Light squares |
Maple (Acer oblongum) |
|
Frame |
Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), also sold as golden rosewood |
|
Underside |
Felted in green velvet |
|
Recommended king base |
40mm to 45mm |
|
Chess pieces |
Not included |
One 53.3cm sheesham and maple chess board with a sheesham frame and 56mm 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.
Forty millimetres is the figure to start with. Most timber chess boards are built somewhere between 12mm and 25mm through, and a board at 40mm is not a difference you have to go looking for. It shows in the edge, it is obvious the moment a corner is lifted, and it is the reason this board reads as furniture rather than as equipment.
The playing squares are sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo) against maple (Acer oblongum), and the whole chequered area sits inside a frame of sheesham as well. Sheesham is the Indian timber also sold as golden rosewood: a warm brown with open, visible grain that stays legible across a square rather than closing into a flat tone. Using it for both the dark squares and the surround gives the board one timber family rather than a hard three way contrast.
The squares are 56mm, so eight of them make a playing grid 44.8cm across with roughly 4.2cm of frame on every side, and the underside is felted in green velvet. A king base of 40mm to 45mm is what those squares are matched to, which is standard club and tournament sizing. Other footprints and other timbers sit across our chess boards collection.
The closest comparison on the site is the Players Choice sheesham and maple board at the same footprint, which uses the same sheesham and the same maple across the same 53cm footprint with the same felted underside. Two things separate them. That board runs 55mm squares with no frame around the play and is built at 20mm; this one runs 56mm squares inside a sheesham surround and is twice as deep through the section. If you want the timber and the size at their most straightforward, that is the board. If you want the same materials given weight and an edge, this is.
For the framed idea in a different palette, the 55.3cm ebony and maple board inside a sheesham frame puts near black ebony and maple inside a sheesham frame at 30mm through. The contrast there is deliberately hard, with the middle brown of the frame separating two extremes. This board keeps everything in the warm register instead, so the frame and the dark squares are close relatives rather than opposites, and the play reads as part of a single object rather than as a graphic dropped into a border.
Set against a board that arrives underneath a set of chessmen, this is a different class of thing entirely. Bundled boards are built thin so the package ships cheaply, and they are the first part of that purchase most owners replace. A board at this section is built the other way round, with depth and the frame taking priority, and it is bought to outlast whatever stands on it first.
Base diameter decides the fit, not the height of the king. Two sets standing at the same height can differ by eight or ten millimetres at the foot, and it is the foot that has to share a 56mm square with its neighbours. This board is cut for a king base of 40mm to 45mm.
That window follows the usual proportion closely. A base covering roughly three quarters of its square leaves a clean margin of timber all round, and three quarters of 56mm is about 42mm, which sits neatly in the middle of the range rather than at either end. It also means a set drawn for 55mm squares gains a fraction of extra air here rather than losing any, so anything already suited to a standard club board will look right on this one.
Weighted club and tournament patterns are the natural match. The Modern Staunton Genuine Ebony 95mm stands on a 43mm base and is cut for 55mm squares, so it lands mid window here with a clear margin around every foot. Push to 45mm and the back rank fills generously; drop far below 40mm and a full army starts to look small against 44.8cm of playing grid. A set drawn for 60mm squares will foot at 48mm or more and belongs on a larger board.
Section thickness is the specification most easily skipped when buying a board online, and it is the one that most changes how a board behaves in use. At 40mm this one has a deep visible edge, it stands well proud of the table, and there is no flex anywhere in it. Set a piece down firmly at one corner and nothing at the opposite corner registers it.
Depth also changes what the board looks like when nobody is playing. A thin board reads as a surface laid on a table; a board with this much edge reads as an object sitting on one, and the frame reinforces that by giving the chequer a defined boundary rather than letting it run off a cut edge. That is why a board like this tends to stay set up between games instead of going into a cupboard.
The honest consequence is that a board built this way wants a permanent home and a table that suits it. It is not something to slide behind a sofa at the end of an evening, and if a board has to be put away after every session a slimmer one will serve you better. We would rather say that here than have it arrive as a surprise.
Framing a board is a second decision a maker has to take, and plenty skip it because it costs an extra operation and more timber. Here the sheesham and maple chequer sits inside a band of sheesham roughly 4.2cm wide on each side. It draws a hard boundary around the playing area so the eye stays inside the game rather than running onto the table, and it gives the board an orientation, which sounds like nothing until you have set up on a borderless board that offers no reference at all.
Because the frame and the dark squares are the same timber, the surround is a companion to the play rather than a contrast with it. The result is warmer and quieter than a board framed in an opposing colour, and it suits a room with other timber furniture in it. The trade is that the boundary is softer, so if you want the playing area to snap out of its frame, an ebony chequer inside a sheesham surround does that far more emphatically.
The squares themselves are 56mm rather than the 55mm you see on most club boards, and the difference is real without being dramatic. It buys about a millimetre of extra timber around each piece on a full back rank, which reads as a slightly more open board. Care is the usual: keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heaters and vents, wipe it with a dry or barely damp cloth, and never stand a glass on the playing surface.
The strength here is the section and the frame working together, because 40mm of depth inside a sheesham surround makes a board that stays set up as furniture rather than being packed away, and the 56mm squares take the weighted club patterns most players already own. The caveat is that the frame is the same timber as the dark squares, so the boundary between the play and the surround is softer than on a board framed in a contrasting wood, and a board built this deep wants a permanent place on a table that suits it rather than a shelf between games. It suits someone furnishing a room around a board they intend to keep, and it suits a buyer who needs to store the board between sessions rather poorly. If you want a harder separation between the chequer and its frame, the 53cm ebony and maple board with a sheesham border is the one to compare.
- 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.
It is 40mm through. Thickness is what keeps a board still when a move is set down hard, what stops any flex on a less than perfect table, and what gives the edge a real presence. On a board meant to live out permanently it matters more than almost anything else.
Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), the same timber as the dark squares, running roughly 4.2cm wide around the outside of the play. The light squares are maple.
No. A set drawn for 55mm squares fits with a fraction more room around each base, which is the direction you want the error to run. Aim for a king base of 40mm to 45mm and measure the widest part of the base rather than the height.
The Players Choice sheesham and maple board at the same footprint uses the same two timbers on the same footprint with 55mm squares, no frame and a slimmer section. This one adds the sheesham surround and considerably more depth, so it is the choice when the board is staying out between games.
Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heaters and vents, wipe it with a dry or barely damp soft cloth, and keep drinks off the playing surface. Timber at this depth prefers a stable indoor climate to a rapidly changing one.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
Board size |
53.3cm x 53.3cm (21 inch) |
|
Square size |
56mm |
|
Playing grid |
44.8cm across eight squares |
|
Board thickness |
40mm |
|
Dark squares |
Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo) |
|
Light squares |
Maple (Acer oblongum) |
|
Frame |
Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), also sold as golden rosewood |
|
Underside |
Felted in green velvet |
|
Recommended king base |
40mm to 45mm |
|
Chess pieces |
Not included |
One 53.3cm sheesham and maple chess board with a sheesham frame and 56mm 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.
