Chess set with storage box, in maple and walnut

This custom chess set with storage was handcrafted from solid maple and walnut — two hardwoods chosen for their natural contrast in color and grain. The alternating maple and walnut squares create the classic chessboard pattern entirely in solid wood, with no stain or dye required to achieve the light and dark contrast. The result is a board that looks as good on a shelf as it does in play.

The set includes oversized chess pieces scaled to the large board, giving the set a substantial, commanding presence. At this scale the piece functions equally well as a chess set decor item — a statement piece for a living room, office, or library — as it does as a fully functional playing set. The oversized pieces are satisfying to handle and easy to read from across a large board.

The storage box is an integral part of the design — the chess board itself serves as the lid, lifting off to reveal the storage compartment below where all the pieces are housed when not in use. This keeps the set self-contained and eliminates the need for a separate storage solution. The box and board together form a unified object that looks intentional whether open or closed.

Hard wax oil finish throughout gives both the maple and walnut a natural, tactile feel that enhances the contrast between the two woods without obscuring their natural character. The finish protects the playing surface while keeping the wood looking and feeling like the real material it is.

A large handcrafted wooden chess set of this quality makes an exceptional gift for a serious chess player, a collector, or anyone who appreciates fine woodworking. Every set is built to order and can be customized in size, wood species, and piece style.

Handcrafted by beth & co. woodworks, based in Sierra Vista, AZ. 

wood species: maple, walnut

delivered to: Austin, texas