Are wooden chess sets better than plastic ones?

Many people like wooden chess sets because they feel solid and look classic. They are usually more durable and can last for years if taken care of.

How do I maintain a wooden chess board?

Just wipe it with a soft dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners and do not leave it in direct sunlight or water for too long, as wood can warp.

Can I travel with a wooden chess set?

Yes, if it is a folding or magnetic set. Many wooden boards now come with storage inside so the pieces do not get lost while traveling.

Are all wooden chess sets handmade?

Not all of them. Some are machine-made, some are hand-carved. Handmade ones usually have more unique details but may cost a bit more.

The Best Wooden Chess Boards for Every Budget (August 2025)

Chess is a game where you think and plan ahead, and having a wooden board makes it feel even better. In India, you can find boards for every budget, from low cost to premium ones. These top five picks are sturdy, look good, and great for playing.

By : Aman Tiwari
Last Updated on Aug 28, 2025 23:00 IST
Published on Aug 28, 2025 23:00 IST

How does a chess board really matter? When you sit down to play, the board is where all the thinking and planning happens. It is the place where each move feels like it means something. A good wooden board just makes the game feel better, the sound of the pieces and the weight of it all adds something real. In India you can get boards in all price ranges, from very cheap ones to those premium looking sets that you just want to keep on a table all the time.

Some people just want a simple board to play on every day and some people want something solid that will last for years. The top five picks here cover every kind of budget and they are made to look good and take a lot of use. You really do not need to spend crazy money to enjoy the game with a board that feels right.

Explore more options of chess boards in our others section.

Top Five Products

BCBESTCHESS Chess Set Wooden Magnetic Chess Board
This BCBESTCHESS chess set feels pretty great to use. The pieces have magnets so they stay in place, even if you tilt the board or play outside on a table that is not so steady. It is really handy for taking on trips or just carrying around. The board folds up so it does not take much room and you can slip it in a bag. Inside there is a small storage area with felt lining so the pieces do not rattle around or get lost. The bottoms of the pieces have felt too, which keeps them quiet and stops scratches on the board. They even added two extra queens so you can try different games. Everything is made from solid wood and it looks nice without being too shiny or cheap. It is just a fun chess set for two people and it feels solid when you play on it.
01
Playminds All 21" X 21" Tournament Size
This is a really nice chess set from Playminds and it feels solid when you use it. The board is made from wooden laminated material so it is strong and not flimsy at all. It is pretty big too, about 21 by 21 inches, and it actually matches the official FIDE rules, so you could even use it for real tournaments if you wanted. It works great for people just starting to play and also for players who take the game more serious. You can carry it to school, office, or even trips without much trouble because it is not too heavy. The set has 1 board, 32 pieces, 2 extra queens so you never lose them, and a small pouch to keep all the pieces together. It is simple, practical and just fun to play with anywhere you go.
02
PALM ROYAL HANDICRAFTS Handmade Foldable Magnetic Chess Board
This chess board from Palm Royal Handicrafts is 14 by 14 inches and made from real wood so it feels strong and nice to use. The pieces got magnets that hold really good, way better then other magnetic sets I have seen before. The surface is smooth so you can slide the pieces easy and they do not scratch because there is soft velvet at the bottom of each piece. The board folds up and inside there is green velvet with little cushions so everything stays safe and you dont loose pieces when you carry it. You can take it anywhere, play at home, or even on trips. Playing on this board is fun and also good for thinking and planning ahead. Kids can learn strategy and play together while having fun at the same time. It just feels like a simple solid chess set you will keep using for long time.
03
Niwlix Chess Board Set Wooden Magnetic Portable Board Game
This Niwlix wooden chess set is a good pick if you like to play chess anywhere you go. The pieces are hand carved and have magnets, so they stay in place and do not slide around even if you move the board a bit. Inside the board there are little storage spots, so you can keep every piece where it belongs and not lose them. The board is handmade too, you can see the small details, it feels solid and smooth because it is hand grinded and carved. It makes a really nice gift for kids or adults who enjoy chess, good for Christmas, birthdays or any holiday really. It is simple but also feels kind of special because everything is wood and not cheap plastic.
04
BCBESTCHESS Wooden Handcrafted Foldable Magnetic Chess Board
This BCBESTCHESS wooden chess set is really nice to use. The board and pieces are made from smooth polished wood and the magnets are pretty strong, so even if you flip the board the pieces stay right where they are supposed to be. No more worrying about pieces falling off when you play outside or take it on a trip. The board folds up which makes it easy to carry and there are little buttons that keep it closed so nothing drops out. The pieces feel smooth and they do not scratch the board, and the grooves hold them steady while you move them around. It also keeps the game quiet which is great when you are trying to think about your next move. Overall it just feels solid and simple to play on anywhere.
05

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Faq's

Are wooden chess sets better than plastic ones?
+
Many people like wooden chess sets because they feel solid and look classic. They are usually more durable and can last for years if taken care of.
How do I maintain a wooden chess board?
+
Just wipe it with a soft dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners and do not leave it in direct sunlight or water for too long, as wood can warp.
Can I travel with a wooden chess set?
+
Yes, if it is a folding or magnetic set. Many wooden boards now come with storage inside so the pieces do not get lost while traveling.
Are all wooden chess sets handmade?
+
Not all of them. Some are machine-made, some are hand-carved. Handmade ones usually have more unique details but may cost a bit more.