8 Best Chess Tables (Our Top Picks)
Chess tables come in a variety of sizes and materials. To pick the best one, you need to consider the overall look and longevity of the table. While some materials are better suited to indoor use, with the right table, chess players can enjoy the occasional game outdoors.
Of course, a chess table doesn’t only have to be for chess.
If you’re planning on using your favorite chess pieces with your new table, finding one that has built-in storage is key.
Chess tables are also considerably more expensive than a standard chess set, and so they should be considered an investment for serious, chess-crazy players.
We know that finding a table that ticks all of the boxes we’ve listed can be daunting, which is why we’ve compiled a list of our favorite tables for you. All you have to do is decide where you’re going to put your beautiful table.
8 Best Chess Tables (Our Review)
House Of Staunton Signature Traditional Chess Table With Built In Chessboard
House of Staunton is known for its supreme quality and luxurious chess sets and products. The Signature Traditional is no exception as each table is handcrafted and personally signed by master craftsman Nate Cohen.
The base is created using white oak and is finished with a semi-gloss walnut top finish. White oak is known for being some of the strongest wood, making the table sturdy and durable. The tabletop is 32 inches wide and 42 inches long and the table has a height of 30 inches.
The unique chessboard top is made up of maple and Brazilian ebony, creating a stark and beautiful contrast between the squares. You can choose between 2-inch or 2 ⅝-inch squares, allowing you to tailor your table to suit the pieces you plan on using. The standard board size is 22.5 x 22.5 inches with a 2-inch square.
While the table does not include chessmen, it has a pull-out storage drawer to house your favorite chess set.
While we think that this table is absolutely stunning, it’s not a good idea to keep it outside. The wood is sensitive to sunlight which will bleach the delicate varnish and any rain or moisture will result in warping, leaving your brand new table functionally useless.
Pros
- Handcrafted
- Personally signed
- Crafted from quality material
Cons
- Expensive
- Not for outdoor use
House Of Staunton Camaratta Signature Championship Chess Table
If you’re looking for a House of Staunton Camaratta Signature Championship table that’s a little more affordable than the Signature Traditional, the Camaratta wooden chess table is just that. Although it comes at a lower price point, it’s just as luxurious and elegant as its big brother.
The chessboard is double-sided, with both a 2¼ -inch and 2½ -inch square to accommodate sets with king heights between 3½ and 4⅓ inches. It’s fashioned out of maple and Macassar ebony and measures 22.75 x 22.75 inches.
Additionally, the table has a surface of 38 inches long and 32 inches wide, and will easily fit your chess clock, score pad, and captured chessmen.
The mahogany table is 30 inches tall and is fitted with padded leather armrests, so you can play for hours and not worry about getting uncomfortable or sore.
Similar to the Signature, the Camaratta has built-in storage drawers for your chess pieces. The inside of the drawer is marked with both the House of Staunton and Camaratta logos.
What really excites us about this set is that it has been designed by Frank Camaratta himself. Frank is an internationally recognized expert in antique Staunton sets and is the founder of the House of Staunton. This table would make a fantastic addition to any chess enthusiast’s collection.
Like the Signature Traditional, the Camaratta chess table isn’t meant to be used outside as it will warp and get damaged in the sun.
Pros
- Reversible board
- Leather armrests
- Designed by Frank Camaratta
Cons
- Indoor use only
Chess USA Outdoor Cement Chess Table
Outdoor chess tables make a fun and interesting addition to any park, school, or backyard. Immune to almost any weather, outdoor tables are known for their durability. So if you’re looking to spice up your outside recreation, this chess table may just be for you.
The Chess USA outdoor chessboard is inlaid with 2-inch green and white terrazzo squares, and the cement table comes with a standard 16-inch board size. The overall table dimensions are 32 x 32 inches wide and 31 inches tall.
You won’t have to struggle to find outdoor seating for your table, either, as the set comes will 2 moveable cement stools. The stools have a hollow core, making them lightweight and easy to move.
While it’s a nice inclusion, you’ll probably need to get some extra cushions to go along with the set as the stools can get pretty uncomfortable after a few games.
The set is slightly more expensive than an indoor table, but considering the addition of the two stools and the robust materials it’s made of, we think the price is more than justified.
Pros
- Ideal for outdoor use
- Durable
- Immune to elements
Cons
- No storage for chess pieces
- Expensive
Chess USA 23″ Italian Elm Root Pedestal Chess Table With Drawer, 2″ Squares
Chess is known for its timeless elegance, so why not get a chess table that speaks true to its regality? This stunning table is made in Italy and has a beautiful antique look while staying chic and understated.
The Chess USA Italian chess table is made from Italian elm root and has a unique scalloped design around the playing surface. The luxurious and solid wood will pair well with almost any wooden chess piece set, which can be safely stored in one of the two pull-out storage drawers built into the chess table.
Perfect for putting on display or playing a slow game of chess, the 23-inch playing surface boasts a 16.25 x 16.25-inch chessboard. The table also stands at 27 inches tall.
Although we love the antiqued look of the Italian Pedestal chess table, it may not blend with more modern decor. The table may be best suited for a library or home office.
Pros
- Pairs well with wooden chess sets
- Antique look
- Made of luxury wood
Cons
- May not fit with some decor styles
Chess USA Solid Cherry Wood Pedestal Chess Checker & Backgammon Game Table
Why settle for a plain-old chess table when you could have a 3-in-1 game table instead?
This chess, checker, and backgammon table is derived from American hardwood lumber that has been certified as eco-friendly by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). With a cherry wood table top and walnut and maple chessboard, the Cherry Wood Pedestal game table will add a touch of style to any room.
The chessboard itself is 20 x 20 inches and has a square size of 2.5 inches. The table is 31.5 inches tall and has a unique rounded top that measures 32 inches in diameter.
Unlike other chess tables, the Cherry Wood Pedestal comes with a full Staunton-style chess set. With a 4-inch king, the chess pieces are carved and detailed using Sheesham and Kari wood. They’re also weighted and felted to ensure the longevity of both the pieces and the chessboard.
The table has built-in storage drawers to store all of your chess, checkers, and backgammon game pieces as well.
Pros
- 3-in-1 game table
- Chess pieces included
- SFI-certified eco friendly
- Crafted from quality material
Cons
- Expensive
Chess House Walnut Maple Premium Hardwood Chess Table
The Walnut Premium table is handmade by a fifth generational wood craftsman and is offered in two styles.
The table comes with the option of maple or a blend of maple and walnut perimeter. Both of the options are stunning, so you can rest easy knowing your table will be the envy of all of your friends no matter which one you choose.
The table also comes with a choice of a 2 or 2½ -inch square size, so you can make the table your own. The square size determines the size of the board, although the table is compatible with boards between 21 – 21 ⅛ -inches.
With a 4-inch border around the board, players can easily fit their chess clock or captured chessmen around the perimeter, so there’s no worry of knocking things over during play. There’s also enough storage in the table to fit your chessmen and other accessories so everything’s neat and packed away.
Similar to the Italian Pedestal table, the Walnut Premium is made of sustainably sourced wood. It’s great to see our favorite chess companies and manufacturers taking an active role in sustainability. It’s clear that Chess House doesn’t only care about profit, they’re concerned with their customers and the planet too.
The table itself sports a 30 x 30-inch tabletop and stands at 29.5 inches.
Pros
- Sustainably sourced wood
- Handmade
- Semi-customizable
Cons
- Modern look – not suitable for all decor
Chess House 23.5″ Italian Marble Chess Table
We’re obsessing over this stunning chess table – with its solid walnut and mahogany tabletop and genuine Italian marble inlays, it’s one of the most lavish tables on the market.
The elegant Chess House Italian Marble tabletop rests on an ornate pillar attached to a wooden base and stands at 27 ⅜ inches tall. The large chessboard measures 20 inches with 2 ½ -inch squares, making it compatible with almost all standard-sized chess piece sets.
This handcrafted Italian beauty also has two storage drawers to house your favorite chessmen.
So if you’re looking for an awe-inspiring chess table for your office, library, or even your living room, the Italian Marble table is a perfect pick.
Pros
- Marble inlay
- Handcrafted
- Ornate
- Quality materials
Cons
- Expensive
Chess House 23″ Ultimate Italian Game Table
This fantastic handcrafted Chess House Italian table is the ideal addition to any game room. With the ability to play chess, checkers, and backgammon, it certainly packs a punch in terms of versatility and variety.
The top of the board is reversible and acts as a cover to close up the table. Once you turn it over, it transforms into the perfect chess and checkers board. The board is sunken into the tabletop so there are no unsightly seems and is inlaid with briarwood and maple. The chessboard has a 2-inch square size.
You can also remove the top to play a game of backgammon or cards. You could even use the lid as a surface to play your favorite board games.
The table dimensions are 27 inches tall and 23 inches wide.
Pros
- 4-in-1 game table
- Reversible lid
- High-quality wood
Cons
- Expensive
- Game pieces not included
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a chessboard to bring a touch of elegance and class to a room. But having an expensive set on display may not always be the best idea.
So why not avoid the risk of broken chessmen and invest in a permanent chess table?
Whether you’re looking for a decorative piece for your library or home office, or you want a permanent board in your living room for a quick game of chess, checkers, or cards, our picks for the 8 best tables have it all.
Best of all – you can sit down and play a chess game whenever you like.