Last Updated on July 17, 2024 by teamobn
Chess is one of the oldest and most popular board games in the world. It is a game of strategy and tactics and is enjoyed by people of all ages. Chess is a great way to exercise your mind and can be played by anyone regardless of age or experience level. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, chess is a game that you can enjoy for a lifetime.
An outdoor garden chess board would be a lovely addition to any home. Not only would it provide a beautiful and unique focal point for your garden, but it would also be a great way to entertain guests.
Outdoor garden chess boards are available in a variety of materials, including wood, stone, and even metal.
You can also find them in a variety of sizes, so you can choose one that fits your garden perfectly.
If you’re looking for a truly unique garden chess board, you may want to consider having one custom-made. This way, you can choose the material, size, and design that you want.
This DIY garden chess board is a great way to spend quality time with the family. Not only do you get to bond with each other, but you are also able to stimulate the brain to think. These games are usually recommended for brain development and the enhancement of one’s critical thinking skills. This project is easy and cheap to make, and it will provide hours of entertainment for the whole family. You can find the tutorial for this chess board here.
Our family loves chess and we have our father to thank for that. He’s an excellent chess player and we’ve all grown to love the game because of him. For his 60th birthday, we decided to surprise him with an outdoor chessboard. It was a hit! We’ve enjoyed many family chess tournaments on that board over the years.
Chess is a great game for promoting family bonding and competition in a healthy, fun way. We’re so grateful to our dad for introducing us to the game and we hope to pass on our love of chess to future generations.
We stumbled across this amazing DIY garden chessboard project on the internet and we were instantly hooked. The steps were straightforward and easy to follow, and the materials were all readily available. We love how this project turned out, and it was such a fun way to spend an afternoon.
If you’re looking for a fun gardening project to take on, we highly recommend giving this one a try. You can make your own garden chess board in no time. You’ll surely have lots of fun making it and then playing with it afterwards.
Contents
Building a Garden Chess Board
Materials
- Mosaic tiles
- Grout
- Hardiebacker
- Construction adhesive
- Tile border
- Flex bond crack prevention mortar
Tools
- Electric screwdriver with screws
- Sharpie/markers
- Trowel
- Wet sponge
- Towel
Instructions
Step 1: Design Your Chess Board Layout
- On the Hardiebacker board, sketch the chess board’s configuration with a Sharpie or markers. An 8 by 8 grid of squares makes a conventional chess board 64 squares overall. Every square should be big enough to house your biggest chess piece.
Step 2: Cut and Prepare the Hardiebacker Board
- Using the electric screwdriver with the suitable cutting attachment, cut the Hardiebacker board to your preferred size. Check the surface for consistency and smoothness.
Step 3: Apply Construction Adhesive
- On the section of the Hardiebacker board you will be laying tiles, cover with construction glue. Level the adhesive using the trowel.
Step 4: Place the Mosaic Tiles
- Start laying your mosaic tiles on the board using the pattern you noted. Work your way across from one corner to guarantee consistency and alignment. Press every tile solidly into the adhesive.
Step 5: Apply Tile Border
- Install the tile border around the board’s edges once every mosaic tile is set. This lends a completed aspect and helps define the playing area.
Step 6: Let the Adhesive Set
- To guarantee the tiles are firmly fixed, let the building glue dry totally. It usually takes at least 24 hours.
Step 7: Apply Grout
- Follow manufacturer’s directions for grouting mixings. Apply grout between the tiles with the trowel, being sure to completely fill every space. Along with keeping the tiles in place, the grout keeps trash and water out of under them.
Step 8: Clean the Tiles
- Wipe up any extra grout from the tile surface with a moist sponge as you work. Take great care not to extract grout between the tiles.
Step 9: Apply Flex Bond Mortar
- Over the grout, cover with a layer of Flex bond crack preventing mortar once the grout has set. This increases the grout’s longevity and helps to avoid cracking—qualities necessary for outdoor environments.
Step 10: Final Cleaning and Sealing
- Clean the area completely using a moist towel once the mortar has set. Before weatherproof sealant fit for outdoor usage, let the whole chess board cure for a few days.
Step 11: Installation in Your Garden
- Choose a suitable location in your garden where the chess board will be installed. You can either embed it into the ground or mount it on a raised platform.
Step 12: Enjoy Your Garden Chess Board
- Place your chess pieces on the board and enjoy playing outdoor chess with family and friends.
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Do you love the idea of an outdoor garden chess board? If so, you can follow the step-by-step guide in the video below. This guide will show you how to build your own garden chess board, so you can enjoy a summer day playing chess in your own backyard. With this video, you’ll be able to build your own garden chess board quickly and easily.
So what are you waiting for? Gather all the needed materials and get started! You can get step-by-step instructions here…
Landscaping Ideas Around the Chess Board
Enhancing your garden with a DIY garden chess board not only provides a unique entertainment space but also offers numerous landscaping opportunities. Surrounding your garden chess board with thoughtfully chosen landscaping elements can turn an ordinary backyard into a stunning visual and functional retreat.
Here are some landscaping ideas that will complement your garden chess board and create an inviting outdoor space.
Plant Borders
Adding plant borders around your garden chess board can create a natural frame that enhances its visibility and beauty. Choose low-growing shrubs or perennial plants that won’t obstruct the view of the board. Plants like lavender or boxwood provide a pleasant aroma and a neat, structured look. This green framing also helps to define the playing area, making the garden chess board a standout feature in your garden.
Pathways
Consider installing a pathway leading to your garden chess board. This not only makes the chess area more accessible but also integrates it into the overall design of your garden. Materials like flagstone, pavers, or decomposed granite can be used to create a pathway that complements the aesthetic of your chess board. A well-designed pathway invites guests to step up and engage in a game, making the garden chess board a central gathering point.
Seating Areas
To enhance the functionality and comfort of your garden chess board area, add seating around the board. This can be as simple as a couple of benches or as elaborate as a built-in seating arrangement. With comfortable seating, players and spectators can enjoy long hours of gameplay. Additionally, these seating areas can be used for other purposes when the chess board is not in use, making them a versatile addition to your garden.
Lighting
Proper lighting can transform the garden chess board area into an enchanting spot for evening games. Strategic placement of low-voltage landscape lights can illuminate the chess pieces and board without being overpowering. Solar-powered lights are a great option as they are environmentally friendly and easy to install. Proper lighting ensures that your garden chess board is a functional and inviting space, day or night.
Water Features
Incorporating a water feature near your garden chess board can add a sense of tranquility and elegance to the environment. A small fountain or a birdbath not only serves as a delightful visual element but also attracts birds and butterflies. The gentle sound of water can enhance the serene atmosphere, making your garden chess board area a peaceful retreat.
By integrating these landscaping ideas, your garden chess board will become more than just a place for games; it will be a focal point of beauty and activity in your backyard. This approach not only maximizes the enjoyment of your outdoor space but also potentially increases the value of your property.
Conclusion
Constructing a garden chess board is a fulfilling hobby that improves the appearance and use of your outside area. It provides an innovative approach to interact with friends and relatives, therefore promoting both leisure and strategic thinking. Not only will finishing this project provide you with a distinctive leisure space but also a gorgeous focus piece for your landscape.
For more decorative garden ideas, check out our concrete bench project next!
