How to Make a Checkerboard

For a Game Board or Just Rustic Decor

The checkerboard pattern has long been associated with Americana.  The oldest boards would have been scratched on bark, or in the dirt, so they no longer survive. 

You can make a rustic checkerboard to hang on the wall, or as a tea tray or table top.

In one of my gathering phases I ended up with a whole lot of kitchen cabinet doors cast off from renovations or as seconds (those damaged or not good enough to sell). 

There were a mishmash of styles, one of which are flat plywood edged in a darker type of solid wood.  They are birch veneer which is top end material for making kitchen cabinet doors.

At first I didn't know what they would be good for, but on closer inspection they made the perfect start to a new line of tea trays and table tops.

So here's what happened; first, I did some research to find out the correct number of squares for a checkerboard - it turns out it's the same for a chessboard - eight across and eight down, in alternating colours.

For this particular checkerboard I used the vinegar and steel wool method of staining the wood.

Once the two coats were dry, I used a coat of Varathane Diamond Coat to seal it all.

The checkerboard, with one coat of the sealant, will stand up to use as a game board, hung on the wall as a decorative item or as a tea tray.  Two coats will make it weatherproof.

A sleek tray like this should have at least one rustic touch - using rusty bolts wired on with tie wire for the handles adds that in spades.

Learn what it takes to be creative - we all have the gene but how do we develop it? Get the free guide! Fill in the form below for your copy; (Don't be disappointed - use an email address that will accept the free download - some .aol email addresses won't.  If you don't see your download within a few minutes, try again with another email address - sorry for the bother.)

This Form cannot be submitted until the missing fields (labelled below in red) have been filled in
Free How To Be Creative Guide
Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.
First Name*
E-Mail Address*
Put Your E-Mail Adress Again;
	Join the Newsletter group!
GDPR*	I am at least 16 years of age. I have read and accept the privacy policy. I understand that you will use my information to contact me or send me the information I requested.
Please enter the word that you see below.

---

All images and text on this site are copyrighted