Folding vs Solid Wooden Chess Sets: Which Should You Buy?

Choosing a wooden chess set starts with a practical question: will you pack it away after each game, take it on your travels, or leave it on display?

A folding chess set is convenient for storage and transport. A solid, non-folding board suits a dedicated playing space or a display in your home or office. Neither is automatically better. The right choice depends on how you want to use it.

At Things From Africa, our handcrafted African wooden chess sets are made by artisans in Malawi and sold online and from our Cape Town shop. This guide compares the two board styles, explains the available sizes and helps you choose a set that fits your space.

What is a folding wooden chess set?

A folding chessboard closes in half. Our folding sets store the playing pieces inside the board, keeping the set together when it is not in use.

This makes a folding set a practical choice if you want to clear the table after a game or take your chess set to a friend's home. You still need to consider its dimensions and protect the board and carved pieces during transport, but the folding design makes packing it away simpler.

Our folding chess sets come in two board sizes, measured when open:

• 20 × 20 cm: a compact option when storage space or portability is your priority.
• 32 × 32 cm: a larger folding option if you prefer more room to play while retaining built-in storage.

Each set includes a folding board and all 32 pieces, with African Animals or Classic piece designs to choose from.

Explore the folding chess sets.

What is a solid wooden chess set?

In this guide, “solid board” means a fixed, non-folding chessboard. It describes the board's format, not a claim that it is made from one single piece of wood.

Our solid-board sets have a carved border and a playing surface without a folding join through the centre. They are worth considering if you have a table, shelf or dedicated spot where you can leave your set between games.

A non-folding board can also become a decorative feature, allowing the carved pieces and natural wood character to remain on view. The trade-off is storage: the board stays at its full size, and you will need somewhere suitable to keep the pieces when they are not arranged on it.

Our solid-board chess sets come in:

• 35 × 35 cm: an option for home play or display where space is limited.
• 45 × 45 cm: a larger board for those who prefer a more substantial playing surface or display.

Each set includes a board and all 32 pieces, with African Animals or Classic designs available.

Explore the solid-board chess sets.

Folding or solid: how to decide

Choose folding if you expect to pack your set away regularly, want the pieces stored inside the board, or plan to take it with you.

Choose solid if you have a permanent place for your chess set, prefer a non-folding playing surface, or want to enjoy the board and pieces as part of your room's decor.

For either style, measure the space you intend to use. Allow room around the board for comfortable play and captured pieces. If you are buying a gift, think about the recipient's available space as well as their interest in chess.

Choose your board style and size separately from your piece design. African Animals and Classic options are available across both formats, so choosing a folding board does not mean giving up your preferred style of pieces.

What makes a handcrafted African chess set distinctive?

The appeal is not just in the game. It is also in the carving, the wood and the work of the people who make each set.

Our chess sets use African Blackwood, Mahogany and Beechwood. Natural differences in grain and colour, along with hand-carved details, give individual sets their own character. These are qualities to appreciate rather than an expectation that every piece will look identical.

If you enjoy wildlife-inspired designs, explore the African Animals pieces. If you prefer a more familiar chess-piece style, take a look at the Classic option. Compare the product photographs before choosing the design you would most enjoy playing with or displaying.

To learn more about the people behind the craft, visit Meet the Artisans.

Buying a wooden chess set as a gift

A handcrafted chess set can make a thoughtful birthday, anniversary, wedding, retirement or corporate gift. The most useful question is how the recipient will enjoy it.

For someone short on space or who likes taking games along on visits, consider a folding set. For someone with a study, office or favourite games table, a solid board may be a better fit.

Check the selected size and design on the product page before ordering. If you want engraving or another custom detail, contact us to discuss availability before placing your order.

See the chess sets in Cape Town

If you would rather compare the designs in person, visit Things From Africa at:

Shop 831, Watershed
17 Dock Rd, V&A Waterfront
Cape Town, 8002
South Africa

You can also browse our chess collection online and check the current options and availability on each product page.

The final choice

Choose a folding wooden chess set for convenient storage and transport. Choose a solid, non-folding board if you have space to keep it out for play or display.

Whichever you prefer, start with the right size for your space and the piece design you enjoy most. A chess set should be something you want to return to, whether for a quick game, a thoughtful challenge or simply to appreciate the craftsmanship.