Encyclopedia Vol. 4: The Canvas of Strategy – Board Construction & Mounting Systems
A vertical chessboard is not just a picture frame; understanding proper vertical chessboard construction is key to longevity. It is a complex sandwich of materials, hidden engineering, and gravity-defying mounts. In this chapter, we dissect the three tiers of our wall-mounted chess board designs, the unified 200-magnet standard, and how to safely hang a 15kg sculpture on your wall.
Executive Summary (Key Takeaways)
- Unified 200-Magnet Standard: Since September 2025, all premium boards contain 200 magnets in the board itself + 64 in the pieces.
- Dual Magnet Alignment: The system uses two magnets per piece to prevent rotation and ensure perfect vertical alignment (Active Geometry).
- Three Tiers: We offer distinct constructions: ChessboArt 800 (Solid Wood), ChessboRN (Veneer), and ChessClub (Composite).
- Mounting: Heavy wooden boards use recessed steel hangers, while lighter boards use adhesive systems. We also offer a Studio Easel option.
Introduction: The Board is the Engine
In Volume 2, we discussed how magnets pull pieces to the center. But what are they pulling against?
A vertical chessboard is not just a piece of plywood with a grid painted on it. If it were, the pieces would slide, the wood would warp under its own weight, and the aesthetics would feel cheap. At ChessboArt, we treat the board as a piece of fine furniture that happens to possess high-tech magnetic properties.
1. The "Hidden Grid" & Dual Magnet System
The magic of the ChessboArt 800 and ChessboRN series lies in what you don't see. To ensure absolute precision and playability, we have upgraded our production standard as of September 2025.
- The Dual Magnet System: This is critical. We do not rely on a single magnet. Both the piece and the board field contain magnets arranged to create a "lock." This prevents the piece from spinning or sliding.
- 200 Magnets in the Board: Every square has a magnet. Additionally, the side margins are fitted with magnets (Active Margins), allowing you to neatly store captured pieces right on the frame.
- Precision Milling: CNC machines drill pockets for these magnets with absolute accuracy.
2. The Three Tiers of Construction
Just as there are different tools for different jobs, we have developed three distinct construction methods. Each serves a specific purpose.
| 1. ChessboArt 800 (The Flagship) | 2. ChessboRN (The Modernist) | 3. ChessClub (The Trainer) |
|---|---|---|
| Material: Solid Wood (Walnut, Ash, Oak) | Material: High-grade Veneer & Plywood | Material: Metal Composite / Printed |
| Weight: ~15 kg (Heavy) | Weight: ~10 kg (Medium) | Weight: ~3 kg (Light) |
| Magnets (Board): 200 (Unified Standard) | Magnets (Board): 200 (Unified Standard) | Magnets (Board): Full ferromagnetic surface |
| Best for: Luxury homes, offices, collectors. | Best for: Modern lofts, designers ("Born/Burn" aesthetic). | Best for: Schools, clubs, outdoors. |
Which construction suits your space?
3. Why 800x800mm? (The Golden Mean)
We tested dozens of sizes. A 50cm board looks like a postage stamp on a large living room wall. A 100cm board dominates the room too aggressively.
The 800mm (80cm) Standard is the sweet spot:
- Visibility: Large enough to analyze a position from the sofa or dining table.
- Proportion: Matches standard artwork and furniture widths.
- Ergonomics: Squares are large (~57mm+), accommodating comfortable tournament-sized pieces.
4. The Workshop Advantage: Bespoke & Customization
While 800x800mm is our "golden standard," it is not our limit. Unlike retailers who simply resell boxes from a warehouse, we manufacture every board in our own workshop in Poland.
This means we have total control over the production process. If you have a specific vision, we can likely build it.
- Non-Standard Dimensions: Need a massive 100cm or 110cm board for a large hall or office lobby? We can engineer and build it.
- Personalization: Because we handle the CNC milling and laser engraving in-house, we can integrate logos, dedications, or family crests directly into the wood structure.
- Art Editions: We collaborate with artists to create Bespoke Art Chess using resin, rare woods, and unique finishes.
5. Installation: Wall vs. Easel
How do you display a chessboard? We offer two distinct philosophies.
Option A: Wall Hanging (The "Painting" Look)
This is the classic choice. To support the weight (up to 15kg for solid wood), we use recessed metal hangers integrated into the back of the frame.
- Flush Mount: The board sits tight against the wall, with no gap.
- Security: Requires drilling into the wall (concrete/brick/studs recommended). It is rock solid.
Option B: The Easel (The "Studio" Look)
Sometimes you can't drill holes (rentals, glass walls), or you want a more casual, artistic vibe. Placing a ChessboArt board on our Studio Easel transforms the room into an artist's studio.
- Portability: You can move the board to the best light or into another room.
- Vibe: Suggests that the game is a "work in progress," like a painting on a canvas.
6. Summary
Whether you choose the heavy prestige of the ChessboArt 800, the modern flair of the ChessboRN, or commission a fully Bespoke piece, the principle remains: The board is the stage.
It must be stable, it must be beautiful, and it must hold the pieces with invisible strength.
In Volume 5, we will explore the human side: Who buys vertical chess? We will share stories of collectors and how the Judit Polgar Chess Foundation featured our boards at the Global Chess Festival.
