How we created the best selection of wooden sets
In 2008 when the Regency Chess Company was born, the owner and founder, Julian Deverell, travelled to see some of the world's finest producers of chess pieces and chess boards. The initial focus was on the procurement of wooden sets.
Rather than simply selling ready-made chess sets, we set about buying the very best chess pieces from one country, and the very best boards from another, then combining them together to create unique, stunning, and perfectly matched chess sets (boards and pieces).
Quality hardwoods - The core principle behind our range of products
The wood used to make the sets is a key ingredient to their success. Our range consists of expertly selected hardwoods including sustainable European woods like mahogany and birch to exotic woods like ebony and rosewood. The woods used in our collection include:
- Ebony
- Boxwood
- Sheesham
- Rosewood
- Maple
- Birch
- Mahogany
- Wenge
- Palisander
- Anegre
- Walnut
To learn more about the woods used in chess set production check out our chess woods guide.
The Perfect Package
We have sourced the finest chess boards and the best pieces and expertly combined them together to make full sets. In some cases, we have added chess pieces cases and clocks. We have taken all the work out of creating your ideal set.
When we started the business in 2008, we realised that all of our competitors were selling the chess pieces and the boards as separate products and expecting the customer to match the two together. We were one of the first to offer bundled sets to make it easier for customers to buy.
Staunton, the dominant design of our wooden chess set collection
We sell a huge range of wooden chess sets and the design that dominates most of the collection is the classic Staunton style. Without doubt, the most iconic and familiar chess set and the one that is essential for any serious chess game. This design refers to the pieces only but our sets are always matched with the perfect chess board.
The Staunton sets were released in the mid 1800s and were typically crafted from wood, ebony and boxwood to be precise.
What our customers can expect when ordering one of our sets
In this video you can get a close up view of one of our most popular wooden chess sets being unboxed by one of our valued customers.
The set featured in the video is the Competition Compact Walnut Chess Set.
Wooden Chess Set Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are your wooden chess sets made from sustainable materials?
Our sets come from a variety of sources in Europe, the UK and further afield. All of our chess boards come from certified suppliers who document their sourcing of wood and comply with EU standards on sustainability. All of our chessmen are compliant with export requirements and sourced legally.
Will the set I order look identical to the photos on your website?
Because wood is a natural material the grain pattern will differ on every set. The shade of the wood colour will also vary a small amount but the materials are selected for their consistency and quality so you can expect it to look extremely similar.
Do you put a warranty onto your wooden sets?
Yes, all of our wooden sets are covered by our two years warranty and are even guaranteed against natural wood defects that occur over time, e.g. cracking.
Can I personalise my own wooden set by selecting my own chess pieces and board?
Yes, absolutely. If you want something unique you can decide which pieces you want to go with which board. You can then get the combination of woods that suits you. Just ensure that the size of the pieces of appropriate for the board. You can use our size guide to learn how to match them perfectly. If you need any help combining the pieces and board to make the perfect set just get in touch.
If I am unhappy with the grain pattern on my wooden chess set can I return it for this reason?
Yes, you have the right to return your set for any reason. For more details and to learn more please check out our delivery and returns page.
For more general frequently asked questions go to our company FAQ page.