Where wood becomes craftsmanship
A carved backgammon board is wood shaped with patience and care until it takes on a character of its own. With every touch of the craftsman, the motif becomes a little more defined; depth, light and shadow come together and blend with the natural texture of the wood.
In our carved backgammon boards, inspired by the tradition of relief carving, the natural appearance of the wood meets the details of handwork. Each model has its own character, depending on its motif, the wood used and the intensity of the craftsmanship.
Choosing the wood
A good carved backgammon board starts with choosing the right wood.
Different woods such as walnut, hornbeam, mahogany and oak may be chosen for carved boards because of their durability, natural texture and appearance.
Walnut in particular, with its distinctive grain and warm tones, is one of the woods that brings out carved details most strongly. It is also important that the wood is properly prepared for working and use, so that the product keeps its shape for a long time.
Because every piece of wood has a different grain and colour, the unique look of natural wood is preserved even within the same model.
From pattern to carving
The character of a carved backgammon board begins with choosing the motif. Depending on the design, geometric patterns, floral motifs, decorative compositions or more detailed figurative work may be chosen.
- Pattern: The chosen motif is prepared and transferred onto the wooden surface.
- Rough carving: The surface around the motif is worked to create the basic depth and relief.
- Fine work: Leaves, lines, curves and other small details of the motif are worked with finer hand tools.
- Surface treatment: The wooden surface is cleaned and finishing steps are applied in a way that keeps the carved details visible.
- Protection and finishing touch: The surface is completed with a protective treatment suited to the wood and the design.
Carving time can vary depending on the size of the motif, the level of detail, the wood used and the craftsmanship applied. Models with intricate detail in particular may require a long period of work.
Preserving the natural look of the wood
The purpose of the surface treatments used on carved backgammon boards is not only to protect the wood but also to keep its natural texture and the details of the craftsmanship as visible as possible.
The grain of the wood, its colour transitions and the interplay of light and shadow on the carved surface are a natural part of the product's appearance. For this reason, rather than heavy coatings that completely cover the wooden surface, protective and care treatments suited to the product's structure are preferred.
The surface treatment used may vary depending on the type of wood and the production technique.
The inside matters as much as the outside
The experience a carved backgammon board offers during play is as important as its outward appearance.
The dimensions of the inner playing area, the structure of the points, the edge transitions, the hinges and the closing mechanism are all considered so that the product is both beautiful and functional.
Our aim is to create not just a decorative object for display, but also a backgammon board that is a pleasure to play with and can be used for a long time.
Every piece is unique
With hand-worked wooden products, no two pieces can be expected to be exactly the same.
The natural grain of the wood, differences in colour and small characteristic details that emerge during carving give each board its own unique look. We see these differences not as flaws but as part of natural wood and handcraftsmanship.
That is why the carved backgammon board you buy is not just an example of a particular model, but a unique piece with its own wood texture and craftsmanship.
A carved backgammon board made for you
You can choose from our existing carved backgammon boards or request custom production for suitable models.
For information on personalisation options such as a name, signature, logo or custom pattern, see our Bespoke page or reach us through our contact page.
