In short: a carved backgammon board starts as a single piece of wood, usually beech or walnut, and is then decorated in one or more ways: relief carving, lattice and border patterns, engraving, inlay, epoxy resin or painting. Good carving has crisp edges, even depth and a smooth finish, and the board should close flat on solid hinges.
“Carved backgammon” can mean very different things, from a board with a simple carved border to a set covered in deep relief. This guide explains the main types of decoration you will find on our boards, how the wood changes the look, what to check when you judge the work and how to look after a carved surface.
A board carved from one piece
Each of our sets is carved from a single piece of wood rather than assembled from thin panels. The body of the board, its playing fields and its frame come out of the same block, so the grain runs through the whole set and a well-made board stays true for decades. Every set comes with a 25-year guarantee certificate.
Types of carving and decoration
Relief carving
In relief carving the background is cut away so that the design stands above it. It creates deep shadows and a strong sense of depth, as on our bas-relief rosette backgammon set on a woven background, the classic walnut backgammon set with relief carving and the Mount Ararat set with an oval medallion.
Lattice and border patterns
Geometric lattices, zigzags and braids cut into the frame give a classic look without crowding the playing fields. The chess and backgammon set with a zigzag lattice border is a good example.
Engraving
Detailed pictures, symbols, coats of arms and letters can be engraved into the surface, which allows very fine detail: our floral rosette backgammon set carries an engraved ornament, and the eternity backgammon set with contour outline an engraved eternity sign. Engraving is also how names and dates are added: personal engraving is free and done by laser inside the board, between the hinges, on the same day.
Inlay
Inlay sets pieces of another wood into the board, so the decoration is built into the board itself. Light hornbeam against dark walnut makes the pattern stand out on the walnut set with coat of arms, braid motifs and hornbeam inlay, while the eternity set with inlay and braid motif combines inlay with an engraved symbol.
Epoxy resin
Engraved or carved areas can be filled with epoxy resin, which adds depth and colour, as on the two-sided tree of life backgammon set. See all our epoxy resin backgammon sets.
Painting
Some boards are decorated with an oil painting sealed under epoxy resin, which turns the set into a small work of art. Each painting is made by hand with its own colour tones, so no two are exactly alike; see our backgammon set with an oil painting.
Beech or walnut?
Beech is pale, hard and even, so fine carving and engraving read clearly on it. Walnut is darker, with a richer grain that gives relief carving a warm depth. Both are durable, and the choice is mostly about colour and character. Read more in our comparison of walnut and beech wood.
How to judge the quality of carving
- Edges: crisp, clean lines without torn fibres or splinters.
- Depth: even depth across the design, with no thin spots.
- Symmetry: ornaments that match on both halves of the board.
- Finish: smooth varnish or wax, with no drips or rough patches.
- Fit: the board closes flat, and the hinges and locks move smoothly; ours are cast bronze.
- Pieces and dice: well-made checkers and dice; most of our sets come with wooden checkers on velvet-lined bases and dice made from billiard balls.
Caring for a carved board
Dust carved areas with a soft brush rather than a cloth, keep the board away from radiators and direct sun, and never wash it with water. A board finished with natural beeswax can be refreshed with a thin layer of wax from time to time. Our care guide has more tips.
How to choose
Start with the style: heritage motifs, classic ornament or modern epoxy designs. Then choose the size: 60 cm is the classic, 70 cm gives more room and 30 or 40 cm boards travel well. Finally, decide whether you want a name or a date engraved inside. Browse our handmade backgammon sets, luxury sets and Armenian designs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between carved and engraved backgammon?
Carving removes wood to shape the design in depth, as in relief, while engraving cuts fine lines into the surface. Many of our boards combine both: a carved body and frame with an engraved picture.
How long does a carved board last?
With basic care, for decades. Each set is carved from a single piece of wood and comes with a 25-year guarantee certificate.
Can a name be added to a carved board?
Yes. Personal engraving of up to 80 characters is free; it is done by laser inside the board, between the hinges, on the same day.
Is a carved board harder to play on?
No. The carving is on the outside and on the frame, while the playing fields stay flat and smooth.
