The 2008-2015? Summerville-New England “Old Quebec” Chess Board (2.25″in. Squares) by “Somerville-New England”.

What Andrew did….

Between roughly 2012 and 2015, Andrew Summerville, “a national award-winning design engineer and master builder”, produced a series of chess boards under the name Summerville–New England. These boards quickly gained a reputation among collectors for combining precision craftsmanship with a strong sense of balance and artistry. They were never mass-market items, but rather carefully made pieces that often became the centerpiece of a chess room.

Each board was hand-built in New England from solid hardwood, with close attention paid to every step of the process, from selecting and milling the lumber to the final hand-rubbed finish. Unlike many commercial boards that rely on veneers, Summerville’s approach involved custom milling premium-grade hardwoods that were properly seasoned and kiln-dried on site. As a result, the boards have proven to be durable, stable, and resistant to common issues like cracking or separation (a five-year guarantee was originally offered to buyers at the time).

Summerville–New England produced only four main models, each with square sizes available in 2.00″, 2.25″, or 2.50″:

• Cape Elizabeth – The flagship model, distinguished by heavy solid Gabon ebony inlays and a refined sense of proportion.
• Old Quebec – A nod to Summerville’s French ancestry, with design elements drawn from French Country aesthetics.
• Moose River – Rustic in character, appealing to those who preferred a more natural, organic style.
• Monk – A collector favorite, created as a tribute to simplicity and devotion, with a design that is understated yet meaningful.

Today, these boards are appreciated not only for their function but also for the craftsmanship and care that went into their making, setting them apart from the mass-produced alternatives of the same period.

Materials & Construction

• Frame (Platform): Solid American Walnut with corner splines for added strength and elegance. Optional ebony frame inlays on larger boards.
• Peripheral Inlays: Choice of solid white ash (light) or solid ebony (dark), hand-laid and seamlessly bonded.
• Playing Surface: Solid American Walnut and Rock Maple, quarter-sawn for superior grain exposure, fabricated using Summerville’s proprietary TruDiamond™ construction to ensure flatness and resist warping.
• Surface Mounting: TruFreedom™ technology mechanically secures the playing surface while allowing natural expansion and contraction, eliminating warping and cracking.

Finishing Process

Summerville boards were finished exclusively with natural oils and waxes, never stains, lacquers, or urethanes. The result were a smooth, non-reflective surface that enhances playing comfort. Multiple layers of BriWax—a natural beeswax and carnauba blend—provide the final finish, which can be reapplied by the owner to maintain a like-new appearance.

Attention to Playability

Each board includes heavy felt pads placed in triangulated fashion. This ensures stability during play, even on slightly uneven surfaces, because Summerville understands that even the smallest distractions can affect performance.

Summerville–New England represents the pinnacle of American chessboard craftsmanship.

My opinion of the board…

I recently picked up this 2.25″ Old Quebec board from Summerville–New England, and it’s quickly become my favorite playing surface. The proportions are perfect for tournament-size pieces, and the board feels incredibly stable and comfortable to play on. Truly player-friendly in every sense.

The craftsmanship is outstanding. Solid hardwood construction, seamless joinery, and a beautifully hand-rubbed finish make it clear this isn’t just another mass-produced board. The French Country design is understated but elegant, letting the pieces shine while still giving the board its own character.

After several long sessions, I can honestly say this board enhances the playing experience. It combines durability, beauty, and practicality in a way few boards do. A genuine heirloom piece that I expect to enjoy for decades.