Floating Lid Chess Board The playing surface of this chess board is walnut and birch. The board frame and box case are cherry. The frame and board serve as a floating box top and opens up to a foam lined divided chamber for the pieces to be stowed away in individual pockets underneath. The corners of the board frame are half lap joints with bevels and a square walnut peg to add a decorative element but also strengthen the joint. The mitered corners of the box case are reinforced by splines.