Boards

Whether you are a beginner puzzler or an enthusiast, the board that a puzzle is made with affects the enjoyment you will get when assembling it. Jigsaw puzzle boards can be made from various materials, such as plastic, cork, glass, etc. The most common puzzle board materials are chipboard and wood.

Chipboard

Most modern jigsaw puzzles are made of chipboard, which is sufficiently rigid and relatively inexpensive, making it easier and cheaper to mass-produce puzzles. It is similar to very thick paper and comes in various thicknesses. Unlike cardboard, it does not contain hollow voids that cause a loss of rigidity.

Chipboard puzzles have their pros and cons

Pros: They are budget-friendly, lightweight, and easy to handle, making them great for kids and beginners. They have become the industry standard, which means most puzzles will have a chipboard backing.

Cons: Chipboard puzzles are not as tough as wood puzzles. They can become floppy over time, so you have to be gentle with them. Sometimes, the images on chipboard puzzles may not be as sharp and clear as wood puzzles, which is why some manufacturers use thicker chipboard and focus more on the image printing process. 

Wood

Wood puzzles are like works of art; they are elegant, classy, and sophisticated. They are extremely rigid but much more expensive than their chipboard counterpart.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Wood puzzles are beautiful works of art, strong, and built to last. The images on wood puzzles are sharp, vibrant, and a treat for your eyes.

Cons: Wood puzzles cost more than chipboard puzzles and are heavier and bulkier.

Some Advantages of Wood Over Chipboard Puzzles

• • Durability and Longevity: One of the primary advantages of wood jigsaw puzzles is their durability. Unlike cardboard puzzles, they can withstand years of use without wear or loss of shape. The sturdy wooden pieces do not bend, tear, or fray, ensuring a longer lifespan. This means a wooden puzzle can become a family heirloom passed down through generations.

  • Enhanced Aesthetics: Adult wooden puzzles often feature richer, more vibrant colors and a high-quality finish. The natural texture of the wood lends an aesthetic appeal that cardboard puzzles can not equal. They are works of art that provide entertainment and may serve as decorative pieces in your home.

  • Precision-Cut Pieces: Wooden jigsaw puzzles are known for their precision-cut pieces. The interlocking shapes are intricately crafted, creating a satisfying snap when pieces fit together. This precision enhances the puzzle-solving experience, making it more enjoyable and rewarding.

  • Weight: The tactile experience of handling the wooden pieces is pleasurable. Their weight feels substantial in your hand, enhancing the overall sense of quality and craftsmanship.

  • Environmentally Friendly: Wooden puzzles are often created from sustainably sourced wood, making them more environmentally friendly than other materials.

  • Ideal For All Ages: While adults can appreciate the aesthetics and craftsmanship of wooden puzzles, they are an excellent choice for young children due to their durability and non-toxic construction.

Types of Wood

• Solid Wood: A piece of solid wood that is thin enough to make a puzzle with. Most slabs of solid wood are only large enough for small puzzles. For larger puzzles, a wood slab is ripped into thin slices using a bandsaw. Then the sliced sections are glued together at the edges to make a wide and thin panel of solid wood. Solid wood presents some issues for the puzzle maker:

• • • It may be subject to warping from changes in moisture.

    • It may not be strong enough across the grain, so puzzle pieces break more easily.

    • It is more expensive than some other materials.

    • It is costly and time-consuming to make panels large enough for a puzzle.

• Plywood: Plywood is an engineered material manufactured from thin sheets of solid wood. The sheet thickness varies based on its intended use. The thin sheets (called veneers or plies) are stacked with each sheet rotated 90 degrees and glued until the desired overall thickness is achieved. The inner layers are typically made from an inexpensive wood source, while the outer layers, the face veneers, are often made from a wood valued for its appearance. 

The two primary ways veneer sheets are made:

• • • • Flat Slicing: The log is sliced parallel to the grain, producing a series of flat veneers with a natural, wavy pattern. 

      • Rotary Cutting: The log is mounted on a lathe and rotated against a blade, peeling a continuous sheet of veneer. This method produces a broad, uniform grain pattern.

There are many categories of plywood, but the two most basic categories are construction grade and cabinet/furniture grade. 

• • Construction Grade: This plywood is made from softwood and often has thicker layers of veneer, lots of knots, and filled or unfilled voids. The 1/4″ thick version has 3 layers with no face veneers, not what we want to use for a puzzle.

  • Cabinet Grade: This plywood is made from thinner layers of hardwood veneer. The inner layers are often made from rotary-cut birch, poplar, or aspen. The face veneer is often made from flat-sliced hardwoods such as cherry, oak, walnut, etc.

Final Thoughts

Most people buy a puzzle based on the image, size, piece count, and cost, with no concern about the type of board used to make the puzzle. However, if you are a puzzle connoisseur, you will go for the elegance of wood puzzles.