social
Add to Page Ask Question Join

Making a Puzzle Board


Gold Post Medal for All Time! 899 Posts
July 22, 2013

With our busy schedule it can take a long time for us to complete a puzzle. The cats are constantly knocking pieces on the floor or stuff is being set on the puzzle. So to solve this problem, my husband made me a wonderful puzzle board that can easily be placed on the lower shelf of our coffee table. :)

upclose of puzzle board
 

Supplies:

  • 1 pieces of 3/8" beech plywood, pre-sanded
  • 2 pieces of trim (8 ft. each)
  • miter saw
  • wood glue
  • nailer and nails
  • wood filler
  • fine grit sandpaper
  • nail punch, optional
  • hammer
  • tape measure
  • polyurethane
  • paint brush
supplies
 

Steps:

  1. Cut plywood to 40" x 24". NOTE: We purchased a 48" x 24" board and had it cut down at the hardware store.
  2. Advertisement

  3. Cut end of the trim at a 45 degree angle. Then lay the trim along the edge of the board and mark it for length.
  4. marking trim
     
  5. Cut off the excess trim with a 45 degree angle. Adhere the trim to the board using wood glue.
  6. cutting corner angle
     
    glue on trim
     
  7. Then nail the trim in place.
  8. nailing trim
     
    Advertisement

  9. Repeat steps 2-4 for the other three sides of the board. Be sure that the corners as snug when fitting them together.
  10. adding trim
     
    adding trim 2
     
    adding trim 3
     
  11. Using sandpaper, smooth out the corner joints.
  12. sanding corner
     
  13. Using a nail punch, set the nails into the wood. Then fill the holes and sand them smooth. Apply 2-3 coats of polyurethane to the entire board (following instructions on can).
  14. coat with polyurethane
     
    Advertisement

  15. Add felt feet to the underside of the board, if desired. Now you can enjoy assembling your puzzle at your own pace, without fear of it being ruined!
  16. finished puzzle board
     
Comment Pin it! Was this helpful? 5
Read More Comments

Videos

August 1, 2013

With our busy schedule it can take a long time for us to complete a puzzle.

Comment Pin it! Was this helpful? 4
Read More...

Questions

Ask a QuestionHere are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community or ask a new question.

January 3, 2020

How big a board would be needed for 500 piece puzzle?


Answers


Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 140 Posts
January 3, 20200 found this helpful
Best Answer

16 x 24 board or snug 12 x 16 board !

Reply Was this helpful? Yes

Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts
January 3, 20200 found this helpful
Best Answer

16 x 20

Reply Was this helpful? Yes

Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 105 Posts
January 3, 20200 found this helpful
Best Answer

Normally the box will tell you the completed size of the puzzle. You will need to increase this size by 4 inches on the top and 4 inches on the side. This gives you plenty of room to work on the puzzle.

Advertisement

If you want to frame it when completed, you can glue the puzzle down to your board and just cut off the excess wood around the puzzle.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes

Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 196 Feedbacks
January 4, 20200 found this helpful
Best Answer

The box should give the size as all puzzles are different. The board should be 6-8 inches around extra so you have work space to do the small matching before placing.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes
Answer this Question

October 19, 2021

How do I make a jigsaw puzzle board that is ideal for other hobbies and table pastimes? Where can the materials be bought? Where can the materials be found?


Answers


Silver Answer Medal for All Time! 424 Answers
October 19, 20210 found this helpful
Best Answer

You can always cut a thin piece of plywood to fit the top of the table . If it is a puzzle you are doing you can always lift it off of the table with out disturbing the puzzle pieces.

Advertisement

Home Depot has plywood and would cut it to your measurements for free.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes

Silver Answer Medal for All Time! 440 Answers
October 20, 20210 found this helpful
Best Answer

It all depends on how much money / time you want to spend on making such a board. Of course, the easiest and fastest way is to use a cork board.

There is a great post "Making a Puzzle Board" www.thriftyfun.com/making-a-puzzle-board.html

I think it is very convenient when the board has drawers, it is also suitable for hobbies with small items.

Advertisement


I found DIY Puzzle Board with Drawers thriftdiving.com/.../
Another DIY Puzzle Board with drawers www.homeyhawaii.com/.../

You can add folding legs to the board and you will get a puzzle table.
It is also very convenient when the board can be folded.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes
Answer this Question

September 3, 2020

What things do I need to make a puzzle board for up to 3000 pieces? What kind of board do I need to get? Where can I get it? The size of the board should be 48 x 36 inches.


Answers


Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks
September 5, 20200 found this helpful
Best Answer

I hesitate to offer advice because I'm not sure we have enough information to answer your question.
Do you put puzzles together now or is this a new adventure?
What do you plan to do with puzzle when finished? Take apart/keep or frame?

Do you have a place - large unused table maybe - to place this heavy piece of plywood that never has to be moved?

You may want to think about all of this before tackling a DIY puzzle board.
Most people do not have a large table that is never used where a puzzle board could be placed on a permanent basis (or at least several weeks). If they did, many would just opp for using the table top for their puzzle.

But, maybe you have other places to rest an almost unmovable board for a long period of time.
Just remember - no matter what thickness of plywood you choose it will be heavy and awkward to move/handle.
But if you're still sure this is what you want to do then there are several very good YouTube videos showing every step (if you need step-by-step instructions). They also give you a list of tools and materials you will need.
Here is a link to a beautiful puzzle board project posted on Thrifty Fun a few years ago.

www.thriftyfun.com/Making-a-Puzzle-Board.html

I did read where someone bought a large picture frame from a thrift store and used this for their puzzle board (not glass).
Also, I use the new colored/decorator Duck tape to seal any wood pieces (along the edges) that I'm using for projects.

Just in case you have not heard of the portable puzzle mats you might want to take a look before starting a big project with plywood.
Check out these links:

www.amazon.com/.../ezvid02-20 (Affiliate Link)

www.amazon.com/.../?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid... (Affiliate Link)

Of course, there are many more designs and places to purchase but most mats/boards are expensive.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes
Answer this Question

April 9, 2014

I just got a 2000 piece Starry Night puzzle for my birthday, now I need a board to put it together on. What do you suggest?

By Barbara Z from Park City, MT

Answers

April 14, 20140 found this helpful

I purchased at Walmart/Target or any office supply store a cardboard that folds into 3 sections for 10.00. I use this to put all my puzzles together on. It allows me to fold over the whatever I don't use so I can put it on top of my entertainment unit. or I purchase the foam board for 1.00 at dollar store and use for puzzles.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes
July 19, 20160 found this helpful

Buy one on amazonmuch easier!

Reply Was this helpful? Yes
July 19, 20160 found this helpful

I think you are better off ordering from Amazon less hassle

Reply Was this helpful? Yes
Anonymous
December 13, 20200 found this helpful

The ones I saw were $70. You've GOT to be kidding me.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes
Answer this Question

April 12, 2022

Which is easier and cheaper to make: the puzzle board or the puzzle mat?


Answers


Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 140 Posts
April 12, 20220 found this helpful

That depends on if you are displaying or storing. For display the board works better when moving from table to table and used to admire. Using a mate ,works when the puzzle is put together and stored for a later date , this preserves and stores. They can run around the same price depending on size of puzzle.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes

Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts
April 12, 20220 found this helpful

I think it would be easier cutting material for a mat than a board. It is softer.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes
Read More Answers

October 26, 2015

I saw the instructions on the wooden board to keep a puzzle on. Can anyone tell me how much it weighs when completed? Thank you.


Answers


Bronze Answer Medal for All Time! 220 Answers
October 28, 20150 found this helpful

The weight of the finished puzzle board can vary considerably depending upon the types of wood used and the exact method of construction.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes
Answer this Question
Categories
Crafts WoodworkingJuly 22, 2013
Pages
More
🎃
Halloween Ideas!
🍂
Thanksgiving Ideas!
Facebook
Pinterest
YouTube
Instagram
Contests!
Newsletters
Ask a Question
Share a Post
Categories
Better LivingBudget & FinanceBusiness and LegalComputersConsumer AdviceCoronavirusCraftsEducationEntertainmentFood and RecipesHealth & BeautyHolidays and PartiesHome and GardenMake Your OwnOrganizingParentingPetsPhotosTravel and RecreationWeddings
Published by ThriftyFun.
Mobile Page | View Desktop
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Contact Us
Generated 2022-10-19 14:03:30 in 11 secs. ⛅️️
© 1997-2022 by Cumuli, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.thriftyfun.com/Making-a-Puzzle-Board.html
Read Next