Outdoor chess sets are a great way to enjoy the game of chess in the fresh air, while enjoying the beauty of nature. They are perfect for outdoor events, such as picnics, barbecues, or simply relaxing in the backyard. Outdoor chess sets come in a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and stone, and in various sizes, ranging from small tabletop sets to giant-sized sets that can be played on the lawn.

When choosing an outdoor chess set, it is important to consider the material it is made from. Wood sets are a popular choice for their durability and natural look, while plastic sets are lightweight and easy to clean. Stone sets, on the other hand, are heavy and sturdy, making them ideal for windy conditions. Size is also an important factor to consider, as larger sets are more suitable for outdoor play, while smaller sets are great for indoor use or for travel.

We spent hours researching and testing various outdoor chess sets to identify the ones that are durable, easy to use, and offer great value for money. In the next section, we will share our top picks for the best outdoor chess sets on the market.

Best Outdoor Chess Sets

We've scoured the internet to bring you the best outdoor chess sets for your next game. Whether you're looking for a classic wooden set or a more modern design, we've got you covered. Our top picks are durable, weather-resistant, and perfect for playing in the backyard, park, or beach. Take a look at our list below and choose the perfect set for your next outdoor chess match.

Fuhengli 12.5" Magnetic Chess Set

If you're looking for a portable chess set for outdoor use, the Fuhengli 12.5" Magnetic Chess Set is a great option.

Pros

• The chess pieces are made of durable HIPS plastics material and have a comfortable hand-feel.
• The chess pieces have a moderate magnetic force that allows them to be adsorbed well on the chessboard, and the flannelette on the bottom prevents the chessboard from scratching during games.
• The chessboard is portable and easy to carry, with interior storage for the chess pieces.

Cons

• The chessboard is relatively small, so it may not be suitable for players who prefer larger boards.
• The magnetic force of the chess pieces may not be strong enough for some players.
• The folding design of the chessboard may cause it to wear out over time.

We were impressed with the quality of the chess pieces, which are made of high-quality HIPS plastics material and have a comfortable hand-feel. The moderate magnetic force of the pieces allows them to be easily moved on the board, while the flannelette on the bottom prevents the chessboard from getting scratched during games.

The chessboard is portable and easy to carry, with interior storage for the chess pieces. However, the board is relatively small, which may not be suitable for players who prefer larger boards. Additionally, the magnetic force of the chess pieces may not be strong enough for some players, and the folding design of the chessboard may cause it to wear out over time.

Overall, the Fuhengli 12.5" Magnetic Chess Set is a great option for outdoor use, with its durable and comfortable chess pieces and portable design. However, it may not be suitable for players who prefer larger boards or stronger magnetic force.

Juegoal 20" Portable Chess & Checkers Set

If you're looking for a portable chess set that's perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, then the Juegoal 20" Portable Chess & Checkers Set is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Dual functional 2 in 1 Chess Sets meets US Chess Federation and FIDE requirements for Official Tournament use.
• Folding Chess Board Mat made of thick rubber, features clear pattern, and is UV and scratch resistant.
• Comes with a soft green carry storage canvas bag that has plenty of storage space for chess & checkers pieces.

Cons

• Not suitable for children under the age of 4 years. Small parts! Choking hazard.
• Some users may find the chess pieces to be too light.
• The board may be too small for some users.

We recently purchased this set and have been very impressed with its quality and features. The board measures 20 inches with 2.25 inch squares, and the boundaries are designed using numbers and letters algebraic coordinates to describe and record chess moves. The set includes 32 chess pieces and 24 checker pieces, and 2 extra Queens & 2 extra checkers for easy promotions.

The professional roll-up chess board is made of thick rubber, features a clear pattern, and is UV and scratch resistant. It can be laid flat on your table, providing a pleasant heavy weight surface that's hard to wrinkle and stain. While we recommend you store it flat or rolled, this floppy chess board mat is very light but very strong, and will easily fold to a compact size for travel.

The chess and checkers board are available to everyone, either for social and family entertainment or as an excellent tool for kids will be a useful start for an intellectually stimulating hobby. This is a classic game, also great for parties or some friends who like brains games.

Overall, we highly recommend the Juegoal 20" Portable Chess & Checkers Set for anyone looking for a high-quality, portable chess set that's perfect for indoor and outdoor use.

MegaChess Giant Oversized Premium Complete Set of Chess Pieces with 25 Inch Tall King - Black and White

If you're looking for a durable, high-quality outdoor chess set that will last for years, the MegaChess Giant Oversized Premium Complete Set of Chess Pieces is a great choice.

Pros

• The set is made of high-quality, long-lasting materials that can withstand the elements.
• The pieces are adjustable in weight and height, making them suitable for players of all ages and skill levels.
• The set can be used both indoors and outdoors, making it a versatile addition to any home or garden.

Cons

• The set does not come with a chess board, so you will need to purchase one separately.
• Some reviewers have reported that the pieces can be difficult to move, especially for younger players.
• The set is relatively expensive compared to other outdoor chess sets on the market.

Overall, we highly recommend the MegaChess Giant Oversized Premium Complete Set of Chess Pieces for anyone who is looking for a high-quality, durable outdoor chess set that will provide hours of entertainment for players of all ages and skill levels. The set is made of high-quality materials that can withstand the elements, and the adjustable weight and height of the pieces make it suitable for players of all ages and skill levels. While the set does not come with a chess board and is relatively expensive compared to other outdoor chess sets, we believe that the quality and durability of the set make it well worth the investment.

The MegaChess Giant Oversized Premium Complete Set of Chess Pieces includes 16 black and 16 white pieces, ranging in height from a 25-inch king to a 16-inch-tall pawn. The pieces are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) injection-molded, hollow, recycled plastic, which is waterproof, resistant to UV rays, and will retain their shape and color regardless of weather. The set can be used both indoors and outdoors, making it a versatile addition to any home or garden.

One of the standout features of the MegaChess Giant Oversized Premium Complete Set of Chess Pieces is its adjustable weight and height. The pieces are surprisingly light enough for even the youngest of players to move easily, yet large enough to resist the wind. Our unique modular construction gives you have the option to increase their weight and height by adding up to seven pounds of sand, water, or weight to the bases. Additional inserts can be purchased to increase the height of the chess set to 37 or 49-inch-tall chess sets.

Each MegaChess item is meticulously handcrafted by artisans to ensure it maintains its appearance and integrity in all weather conditions and with long-term frequent use. The company has been in the business of manufacturing large chess and checkers sets, boards, mats, and other accessories using the highest quality standards since 2002.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a high-quality, durable outdoor chess set that will provide hours of entertainment for players of all ages and skill levels, the MegaChess Giant Oversized Premium Complete Set of Chess Pieces is an excellent choice. While the set is relatively expensive compared to other outdoor chess sets on the market, we believe that the quality and durability of the set make it well worth the investment.

MegaChess Large Premium Chess Set

If you're looking for a durable and portable outdoor chess set, the MegaChess Large Premium Chess Set is a great option.

Pros

• The set is made of high-density polyethylene, which makes it highly durable and resistant to UV rays and weather conditions.
• The pieces are lightweight and easy to move, making it a great option for children and adults alike.
• The set includes a chess mat that is 4 feet 7 inches square, providing ample space for gameplay.

Cons

• The pieces are made of plastic, which may not be as aesthetically pleasing as wooden pieces.
• The set is relatively expensive compared to other outdoor chess sets on the market.
• Some customers have reported that the pieces are not as stable as they would like, especially in windy conditions.

We've used the MegaChess Large Premium Chess Set in various outdoor settings and have found it to be a great addition to any backyard or garden. The set is highly durable and can withstand extended periods of time outdoors without maintenance, staining, or fading.

The pieces are surprisingly lightweight, which makes them easy to move around the board, but they still retain their large size, which adds to the fun and excitement of the game. The set includes a chess mat that is large enough to accommodate the pieces and provide ample space for gameplay.

While the set is relatively expensive compared to other outdoor chess sets on the market, we believe that the durability and portability of the MegaChess Large Premium Chess Set make it a worthwhile investment. Overall, we highly recommend this set to anyone looking for a high-quality outdoor chess set.

MegaChess Giant Plastic Chess Sets

If you're looking for a durable and high-quality outdoor chess set, we highly recommend the MegaChess Giant Plastic Chess Sets.

Pros

• Made with high-quality, long-lasting, and durable materials
• Can withstand extended periods outdoors without maintenance, staining, or fading
• Adjustable weight and height with the 2-4 foot sets

Cons

• Some customers have reported that the pieces are easily moved by wind
• Does not include a chess board
• Shipping weight is quite heavy for some sets

We've had the pleasure of using the MegaChess Giant Plastic Chess Sets and we were impressed by the quality and durability of the pieces. They're made with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) injection-molded, hollow, recycled plastic, which makes them waterproof, resistant to UV rays, and able to retain their shape and color regardless of weather conditions.

One of the best things about these sets is the adjustable weight and height options. They're light enough for even the youngest of players to move easily, yet large enough to resist the wind. You can also increase their weight by adding up to seven pounds of sand, water, or weight to the bases.

These sets are perfect for both commercial and residential use and can be displayed anywhere, from big open floors to backyards, parties, campgrounds, shopping malls, schools, university and corporate campuses, cruise ships, local parks, and museums.

Overall, we highly recommend the MegaChess Giant Plastic Chess Sets for anyone looking for a durable and high-quality outdoor chess set. Just be aware that some customers have reported that the pieces are easily moved by wind and the shipping weight can be quite heavy for some sets.

Lulu Home 4-in-1 Jumbo Chess Board Game

If you're looking for an outdoor chess set, the Lulu Home 4-in-1 Jumbo Chess Board Game is worth considering.

Pros

• All-in-one set with reversible play mat, reversible pieces, stakes, and game introduction
• Reversible checker mat with classic and stylish design
• 32 giant pieces made of premium EVA foamed material

Cons

• Pieces may be too lightweight for some players
• Mat may be prone to wrinkles
• Some users may prefer a larger board

We recently had the chance to try out this set and were impressed with its versatility and portability. The reversible play mat is a standout feature, with one side designed for chess or checkers and the other for tic-tac-toe. The black and red checkers add a classic touch to the design, and the metal stakes help keep the mat in place during windy conditions.

The 32 giant pieces are made of premium EVA foamed material, which is soft, durable, and lightweight. They are designed for reversible use, with one side featuring "X"s and "O"s for tic-tac-toe and the other patterned with six types of chess pieces.

One downside is that some players may find the pieces too lightweight, which can make them prone to tipping over. Additionally, the mat may be prone to wrinkles, which can affect gameplay. Some users may also prefer a larger board, although the 4FT x 4FT size is suitable for most outdoor settings.

Overall, the Lulu Home 4-in-1 Jumbo Chess Board Game is a great option for those looking for a versatile and portable outdoor chess set. It's perfect for family gatherings, picnics, camping trips, and more.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying an outdoor chess set, there are a few key factors to consider before making a purchase. In this section, we'll discuss the features to look for and what to keep in mind when shopping for an outdoor chess set.

Material

One of the most important factors to consider is the material of the chess set. Outdoor chess sets are typically made from materials that can withstand the elements, such as plastic, wood, or stone. Plastic sets are lightweight and durable, while wooden sets have a classic look and feel. Stone sets are the heaviest and most durable, but they can also be the most expensive.

Size

The size of the chess set is also an important consideration. Outdoor chess sets come in a range of sizes, from small portable sets to larger, more permanent installations. The size of the set you choose will depend on your available space, how often you plan to use it, and whether you want a set that is easy to move around or one that is more permanent.

Design

The design of the chess set is another important factor to consider. Outdoor chess sets come in a range of designs, from traditional Staunton sets to more modern or themed sets. Consider the style of your outdoor space and choose a set that complements it. Additionally, some sets come with extra features such as storage for the pieces or built-in lighting for nighttime play.

Price

Finally, consider your budget when shopping for an outdoor chess set. Prices can vary widely depending on the material, size, and design of the set. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, keep in mind that a higher-quality set will likely last longer and provide a better playing experience.

In summary, when shopping for an outdoor chess set, consider the material, size, design, and price of the set to choose the best option for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find a high-quality outdoor chess set?

If you're looking for a high-quality outdoor chess set, there are many options available. You can find them at specialty chess stores, online retailers, and even some home and garden stores. It's important to do your research and read reviews before making a purchase to ensure that you're getting a durable and well-made set.

What are some popular materials used for outdoor chess sets?

Outdoor chess sets are typically made from durable materials that can withstand the elements. Some popular materials include high-density polyethylene, resin, and wood. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to consider your needs and preferences before making a decision.

How do I properly maintain my outdoor chess set?

Proper maintenance is key to keeping your outdoor chess set in good condition. Regularly clean the pieces with a damp cloth and mild soap, and store them in a dry, cool place when not in use. If your set is made from wood, you may need to apply a protective coating to prevent weather damage.

What are the benefits of using a giant chess set?

Giant chess sets can add a unique and fun element to any outdoor space. They're perfect for parties, events, or just for playing with friends and family. They also provide a great opportunity for exercise and mental stimulation.

Are there any DIY options for creating a giant chess set?

Yes, there are many DIY options for creating a giant chess set. You can use materials like PVC pipe, foam, or cardboard to create your own set. There are also many tutorials and guides available online to help you get started.

Is it worth investing in a more expensive outdoor chess set?

It depends on your needs and preferences. A more expensive outdoor chess set may be made from higher-quality materials and may last longer than a cheaper set. However, if you're just looking for a casual set to play with friends and family, a cheaper option may be sufficient. It's important to consider your budget and how often you plan to use the set before making a decision.