Creating an XL xiangqi board

When placing my ebony, rosewood, or bamboo pieces on the faux leather board that came with the pieces in their carry case, it just felt a bit too cramped, the stones are just a tad too close together in my view.

Well, there is a clear and simple solution to that: create a larger board for them! From the onset, I wanted to stick with faux leather for the playing surface, so the search was on for an XL faux leather xiangqi board. That search didn't take much time!

Next, the base to sport the faux leather. Went for simple plywood, with fancy wooden strips along the edges.

The circumference of the base received two coats of pine wood stain (no need to stain the centre, of course).

Subsequently, the playing surface was added.

Done! So how does it look with the pieces on it?

Ebony pieces first:

How about the rosewood pieces?

And, finally, the bamboo pieces:

Much better, I think! I really feel the pieces have more 'breathing space' on this XL board, so mission achieved!