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. :)
Supplies:
Steps:
With our busy schedule it can take a long time for us to complete a puzzle.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
How big a board would be needed for 500 piece puzzle?
16 x 24 board or snug 12 x 16 board !
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.
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.
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?
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.
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/
I think it is very convenient when the board has drawers, it is also suitable for hobbies with small items.
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.
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.
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/
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/
www.amazon.com/
Of course, there are many more designs and places to purchase but most mats/boards are expensive.
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
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.
The ones I saw were $70. You've GOT to be kidding me.
Which is easier and cheaper to make: the puzzle board or the puzzle mat?
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.
I think it would be easier cutting material for a mat than a board. It is softer.
The puzzle board and puzzle mat are made for two different purposes.
Usually, the puzzle mat is used to store smaller puzzles (but can be made/used for larger sizes also) as it is flexible so it can be rolled up and placed into some sort of 'tubing'. This means you can store it or carry it to another location.
The puzzle board is made to work on a table or floor and can be moved to different locations within the house. The board does not usually have a cover (unless you cover it with something; newspaper, linens/towels, etc) so it is not made for traveling.
The board can also be used for holding games like monopoly, etc.
Boards can be made out of wood, cardboard, etc. but each type takes a different level of skill to build and can cost (money).
I would say the puzzle mat is definitely easier to make but is not as substantial as the board.
Maybe you should decide how you wish to use this and then check out instructions online for both versions.
www.momadvice.com/
www.sugarmaplefarmhouse.com/
Puzzle boards can also be bought/made with a hardcover so it can also be moved to another location outside of the home.
Lots of great ideas/info right here on Thrifty Fun:
Puzzle Mats: www.thriftyfun.com/
Puzzle Boards: www.thriftyfun.com/
Since Joseph B. asks which of these two items is easier and cheaper to make, it is easier to make a puzzle mat, for example from a Craft Felt Sheet.
Read how to make a puzzle mat on this site: jigsawdepot.com/
I found a great instruction on how to make a puzzle board:
www.thriftyfun.com/
I made a puzzle board out of my flat screen tv box. When you open the box at the staples it comes apart in two halves. One of the halves has an edge all the way around it and keeps the pieces from hitting the floor. I have a cat who likes to push pieces to the floor.
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.
The weight of the finished puzzle board can vary considerably depending upon the types of wood used and the exact method of construction.
