When I first started working in board game manufacturing, I quickly realized that creating custom wood game pieces is both an art and a science. It’s not just about making something that looks good; it’s about crafting pieces that are durable, manufacturable at scale, and enhance the overall gameplay experience. Having helped numerous game designers bring their visions to life at Hero Time, I’ve learned a thing or two about what works and what doesn’t. Let me take you through the process, from concept to mass production, in a way that makes sense—whether you’re an indie creator or an established publisher.

Understanding Your Game’s Needs

Before we even touch design software or prototype a single piece, I always ask game creators: What role do these wooden pieces play in your game? Are they simple tokens, like meeples, or are they intricate, multi-part structures? The answer dictates everything that follows—from the type of wood we’ll use to the manufacturing process itself.

Some designers get caught up in aesthetics too soon, but functionality comes first. A piece that looks stunning but is too fragile or hard to mass-produce won’t serve your game well. I always recommend defining three key aspects before moving forward:

1. Size & Shape: How will players handle the pieces? Will they be stackable, easy to pick up, or require specific details?

2. Durability: Are these pieces being tossed around (think dice) or placed carefully (like score markers)?

3. Color & Finish: Will you need painted, screen-printed, or laser-etched details? Some finishes hold up better to wear and tear.

Designing for Manufacturing

This is where things get technical. Once we have a solid understanding of what the game pieces need to do, we move into the actual design. I usually advise designers to create their concepts in vector-based programs like Adobe Illustrator or AutoCAD to ensure precise shapes. For more complex pieces, 3D modeling software like Fusion 360 or Blender helps refine the design before production.

One of the biggest mistakes I see new designers make is creating incredibly intricate pieces without considering manufacturability. Wood is a fantastic material—it’s sustainable, sturdy, and has a classic tabletop feel—but it also has limitations. Thin protrusions can snap, overly complex shapes can be difficult to mass-produce, and some designs may require a level of precision that’s not cost-effective.

At Hero Time, we work closely with designers to adjust their prototypes for efficient production. A design might look fantastic on screen, but once we start CNC cutting or laser etching, we sometimes need to make small tweaks to ensure consistency across thousands of units. It’s a balancing act between creative vision and practical execution.

Choosing the Right Wood & Finishing

Not all wood is created equal. Different games require different materials, and I always walk creators through their options based on budget, durability, and aesthetic preference. Some of the most common choices include:

• Beechwood: Smooth, durable, and excellent for laser engraving.

• Birch Plywood: A more cost-effective option with a nice balance between durability and affordability.

• MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): Great for painted pieces, but not as strong as solid wood.

Once we choose the material, finishing comes next. Some games call for raw, natural wood for a rustic feel, while others need vibrant colors that pop on the table. Screen printing, heat transfers, and laser engraving all provide different results, and I always recommend testing small batches before committing to a large production run.

Scaling to Mass Production

Once the design is finalized and materials are chosen, the real challenge begins—scaling up. The first time I oversaw a production run of custom wooden pieces, I was amazed at how many tiny details could cause delays. Something as simple as inconsistent wood grain can affect how pieces absorb paint, and slight variations in cutting can lead to pieces that don’t fit together as intended.

This is why I always emphasize prototyping. A small production run allows us to catch any issues early before scaling up to thousands or even tens of thousands of units. At Hero Time, we have strict quality control measures in place to ensure consistency, but catching potential issues in the design phase saves time and money.

Another key factor is packaging. Many designers focus so much on the game pieces themselves that they forget how they’ll be packed. Wooden components need proper spacing to avoid chipping during shipping, and eco-friendly packaging options can further enhance a game’s market appeal.

Bringing It All Together

At the end of the day, designing custom wood game pieces is about blending creativity with practicality. Every decision—from initial sketches to final production—impacts the cost, playability, and durability of the pieces. I’ve seen firsthand how well-designed wooden components elevate a game’s feel, making it more immersive and engaging for players.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from working in board game manufacturing, it’s that the best results come from collaboration. No designer works alone—we’re here to help refine ideas, troubleshoot production challenges, and ensure that when your game hits the table, every piece feels like it was meant to be there.

So, if you’re thinking about designing custom wood game pieces, my best advice is this: start with a clear vision, test rigorously, and work with a manufacturer who understands both your creative and logistical needs. And, of course, have fun with it—after all, that’s what games are all about!