Variations & Tips
Color choice: High contrast always reads best outdoors. Black and white is classic, but charcoal with ivory, navy with light gray, or terracotta with cream can look a little softer and warmer on a patio.
Piece size: Saucers that are roughly 10 to 12 inches wide look best on 12-inch pavers because they fill most of the square without overlapping the joints. If your pavers are larger, size up the saucers so the board still looks intentional.
Weather durability: Use paint and sealer rated for horizontal outdoor surfaces, not just general craft paint. In my experience, patio coatings are formulated to handle foot traffic, sun, and repeated wet-dry cycles much better.
Making kings: Keep 24 extra small adhesive circles, painted wood disks, or contrasting saucers on hand to stack on top when a piece is crowned. I like stackable kings because they’re easy to spot from across the yard.
Wind fix: If your patio gets gusty, weigh each saucer with a little sand, a few aquarium stones, or a dot of construction adhesive under a flat washer. You only need a bit of ballast to keep the game pieces from skittering away.
Permanent installation: For a board that stays put all season, edge the checkerboard with bricks, landscape edging, or pressure-treated trim around the outside perimeter. That small border helps the pavers stay aligned and makes the whole project look more finished.
Easy maintenance: Sweep the board regularly and rinse off pollen or dirt before it builds up. A fresh coat of sealer every year or two will keep the colors looking crisp and make cleanup easier.
