In 1849, the first Staunton wooden chess pieces were made. The thing that set the Staunton apart from all other chess sets was the design of the pieces. Up until that time there was no standard design for chess pieces, and many pieces were poorly constructed, unrecognizable, and tipped over easily. Nathaniel Cook and John Jaques are credited with designing the pieces. They came up with designs for the separate pieces that would be distinguishable from each other, sturdy, and well balanced. They called them Staunton chess pieces after the current world chess champion Howard Staunton, who agreed to endorse these particular pieces. Since then, Staunton chess pieces are the standard chess pieces, used almost universally.

Many different types of wood are now used to make chess pieces in the Staunton style. Rosewood and shiham wood are two of the most commonly used woods. Many chess enthusiasts prefer wooden chess sets to sets made of any other material because of the weighted feel and natural look of the pieces.

Rosewood chess pieces are among the most popular. They have a very natural appearance, with streaks and the grain of the wood that gives them a naturally beautiful and strong look. They are usually a brownish-red color but can be stained different shades. Rosewood chess pieces are generally heavier than most other wooden chess sets, giving them a unique feel.

Shisham wood, also known as Indian boxwood, is also commonly used to make chess sets. Shisham chess sets are durable and often have exquisite attention to detail. These wooden chess sets often come in a variety of beautiful, natural-looking shades of brown and can be stained a variety of colors. They are weighted towards the bottom to prevent them from tipping but are not as heavy as rosewood chess pieces.

Wooden chess sets are among the most popular in the world. Well-made wooden chess sets show great craftsmanship and a sort of intangible playability. Many chess fans use wood chess sets simply because they like the feel of wooden pieces.