From Scrap Plywood to Gaming Glory (Straight Edges Optional)

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I recently put some surplus plywood to good use by constructing a double‑sided 2' x 2' tabletop gaming board. While the carpentry may not stand up to close inspection, the project proved to be a rewarding way to repurpose leftover materials and create a compact, versatile playing surface. 

The first side, shown in the image below, features a cobblestone urban layout. This side is fully covered with My Village Stone Paper, producing a convincing paved surface ideal for town or settlement encounters. Two edges are lined with hedging made from the offcuts of the moss mat, while the remaining edges continue the stone‑wall theme for visual continuity.


Flipping the board reveals a textured green pasture enclosed by stone-effect walls. The playing surface is made from My Village Moss Mat Green Brown, which provides a natural, varied grass finish. The surrounding walls are wrapped in My Village Stone Paper, creating a cohesive frame that complements the terrain.


To adhere the materials, I used UHU glue for the moss mat and PVA for the stone paper - both proved reliable for securing the different textures. With the main construction complete, the final enhancement will be the addition of a carrying handle to make the board easily portable for games at home or on the go.

Location: Southampton, UK

Comments

  1. Mike Demana3 February 2026 at 22:22

    I was looking at that moss mat material in a craft store recently. I didn't see anything as large as yours. Plus, most had highly raised "bumps" that I thought would look awkward tilted if I wanted to set terrain or a building down upon. Do you have a link for the material to see if my local craft store can order it? Plus, what is UHU glue?

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    Replies
    1. Simon Norrington4 February 2026 at 09:12

      The mat I picked up is 70cm x 50cm (about 20 x 28 inches). In the second pic you can just about spot a thin strip I trimmed off so it would fit the 24 x 24 board.

      There are two versions of the Moss Mat Green‑Brown — one’s pretty bumpy and the other is much smoother. I used the smoother one. The brand, My Village, is Canadian, so it should be pretty easy to find in the US.

      For sticking it down, I used UHU all‑purpose glue, but honestly Gorilla Glue or anything similar should work just fine.

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