When it comes to tabletop games, smart design matters, but it's the quality of board game materials that makes players fall in love. The moment someone lifts the box, feels the board, rolls the dice, or picks up a miniature, the experience becomes real. Strong boards, smooth cards, custom meeples, and collectible miniatures turn a good game into a must-have favorite.
At Eastar Board Game Manufacturing, we specialize in creating durable, beautiful, and custom board game components that bring ideas to life for indie creators and top-tier publishers alike.
Choosing the Right Board Game Board Material
The game board is the heart of the table. A strong, high-quality board means:
Long-term durability
Better feel during play
A premium first impression
Most publishers use:
Material | Benefit |
Greyboard | Affordable, durable, and widely used in board game boards |
Chipboard | Heavier and premium feel for luxury board games |
To protect artwork and extend its lifespan, finishes such as linen texture, matte lamination, or gloss lamination are applied.
Folding vs. Non-Folding Boards
Folding boards: compact, cost-efficient, great for retail games
Non-fold boards: premium choice for collector & deluxe editions
At Eastar, we help match the best board style to your game’s size, budget, and audience.
Essential Board Game Components
A great game is powered by more than the board. Key components include:
Component | Material Option | Benefit |
Cards | Premium card stock + coating | Smooth shuffle, long-lasting prints |
Dice | Standard, engraved, or custom dice | Adds tactile excitement |
Tokens & Markers | Cardboard/wood / plastic | Tracks progress & resources |
Game Inserts | Plastic/cardboard | Organized inside the box |
Every piece matters. High-quality components increase immersion and replay value.
Custom Board Game Pieces: Stand Out in the Market
Players love games with personality. Custom board game pieces help your title feel unique, such as:
Custom meeples & tokens
Themed shapes (dragons, shields, characters, animals)
Player markers and resource pieces
Plastic is cost-effective and flexible for detailed shapes, while wood adds a classic, eco-friendly touch, especially for Euro-style games.
Custom game components show players that creativity and detail matter.
Luxury Upgrade: Metal Miniatures for Collectors
Want to attract collectors and Kickstarter backers?
Metal miniatures add a premium feel:
Heavyweight
Elite quality
Long-lasting deluxe look
Compared to plastic minis, metal pieces feel solid, artistic, and collectible perfect for deluxe versions, limited editions, and expansion packs.
Mixing Materials for the Perfect Balance
The best board games combine multiple materials strategically, for example:
Chipboard game board
Plastic or wooden resource tokens
Custom dice
Metal miniatures for high-tier pledges
This lets you offer:
Standard retail versions (affordable)
Collector editions (premium)
Result: higher sales, better Kickstarter funding, and stronger fan trust.
Why Work with Eastar Board Game Manufacturing?
We offer full-service game production, from concept to final shipment.
What we provide:
Expert consultation on game materials
Custom board, cards, miniatures & inserts
Plastic, wood, and metal component production
Prototyping & mass production
Durable packaging & box printing
With years of experience, Eastar helps creators build board games that feel amazing and last for years to come.
From family games to premium Kickstarter campaigns, Eastar brings your vision to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best material for a game board?
Greyboard and chipboard are industry standards, durable, strong, and print-friendly.
2. Why choose custom meeples and tokens?
They increase theme immersion and give your game a memorable identity.
3. Are metal miniatures worth it?
Yes, they add luxury appeal and work great for collectors and special editions.
4. Can a game use different types of materials?
Absolutely. Many games combine cardboard, wood, plastic, and metal to strike a balance between budget and quality.
5. How does Eastar help creators?
We guide material selection, offer design support, and produce high-quality board game components at competitive prices.
