What can I use for a board for jigsaw puzzles?

Chriss Grijak
by Chriss Grijak

Does anyone have any suggestions for a mat/board to use when putting a jigsaw puzzle together? Due to downsizing, I no longer have the room to leave a puzzle out when not working on it. Was told not to waste my money on the plastic roll up mats because they don’t work. Thank you!

  8 answers
  • Mary lu Mary lu on Jan 03, 2019

    you can buy a mat especially for jigsaw puzzles, you roll it up and it is ready to continue with the next time.

  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Jan 03, 2019

    I have one that is made out of cardboard and foam sheets that works fairly well. I have a coffee table that we use and cover it with a piece of foam board and a large towel when we aren't working on the puzzle. We have to cover it due to four doggie tails that like to wipe clean tables.

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    • Chriss Grijak Chriss Grijak on Jan 06, 2019

      Thank you Nancy! I will be going to Hobby Lobby tomorrow! I didn’t know they were closed on Sunday! 🙂

  • Barbara Barbara on Jan 03, 2019

    buy a piece of any color felt fabric from a fabric store like Joanne’s cut to the size of a 1000 pc puzzle (1/2 yd or 1 yd ). Place on table and start puzzle. When done or half done simply roll it up

  • Pat Pat on Jan 06, 2019

    We used to use newspapers over our puzzle when doing it in the dining room table....then put table cloth on over newspaper...

  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Jan 06, 2019

    Yes, they are very family oriented. Mine is closed on Sundays, too so that every employee can be home on Sundays. I wish every business was like that. I remember back when every store was closed on Sundays, only the restaurants were open.

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    • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Jan 07, 2019

      At least you can reuse it many times, just put it in the back of a closet when you aren't using it. Have fun with your puzzle. I love jigsaw puzzles!

  • Dinkocroley Dinkocroley on Feb 28, 2023

    One option that has worked well for me is to use a large cookie sheet as a puzzle board. It's the perfect size for most puzzles, and it's easy to store away when you're not working on it.

  • DylanB DylanB on Mar 01, 2023

    I understand the struggle to find a good mat/board for jigsaw puzzles. I've tried a few options, and one that has worked well for me is a large foam board. You can find these at most craft stores in various sizes. The foam board is lightweight and easy to move around but sturdy enough to hold the weight of the puzzle pieces. Plus, it's easy to store when you're not using it - just slide it under your bed or prop it up against a wall. Another option is a puzzle board with a built-in cover, which you can find online. These are a bit pricier, but they're great if you want something more portable. Hope that helps - happy puzzling!

  • Mogie Mogie on Mar 02, 2023

    You could cover the puzzle with plexi glass that way you could see thru to the puzzle without removing the cover if that is something that would work for you.