Frequently Asked Questions

Puzzle Quality

What finish do the puzzle pieces have — linen or smooth?

All puzzles in our shop use a glossy laminated finish. There is no linen (matte) texture option. The laminate is applied to the printed side of each piece, giving colors a vibrant, slightly reflective sheen while protecting the surface from handling.

Will the glossy finish cause glare while I'm puzzling?

The laminate does add a degree of shine, so bright overhead lighting can produce glare on the assembled puzzle. Working under softer or angled lighting reduces this noticeably. Many puzzlers find the glossy surface easier to wipe clean and worth the trade-off for color vibrancy.

How well do the pieces fit together? Should I expect false fits?

The pieces are die-cut from 100% chipboard and are designed for a snug, satisfying fit. Because the interlocking tabs are consistent across each puzzle, false fits (pieces that seem to connect but belong elsewhere) are uncommon. As with any jigsaw, large areas of similar color or pattern increase the chance of a mis-click, so sorting by shape first always helps.

What are the pieces made from? How thick is the chipboard?

Every puzzle is made from 100% chipboard — the same sturdy, layered paperboard used in quality jigsaws. The pieces have meaningful weight and tactile feel when you pick them up. We do not publish a specific millimeter thickness for the board; if you need an exact measurement for accessibility or comparison purposes, please contact us and we'll check with our print supplier.

What comes in the box?

Each puzzle ships in a printed paper box with the artwork reproduced on the top panel, so the finished image is always visible for reference. The box contains the puzzle pieces only — no poster or reference card is included. The artwork on the lid serves as your guide.

Do the pieces get dusty, and how do I clean them?

Chipboard can attract light dust during storage. To clean pieces, wipe gently with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid damp cloths or cleaning sprays, as moisture can warp the chipboard or lift the laminated surface.

How does piece size differ between piece counts?

Piece count and puzzle dimensions are related but not identical — a higher piece count over a similar image area means smaller individual pieces. Our puzzles are available in four sizes:

  • 110 pieces — approximately 10 × 8 in (largest individual pieces, great for younger puzzlers or a quick session)
  • 252 pieces — approximately 13.5 × 10.6 in
  • 520 pieces — approximately 20 × 16 in
  • 1014 pieces — approximately 28.5 × 19 in (smallest individual pieces, longest challenge)

All sizes use the same chipboard material and glossy laminated finish; only piece size and total puzzle area change.

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Do your puzzles have large pieces?

No. Our puzzles with fewer pieces, such as the 110-piece option, have larger individual pieces compared to our puzzles with higher piece counts. However, please keep in mind that these are not considered large-piece or oversized-piece puzzles specifically designed for seniors or individuals with limited dexterity or vision difficulties. If you need extra-large pieces for easier handling or visibility, our puzzles may not be the best fit. We appreciate your interest and want to make sure you choose a puzzle that meets your needs!

Can I order a puzzle with a design or photo that isn’t currently displayed on your website?

Yes! We offer custom photo puzzles created using your own image. Simply provide a high-quality photo or image, and we can turn it into a personalized jigsaw puzzle just for you.

Both vertical (portrait) and horizontal (landscape) images are welcome. For the best finished result, we recommend submitting a clear, high-resolution image with good lighting and minimal blurriness.

Custom photo puzzles are a wonderful way to turn favorite family photos, vacation memories, pets, special occasions, artwork, and other meaningful moments into a unique keepsake or gift.

Please note that image quality can affect the final print quality, so we may contact you if the submitted image is not suitable for printing.

EMAIL US ON HOW TO PROCEED WITH THIS REQUEST!

Do you ship internationally?

At the moment we only ship internationally from our Etsy store at ThePuzzleChest - Etsy

Can I cancel my order after it has been placed?

We do not accept cancellations after two hours of ordering. Once an order is in production, it cannot be canceled.

Do you offer exchanges if I ordered the wrong puzzle?

We do not offer direct exchanges, but we are happy to assist you with refund options and placing a new order if needed.

Why are your puzzles more expensive than some other brands?

Our jigsaw puzzles are proudly printed in the USA, which means we prioritize quality craftsmanship, ethical labor practices, and local production. While this can make our puzzles a bit more expensive than mass-produced alternatives, it also ensures vibrant printing, precise cutting, and durability you can feel. You're not just buying a puzzle—you're investing in a premium experience and supporting American workers.

Do you offer custom and personalized services?

Any puzzle image from our collection can also be ordered as a matte poster or framed wall art. If you’d like to turn your favorite design into a stunning display piece, just let us know via email, and we’ll be happy to help!

What are the different types of jigsaw puzzles?

🖼 Landscape & Nature – Stunning scenery, mountains, forests, beaches, and more.
🌸 Floral – Beautiful flowers, gardens, and botanical designs.
🏙 Cityscapes & Architecture – Iconic skylines, famous landmarks, and historical buildings.
🖤 Gothic & Dark Fantasy – Haunting castles, eerie artwork, and mystical creatures.
🕰 Steampunk – Intricate gears, vintage aesthetics, and futuristic Victorian-inspired scenes.
🎨 Art & Illustration – Classic paintings, modern digital art, and surreal designs.
🐾 Animals & Wildlife – Adorable pets, exotic animals, and majestic wildlife.
📖 Fantasy & Mythology – Dragons, fairies, magical worlds, and legendary
creatures.
🍔 Food & Drink – Mouthwatering desserts, colorful fruits, and cozy café scenes.

How do you solve a jigsaw puzzle?

Solving a puzzle takes patience, strategy, and a bit of fun! Here’s a simple step-by-step approach:
1️⃣ Find the Edges – Start by sorting and assembling the border pieces to create the puzzle’s frame.

2️⃣ Sort by Color & Pattern – Group pieces with similar colors or patterns to make it easier to spot connections.

3️⃣ Work in Sections – Focus on small, distinct areas of the image rather than the whole puzzle at once.

4️⃣ Look for Unique Shapes – Pay attention to the shape of each piece, as some have distinct connectors.

5️⃣ Stay Patient & Have Fun – Take breaks if needed, and enjoy the process—solving puzzles is about the journey as much as the result!

How long does it take to complete a jigsaw puzzle?

The time it takes to complete a jigsaw puzzle depends on factors like piece count, image complexity, and your experience level. Here’s an estimate for
each:
🧩 110 pieces – 30 minutes to 1 hour (Great for beginners or quick fun!)

🧩 252 pieces – 1 to 3 hours (A bit more challenging, but manageable in a single sitting.)

🧩 520 pieces – 3 to 6 hours (Requires more focus; best done over multiple sessions.)

🧩 1014 pieces – 8 to 20+ hours (A serious puzzle challenge—can take days, depending on difficulty!)