How Big a Work Surface Do I Need for Puzzling?

This is one of those questions that seems simple — until you start a puzzle and realize the pieces are taking over your entire dining table. Whether you’re working on a cozy 300-piece or a mega 2000-piece challenge, planning out your puzzle workspace makes a big difference.

Start with the Finished Size

Every puzzle has a finished size listed on the box or product page. That’s your baseline. For example, a typical 1000-piece puzzle might measure around 20” x 27”. But don’t stop there — you’ll need extra space around it for sorting and moving pieces around.

The General Rule: Plan for at Least Double

As a general rule, I recommend having at least twice the area of the finished puzzle to give yourself breathing room. If your puzzle is 20” x 27”, try to work on a surface that's at least 40” x 30” — more if you plan on doing a lot of sorting next to the build.

Think About Your Setup

If you’re puzzling on a dining table, make sure you won’t need it for meals anytime soon. For more flexible options, puzzle boards or roll-up mats can turn almost any surface into a puzzle zone. Some puzzlers even use foam boards they can move or slide under a bed if needed.

Consider Piece Count and Style

The bigger the piece count, the more space you’ll need — not just for the puzzle itself, but for all the unsorted pieces that’ll hang out on the sides. Random-cut puzzles can take up even more space, since their edges don’t line up in neat rows. Collage-style images with lots of colors? You’ll want extra sorting zones.

If You’re Tight on Space…

Go for smaller puzzles (like 300- or 500-piece counts), or try sectional puzzling — work on small areas on a tray or foam board and then combine them. You can also store in-progress puzzles in a portfolio case or roll them up if you need to clear the space temporarily.

The key is to think ahead just a little — the right surface can turn a frustrating setup into a super satisfying experience. And if you’re like me and puzzling is part of your everyday life, finding a go-to space or surface is totally worth it!