Advice on purchasing Barrington folding table vs DIYing (1 Viewer)

[jaquaveousbark]

Hello,

I recently priced out a DIY build of a poker table and got to a number of about $275-400 all in, depending on whether I want to add lights, metal vs. plastic cup holders, etc.

I’ve seen Barrington folding tables discussed here at length, and they seem like a great option that would ultimately cost around the same or less than my DIY. I want to ask two things - how often do these tables go on sale, and will I notice a significant difference in quality between my homemade table and the Barrington?

I’ve drawn up plans for my DIY poker table and it would be one solid top and have Suited Speed Cloth and a 6” rail with 1” foam. How does the Barrington compare? My friend has a larger non folding Barrington table and the rail feels great, but the folding rails look a bit different and don’t *look* as plush and tall as the solid table’s. Second, if I DIY my poker table, it won’t be folding, and the main playing surface will be one thick piece of plywood. How sturdy are the Barrington tables when the cables are properly tensioned? Lastly, I’ve heard that the Barrington’s felt isn’t the greatest. I didn’t have any problems playing on his new table, but I’m curious about longevity and would plan on buying a custom topper from this forum in the long run.

That leads me into my next question - are Barrington tables likely to be found for much cheaper any time in the near ish future? I see them listed for between $200 and $330 depending on felt pattern, extra toppers included, and the inclusion of lights. I’ve seen posts on here where the same $330 table with lights and extra toppers for blackjack were going for $100 at Costco. The purchase of a topper at current prices would make the pre built table cost just as much if not more than my DIY. I have no idea how tariffs are affecting the poker table market, so I’m curious if it’s likely that Costco drops the price down to $150 in the next month, or if I’d be better off just biting the bullet and getting a table, either DIY or pre built, right now.

Thanks so much in advance to anyone who can offer info/advice here.

 

[BKisback]

I got a Costco Barrington after checking the app for it at my warehouse for a few weeks. When it appeared one day for $100, I hightailed it over there and it was all but hidden. I think this is the exception and not the rule - it might even have been a return that was bought and never opened.

I was impressed with the quality for a c-note. At 250+? I think I would build my own. I built three tables many years ago, and the rail on each of those was much better. The playing surface was better too (e.g., 1/4" padding plus an old wsop circuit cloth, ssc, etc.). The folding aspect of the Barrington is nice, but unless that's necessary for your space, I'd still recommend building your own for $400-$500 versus a Barrington with upgrades at $250-$350 or more. At $100, I thought it was too good to pass up.

 

[KingWithTheAxe]

I’ve got this.

Post pictures of your 3 most recent carpentry projects, with particular detail to the fit and finish.

Then I will tell you if you should build one or buy a Barrington.

 

[JackJack]

I would struggle to build my own version of a Barrington for $300. The cheap, everyday, folding legs that many put on DIY tables are inadequate. Same with cheap hinges at the fold.

I have priced out a DIY table that folds like the Barrington and I couldn’t get that price low than enough to justify. But then again it wasn’t going to be a single sheet of plywood, as that wouldn’t suffice on a poker table.

I might still DIY one out of pride, but it would be emotional and not rationale if I did so.

 

[Colquhoun]

The Costco table was available during the holidays, then quickly went on clearance. I doubt they’re restocking these, but may bring them back later in the year? Who knows.
The LED version of the table is very similar to the Costco one, just doesn’t come with toppers or a changeable color LED.
As @JackJack mentioned , it would be tough to DIY a table for $275$400 if you’re looking for decent legs, cloth, cup holders, lights, etc.
Even with a bigger budget, I think a DIY table can come out much nicer than a Barrington, but only if done right.

 

[Bluegrass Poker]

Hello,

I recently priced out a DIY build of a poker table and got to a number of about $275-400 all in, depending on whether I want to add lights, metal vs. plastic cup holders, etc.

I’ve seen Barrington folding tables discussed here at length, and they seem like a great option that would ultimately cost around the same or less than my DIY. I want to ask two things - how often do these tables go on sale, and will I notice a significant difference in quality between my homemade table and the Barrington?

I’ve drawn up plans for my DIY poker table and it would be one solid top and have Suited Speed Cloth and a 6” rail with 1” foam. How does the Barrington compare? My friend has a larger non folding Barrington table and the rail feels great, but the folding rails look a bit different and don’t *look* as plush and tall as the solid table’s. Second, if I DIY my poker table, it won’t be folding, and the main playing surface will be one thick piece of plywood. How sturdy are the Barrington tables when the cables are properly tensioned? Lastly, I’ve heard that the Barrington’s felt isn’t the greatest. I didn’t have any problems playing on his new table, but I’m curious about longevity and would plan on buying a custom topper from this forum in the long run.

That leads me into my next question - are Barrington tables likely to be found for much cheaper any time in the near ish future? I see them listed for between $200 and $330 depending on felt pattern, extra toppers included, and the inclusion of lights. I’ve seen posts on here where the same $330 table with lights and extra toppers for blackjack were going for $100 at Costco. The purchase of a topper at current prices would make the pre built table cost just as much if not more than my DIY. I have no idea how tariffs are affecting the poker table market, so I’m curious if it’s likely that Costco drops the price down to $150 in the next month, or if I’d be better off just biting the bullet and getting a table, either DIY or pre built, right now.

Thanks so much in advance to anyone who can offer info/advice here.

Just curious about what type of materials you are using to DIY. Just a suggestion, make sure you are getting the quality foam and playing surface and vinyl. There is some cheap crap on eBay and Amazon that aren’t worth it.

 

[JackJack]

Just curious about what type of materials you are using to DIY. Just a suggestion, make sure you are getting the quality foam and playing surface and vinyl. There is some cheap crap on eBay and Amazon that aren’t worth it.

Right on. Just the rail foam on casino supply is $75 (3x$25)

 

[bigblind]

Self satisfaction building yourself
Suggestion, then get a Chanman custom cloth

 

[quintooo]

I built my own with no experience in carpentry ever. Easy to find instructions online. cost about 800. Tchan cloth and gorilla legs drove up the cost a lot

but the convenience, space, and value of a barrington is also very nice, just invest in a topper from @rjdev7

I guess it would depend if you already have the tools to build a table and value portability of a barrington

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

View attachment 1497109

I built my own with no experience in carpentry ever. Easy to find instructions online. cost about 800. Tchan cloth and gorilla legs drove up the cost a lot

but the convenience, space, and value of a barrington is also very nice, just invest in a topper from @rjdev7

I guess it would depend if you already have the tools to build a table and value portability of a barrington

Wow! First time seeing that table, love it. Well done

 

[jaquaveousbark]

I got a Costco Barrington after checking the app for it at my warehouse for a few weeks. When it appeared one day for $100, I hightailed it over there and it was all but hidden. I think this is the exception and not the rule - it might even have been a return that was bought and never opened.

I was impressed with the quality for a c-note. At 250+? I think I would build my own. I built three tables many years ago, and the rail on each of those was much better. The playing surface was better too (e.g., 1/4" padding plus an old wsop circuit cloth, ssc, etc.). The folding aspect of the Barrington is nice, but unless that's necessary for your space, I'd still recommend building your own for $400-$500 versus a Barrington with upgrades at $250-$350 or more. At $100, I thought it was too good to pass up.

That's good to know. I'll likely see if I can go check the table out in person soon. I don't think that the folding aspect is necessary for my space. It will likely stay in one spot. I wasn't sure if a homemade table would be far and away higher quality for the price.

Just curious about what type of materials you are using to DIY. Just a suggestion, make sure you are getting the quality foam and playing surface and vinyl. There is some cheap crap on eBay and Amazon that aren’t worth it.

Yep, that's my issue. The prices I guesstimated were for all high quality stuff before taxes/S&H because there are some gaming supply stores near enough to me that I may be able to pick some of the same materials up without shipping huge rolls of foam.

I would struggle to build my own version of a Barrington for $300. The cheap, everyday, folding legs that many put on DIY tables are inadequate. Same with cheap hinges at the fold.

I have priced out a DIY table that folds like the Barrington and I couldn’t get that price low than enough to justify. But then again it wasn’t going to be a single sheet of plywood, as that wouldn’t suffice on a poker table.

I might still DIY one out of pride, but it would be emotional and not rationale if I did so.

If I built my own, it wouldn't be folding. It would be ~1 1/2" of plywood with high quality 1" foam, SSC, and a decent 1/4" foam (TBD if Volara or other) for the playing surface. I wasn't sure how the feel of a Barrington would compare. I only have experience with their larger non-folding tables which feel great apart from the felt. I'll probably stop by my local Costco to check it out. Thank you!

I’ve got this.

Post pictures of your 3 most recent carpentry projects, with particular detail to the fit and finish.

Then I will tell you if you should build one or buy a Barrington.

I'm confident in my ability to build a budget poker table. I've got a decent amount of experience with cabinetry, framing, and live edge wood tables. I'm more curious if there would be a noticable difference in quality when buying materials from a poker supply website since I haven't been able to check out a folding Barrington table in person.

 

[Colquhoun]

I'll probably stop by my local Costco to check it out. Thank you!

Again, these were available for the holidays and then went on clearance. Unlikely that there will be one, especially on display. They moved these out quick.