Building my own poker table (1 Viewer)

[Bearbocmc]

I’m looking to build my own table, are there any good links on builds and materials and best type of wood to use?

 

[CHP TD]

have a look on the site there are plenty of threads about builds. check https://www.pokerchipforum.com/forums/poker-tables-seating-and-furniture

also there is the Poker table forum.

 

[lnlver]

The two best types of wood to make it out of are walnut and cherry; oak is acceptable, but its grain is more open than the other two.

 

[Trihonda]

I’m looking to build my own table, are there any good links on builds and materials and best type of wood to use?

I’ve built a good number of tables, and helped mentor many through their own builds.

Lots of unknowns before I could answer your questions.

What style table are you looking for? Round, oval? Raised rail, racetrack?

How many people do you wish to seat? Any space issues?

What is your skill level with construction and tools? Are you comfortable using a router?


Several initial thoughts...

YAT is your friend (so is Joanne Fabrics)

Race Tracks look cool but suck on the playability front (and are more complicated to build anyway)

Google is also your friend. There are lots of great build threads on PCF, but few have the detailed “how to” aspects that were found on Scott Keen’s old website (which no longer exists). I’d try google, (and I will later, when I’m not on my phone), and try to find a few of the better google build links (there are some good, and some bad).

I’m also pretty close (Madison), and am happy to help talk things through any time over the phone...


Most importantly, when you do start your build, take lots of pics along the way, and create a nice how to thread.

Edited:
link to “ok” build... this one is basic, and although I’d do things even easier, this build gets the basics right...

http://www.pokerlistings.com/how-to-build-your-own-poker-table-for-under-300-guide-images-and-plans

Seems Ike most Of what is out there is for table styles that are more well known, yet less functional (racetraok, old octagonal, cupholders in the play surface, etc). I equate this to the similarity with most peoples views on poker chips.. they think that “official casino weight” is a thing, and that heavier chips are better. Once you’ve played on a Chanman table, or with minty custom CPC or Paulson chips, there’s no comparison

 

[RowdyRawhide]

Here is the link to my build thread over on PTF. There's several others if you look around.

https://www.pokertableforum.com/threads/not-so-budget-budget-build.47/

 

[David O]

I think this site gives you an idea of how to build a table and also shows you different types of table builds. Not sure about ordering supplies from them since I never haver but have used their site during builds.

http://www.buildyourownpokertables.com

 

[EventHorizonVII]

I think this site gives you an idea of how to build a table and also shows you different types of table builds. Not sure about ordering supplies from them since I never haver but have used their site during builds.

http://www.buildyourownpokertables.com

I have a few samples of their SSC. It is comparable to what is on YAT. Was going to go with that and then this bug about having a custom suede infected me...

 

[David O]

I have a few samples of their SSC. It is comparable to what is on YAT. Was going to go with that and then this bug about having a custom suede infected me...

After using gaming suede I do not think I will ever go back to SSC. Nicer looking and better playability. If you go custom make sure to check with Tony.

 

[EventHorizonVII]

After using gaming suede I do not think I will ever go back to SSC. Nicer looking and better playability. If you go custom make sure to check with Tony.

I plan to, Woody did the design, will look fantastic. I'll post after I pay him. May have overspent on Christmas

 

[longflop]

link to “ok” build... this one is basic, and although I’d do things even easier, this build gets the basics right...

http://www.pokerlistings.com/how-to-build-your-own-poker-table-for-under-300-guide-images-and-plans

I used these plans to build the table that's in my profile picture. 3 takeaways:
- use Tnuts and bolts to connect the rail to the table and legs to the table. if anything goes wrong, its WAY eaier to take apart and replace.
- buy speed felt, it makes all the difference
- don't go cheap in the foams. I went with the higher end foams on YAT for my second table and you can definitely tell the difference, especially in the rail.

 

[allforcharity]

Consider doing a custom-printed design on gaming suede. For a small cost outlay, this is the one thing that will make the table uniquely yours. It will turn your table into a truly heirloom product.

 

[Bearbocmc]

I’ve built a good number of tables, and helped mentor many through their own builds.

Lots of unknowns before I could answer your questions.

What style table are you looking for? Round, oval? Raised rail, racetrack?

How many people do you wish to seat? Any space issues?

What is your skill level with construction and tools? Are you comfortable using a router?


Several initial thoughts...

YAT is your friend (so is Joanne Fabrics)

Race Tracks look cool but suck on the playability front (and are more complicated to build anyway)

Google is also your friend. There are lots of great build threads on PCF, but few have the detailed “how to” aspects that were found on Scott Keen’s old website (which no longer exists). I’d try google, (and I will later, when I’m not on my phone), and try to find a few of the better google build links (there are some good, and some bad).

I’m also pretty close (Madison), and am happy to help talk things through any time over the phone...


Most importantly, when you do start your build, take lots of pics along the way, and create a nice how to thread.

Edited:
link to “ok” build... this one is basic, and although I’d do things even easier, this build gets the basics right...

http://www.pokerlistings.com/how-to-build-your-own-poker-table-for-under-300-guide-images-and-plans

Seems Ike most Of what is out there is for table styles that are more well known, yet less functional (racetraok, old octagonal, cupholders in the play surface, etc). I equate this to the similarity with most peoples views on poker chips.. they think that “official casino weight” is a thing, and that heavier chips are better. Once you’ve played on a Chanman table, or with minty custom CPC or Paulson chips, there’s no comparison

I wanted to do like a more hexagon table to seat 8 I was thinking instead the racetrack I liked the chip holders for each seat with the cup. I want it to look good but also be more for someone on the beginner side if that makes sense.

 

[Bearbocmc]

Consider doing a custom-printed design on gaming suede. For a small cost outlay, this is the one thing that will make the table uniquely yours. It will turn your table into a truly heirloom product.

I definitely had that in mind, since I’m a combat vet of the 101st airborne I wanted to get that on my table and I’m a lover of Harley Davidson. On the gaming felt or whatever to make it my unique touch

 

[Bearbocmc]

This is what I would like my poker table to look like. If it’s easier I could give my cell phone number on here 312-543-0500 texting is easier or calling me.

 

[Trihonda]

This is what I would like my poker table to look like. If it’s easier I could give my cell phone number on here 312-543-0500 texting is easier or calling me.

Not a fan of this concept for a number of reasons. I’d check out Chanmans table project thread for inspiration on tables.

I want a table to look awesome, but functionality plays an equally important role. A padded rail is more comfortable and a full felt design plays better. Having chip holder sections doesn’t play as well, neither does a racetrack design. IMHO You want a seamless transition between where chips are stacked, and the play surface.

Again, Chan’s tables look amazing, and play well.

I’m on my phone, so I’ll try to come back to this thread later with some links and examples of what I’m talking about

 

[Jambine]

This is what I would like my poker table to look like. If it’s easier I could give my cell phone number on here 312-543-0500 texting is easier or calling me.

Lots of issues with this kind of table. If you're constrained on space, consider doing a round table with padded rail

 

[upNdown]

Octagons are great. Circles too. If sized properly, they are superior in every way to an oval (except seating capacity, of course) for self-dealt games. So I applaud the shape choice. But as trihonda said, individual chip trays are unnecessary and they get in the way of smooth play. Pushing out bets and raking in pots can be a pain in the butt. And depending on how they’re designed, they can obscure players’ views of other players’ chips.

 

[Bearbocmc]

Not a fan of this concept for a number of reasons. I’d check out Chanmans table project thread for inspiration on tables.

I want a table to look awesome, but functionality plays an equally important role. A padded rail is more comfortable and a full felt design plays better. Having chip holder sections doesn’t play as well, neither does a racetrack design. IMHO You want a seamless transition between where chips are stacked, and the play surface.

Again, Chan’s tables look amazing, and play well.

I’m on my phone, so I’ll try to come back to this thread later with some links and examples of what I’m talking about

That makes sense I like the octagon table format so even without the chip tray is cool. I want the best playing surface with, comfortablitly and durability. I’m not the best with wood working but I can learn. I have friends who wood work for a living. I do like the cup holder too since we all drink when we play.

 

[Trihonda]

That makes sense I like the octagon table format so even without the chip tray is cool. I want the best playing surface with, comfortablitly and durability. I’m not the best with wood working but I can learn. I have friends who wood work for a living. I do like the cup holder too since we all drink when we play.

Octagon is the hardest shape to pull off (esp if you’re not into woodworking). A round table is 1000% easier to build, and allows flexibility to spread out when fewer players are at the table.

Cup holders are cool, but aren’t always perfect or issue free. I’d do them in the rail, and not on the play surface.

 

[Bearbocmc]

Octagon is the hardest shape to pull off (esp if you’re not into woodworking). A round table is 1000% easier to build, and allows flexibility to spread out when fewer players are at the table.

Cup holders are cool, but aren’t always perfect or issue free. I’d do them in the rail, and not on the play surface.

Do you have any recommendations or anywhere I can get some specs and guidelines how to build? Sorry I know I ask a lot of questions but I’m unsure

 

[Trihonda]

Some wood workers can knock out octo tables easy. Not me, and I’ve built a raised rail lighted table.

A round circle cut (using a router/jig) is supper easy. You’re just making a bunch of different circles.

Upholstery of an octo rail seems like a real pita. Round is also a pita, but less so.

Again, at work on phone. Hard to post more right now.

 

[Trihonda]

Here’s an example of the first table i ever built. Round. 50”. Perfect for 6-7 players, 8 was possible.

Some build pics

 

[Bearbocmc]

So I’m still looking into it and I really want a good octagon table design but you may be able to talk me out of it. I just feel the octagon has a lot more comfort than a round table and the 10 man table is nice too. I really like the cup holders and the rail honestly it’s more for design. One of my good friends is a really good wood worker and he said he’d help with my build. I just wanted to get some more opinions. And where I can get custom felt also I would like to put my unit that I served with when I was as deployed.

 

[Bearbocmc]

Right now I’m looking at what would be the best and most durable wood to use for the table. I’m 6’3 280 so we are all big boys lol I want something that is going to be sturdy.

 

[RowdyRawhide]

are just doing felt and padded rail or are you looking to have wood finished rail and chip trays still?

If padded rail and felt 3/4" plywood will be all you need. You could still use 3/4 as the base and a finishable hard wood for the other option. if your really worried about durability you could double your plywood but that SOB will be HEAVY AF.

@T_Chan has you covered on the custom felt shoot him a PM

 

[Bearbocmc]

are just doing felt and padded rail or are you looking to have wood finished rail and chip trays still?

If padded rail and felt 3/4" plywood will be all you need. You could still use 3/4 as the base and a finishable hard wood for the other option. if your really worried about durability you could double your plywood but that SOB will be HEAVY AF.

@T_Chan has you covered on the custom felt shoot him a PM

No I’ve hated away from chip tray just want the cup holders.

 

[RowdyRawhide]

then you could do a round with felt and padded rail and just use slide under cup holders

 

[DrDysfunctional]

These were the first two tables I did. They are 60 inches wide. The rail was a little troublesome but T_Chan said he knew some tricks to make them easier. I'll hit him up if I decide to build one again. The one one with blue speed cloth I had a pro do the rail, she sewed it and put it on. I wasn't happy with her work at all. The one with red speed cloth I did the rail myself but I cut each side and covered them individually. My guys actually like it better, they say their space is more defined. Where are you in Chicago? In the city or burbs? If your close, you could come look at my tables and get some ideas. I don't have the plans written down anywhere, I just had them in my head and rolled with it.

I have more pictures of the build as well if you want to see them.

 

[chipjoker]

Any ply wood is great @ 3/4" thick.

Use the one piece for the rail,one for the playing surface and the add a piece under the playing surface for extra support.

 

[T_Chan]

Octagons work, rounds work, lots of different options and examples...

Best to use 3/4" plywood, any plywood will work but it's easier to work with cabinet grade plywood. The more ply's in the wood the better.