Build Your Own Card Table

A staple of American culture, card and game night is a time friends and family come together to relax, unwind and have some fun. One thing people enjoy, especially poker players, is having their own custom tables in their homes, personalized to the type of games they play and the number of people who participate. To get these tables exactly the way they’re wanted, many people take a DIY approach and build their own.

It’s actually a simpler process than one would think, although there are a few exceptions that may be overlooked by the inexperienced card player or table maker. Most everyone knows tables are rounded or oval-shaped, have soft padding on the edges and are covered in fabric. However, there’s a bit more that goes into building the perfect table.

One important step is recognizing that under the fabric of the playing surface is a layer of padding like thin versions of foam exercise mats. These thin sheets of rubber foam material are typically only 1/8 of an inch thick. The reason for these thin foam mats isn’t just to make the surface more comfortable though. That soft padding, for one, is made of a closed-cell material that will not absorb moisture in case of a spill, making it easier to dry which protects the table. It also makes it easier to slide cards under each other in games like blackjack and keeps chips from bouncing around, scratching the playing surface and keeps the game quieter than it would be if played on an unpadded table.

Another item to keep in mind is the fabric that covers the table. It needs to allow cards to slide easily, while being durable and easy to clean in case of spills or staining. While it is often called felt, actual felt material is one of the worst covering fabrics to use in this application. It will pill, get linty and quickly show wear. Getting specially-suited poker cloth is the best bet for your table.