Folding Poker Table – How To Choose One
With all the types and designs available, which should you decide on? This article helps you get the most bang for your buck, and choosing a folding poker table that is right for you. Considering there are about 30,000 searches a month on google for the term folding poker table, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of merchants trying to push some version of this product. Which one you pick depends on what you need with regards to your space available, what you can spend, and your players.
Essentially poker table fall into 4 groups. Poker table tops, fold up poker tables, folding legs poker tables, and furniture poker tables. Of these, the first three can only be considered folding types, where the furniture models are permanent setup, much like a billiard table, and cost several times more, often over a thousand bucks.
Poker Table Tops are priced much lower due to their lighter weight, smaller packing size, and lower shipping cost. When you only have a small room and cannot use a table, these can be unfolded and used on your dining table. You don’t need to purchase extra chairs. You can find various sizes and shapes of these tops according to your budget. The wooden base and felt padding on the high end models provides a more genuine casino “plink” sound when splashing the pot. Many also have cushioned arm rests to keep your players comfortable on those long poker nights. The least expensive tops are around 40 to 50 dollars, the best table tops with delivery are a little over 100 dollars. Usually they are made from a foam type material, and don’t have arm rests. They seem to be more colorful with casino style graphics and more games than just poker, like roulette and blackjack. Since they are relatively light in weight, they are nice for when you play at a different house every game. Trays for your poker chips with built in cup holders for your favorite beverage are also commonly seen on these.
The next level in price are the Fold Up Poker Tables. These can be delivered for about the 160 to 250 dollars ranges. The wooden top folds in half for storing, but it still has the premium features like armrests, cupholders, and felt padding. Since the size is cut in half due to the folding top, you will spend considerably less for these than a folding leg table. Shipping dramatically increases with size and weight. They can also be shipped using UPS or Fedex eliminating the expense of using a trucking company. Another benefit is the storage space required is much less. The primary disadvantage is the place where the 2 halves come together when unfolded. When you deal you have to take care that the cards don’t trip over the fold and flip up. While personally this does not bother me, some players have told me they do not like the fold and would rather pay the extra for a solid top.
The resolution is Folding Leg Poker Tables. The wood top is one solid piece for a long, smooth playing surface with no obstructions. Since this causes the delivery cost to increase, they can price at up to 400 dollars. While the legs can be folded for storage, they are way to big to put in a closet.
Shapes & Sizes: Folding poker tables come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on your need. For smaller rooms like in an apartment or kitchen, you can use a 48 inch octagon table. Comfort is a factor though, since the players will be sitting knee to knee if trying to fit 8 people. I would limit the number of players to about 6. With room comfortably for 8 or 10 players, The oval tables are 6 to 7 feet long. But consider whether you really have the room to set one of these up, since you are looking at 7 and 8 foot tables, and 3-1/2 to 4 feet wide. Additionally, you will need to have a chair for every player.
I hope this helps with your search for a folding poker table that suits your budget, space, and needs. Aside from playing in Vegas, there is nothing better than running your game on one of these.
