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Posts Tagged ‘folding poker table top’

If you and your poker buddies are tired of the kitchen table feel, a folding poker table top might just be what you need. Playing Hold’em on a blanketed kitchen or dining table is like playing darts with the target drawn on a wall. Something is really lacking.

There are poker layouts that you can get but they slide around a lot and have a crease where they fold unless you want to iron them.

A poker table top brings a more realistic feeling to the game, more like playing at a casino. You need to select a size and shape that fits your needs since there are many options. I will cover the main things to consider before you make the purchase to be sure you are going to get out of it what you hoped for.

1. Size and shape: If you currently are playing on a kitchen or dining table that is either round or square, and around 48 inches plus/minus 8 inches, you would want to look at the octagon poker table tops. If you are playing on a rectangular or oval table, then you should look at the rectangular or oval shaped table tops. Size selection and what the table top is made of does matter. For a foam top, you should not extend over the edges of the table you will sit it on by more than a few inches. For a wood based top it can extend over the edge four to six inches without issue. You care because if somebody bumped or otherwise disturbed the table top, your poker chips would be spilled over. This can really irritate you.

I would recommend against using a typical card table as a stand for these. Game Tables usually are a bit on the weak side, and not able to appropriately support a heavy poker table top.

Some people find they just don’t have a table that will work so you might want to check out a table that comes with legs like an octagon poker table. For people who have the space for it, a large folding poker table is even an option.

2. Materials: There are 2 basic materials used to make poker table tops. One is a foam type substance that is light and fairly durable and do tend to be the lowest cost tops. If you often play at a different house each game, they are ideal since the weigh less and include a travel case. Their low weight (under twenty pounds) and small size when folded gives them portability. Since they lack the durability of the wood based tops, they will need replacement as they wear. They also make a great inexpensive gift for your significant other.

Wood tops are hardier than the foam types and are generally a half inch of plywood. Padded felt and arm rests are also available on some of these just like on actual poker tables. They are much heavier so are not as easily disturbed during play by people leaning on them or standing up at the table and bumping it.

I use the foam table top for my away games, and a wood top for use at home. On a side note, I have a folding poker table too which I won’t get into here.

3. Features: Once you have determined what size, shape, and material your table top should be, the most fun part is to select the colors and designs. Some tops are designed to be used for more than poker, like roulette and craps layouts included with them. The lower cost foam tops are much less to ship so will save you money, they also tend to be the most colorful when it comes to designs. The poker tops on the top end have padded felt, cushioned armrest, and a plywood base just like the poker tables. The casino quality felt is more like what they use on actual tables.

The best wooden tops’ felt padding gives them a more realistic sound and feel. There is a soft “plink” sound when the chips hit each other and the table, and the chips don’t bounce around as much. The cards slide better on the higher quality felt when you deal too. I also like the cushioned armrests for player comfort on a long game night. The premium tops are great if you can afford it, but the are much heavier so you lose some portability campared to the foam.

Whether you are seeking a folding poker table top for a buddy, spouse, or yourself, you should now be able to choose one appropriately. Your kitchen table will no longer be an option after playing on one of these. Now That’s Poker!

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.