The best shuffleboard tables can take your gameplay experience to a whole new level. This game has been around since the 15th century and was first introduced to the US by English immigrants. Over the years, it has become a staple at recreational centers, family fun centers, bars, and homes. If you’ve decided to take the plunge and purchase a shuffleboard table for home use, then this buyers guide will walk you through all of the important features to look for, to ensure you end up with a table that’s durable, versatile, and one that can provide a pro quality playing experience. I’ve also tested out several of the top selling tables across the country, narrowing it down to seven must have tables that will be right at home whether the table is for a bar, rec center, or home use.

Below, you’ll find a comparison chart that includes each of the models that landed on my list, in addition to their features, and how they rated.

Shuffleboard Comparison Chart

Product	Size	Playing Surface Material	Climatic Adjusters	Rating
Playcraft Woodbridge Table Shop On Amazon!	9 Ft.	Hardwood	Yes
Fairview Game Rooms Table Shop On Amazon!	12 Ft.	Maple	Yes
Playcraft Telluride Table Shop On Amazon!	13 Ft.	Russian Birch	Yes
Atomic Platinum Table Shop On Amazon!	9 Ft.	MDF	Yes
Elite Sportz Shuffleboard Table Shop On Amazon!	3 Ft, 11 IN.	Vinyl/Plastic	No
Playcraft Georgetown Table Shop On Amazon!	14 Ft., 16 Ft.	Hardwood	Yes
GoSports Shuffleboard Shop On Amazon!	3 Ft., 9 IN.	Wood Laminate	No

Best Overall-Playcraft Woodbridge Shuffleboard Table

Our Rating: (5/5)

Earning the top spot on my list is this best-selling model by Playcraft. Its heavy-duty design and pro-quality look will make this model the focal point of any room. It’s a great buy for the beginner or serious shuffleboard player and it’s a must-have for every man cave.

This shuffleboard table features a hardwood butcher-block playing surface that measures in at 1 ¾ thick. The surface is coated in satin polyurethane, which creates a fast, glossy, and smooth playing field. The arched pedestal legs are double-paneled and reinforced with heavy-duty metal leg levelers. The hinged door comes with shelves for storage, allowing you to keep all of your shuffleboard accessories organized and accessible. The cradle consists of a hardwood micro-lame one-piece design for top of the line stability. The climatic adjusters are pro-quality and will allow you to play on an even, smooth playing surface, which promotes faster gameplay and shot accuracy.

Conclusion

This table is pro-quality all the way. The beautiful design will complement any room in the home, while the durable construction ensures that this table will last year after year. Well-built and made out of quality hardwood materials, this table will be a great addition to any home or business.

Best 12 Foot Table-Fairview Game Rooms Signature Shuffleboard Table

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This beautiful table is made out of maple veneer, which comes with a total of five layers of multicore construction that’s topped with a polyurethane finish. The finish gives the playing field a high gloss look and improves gameplay speed. The included metal stabilizer bars will ensure a level playfield. These stabilizers are designed to minimize a convex or concave playing field. The leg levelers are made out of chrome and come equipped with a locking nut that allows you to precisely adjust the height of the legs when the table is placed on an uneven surface.

Conclusion

The high-quality maple wood combined with the durable scratch-resistant playing field gives this table a pro-quality look. The table’s extra features including the climatic adjusters and leg levelers ensure smooth puck action, and faster gameplay. This table is twelve feet in length, so it won’t be a good choice for homes that are tight on space, considering there must be a minimum of two feet of clearance on each side. However, if you have the room to accommodate a table of this size, then you’ll appreciate all of the extra features it has to offer, the solid design, and the beautiful maple wood construction that will give any room an elegant and modern look.

Best for Pros-Playcraft Telluride Pro-Style Shuffleboard Table

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This shuffleboard table features a playing surface that’s made out of Russian birch, with ¼ of an inch of polymer poured over the surface to protect the wood, while promoting faster gameplay. The twenty-four-inch overhead electronic scorer will allow you to focus on your game, while the scorer keeps tabs on each player. There’s also on-leg storage space, so you can keep all of your gear together, neatly organized. The durable hardwood construction is stained in a deep espresso color, complete with clear birch accents that give this table an elegant, classic look. The table also comes with climatic adjusters that will ensure the playing field remains straight during gameplay. Additionally, the included leg levelers can easily accommodate for an uneven surface and can be independently adjusted.

Conclusion

This is a beautifully made table that comes with plenty of bells and whistles. The rich espresso color of the wood makes this table really stand out, while the electronic scorer, climatic adjusters, and leg levelers take gameplay to a whole new level. This pro-quality table will be a welcome addition to any family rec room or small business, and it comes with all the features the serious shuffleboard player could want, all for a price that’s affordable.

Best Budget-Friendly Table-Atomic Platinum Shuffleboard Table

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This table features a classic design that will match the existing décor in your home. Nine feet long, the table comes with a poly-coated playing surface that’s scratch resistant and designed to promote fast playing action. The pedestal legs come equipped with leg levelers, which you can adjust in order to accommodate for an uneven playing surface. This model comes with one can of shuffleboard wax, four blue pucks, and four red pucks. The table also comes with 1, 2, and 3 goal lines which allows you to easily keep track of the score. The included abacus will also help you track scores during a fast-paced game.

The table’s cradle is lined with a heavy-duty black cloth that makes the black interior of the table really pop.

Conclusion

This beautifully designed table will complement any room in the home. The solid frame construction, combined with the poly-coated playing surface will ensure this table lasts year after year, while the cloth lined cradle helps to cutdown on cleaning and maintenance. Overall, this model is a great choice for shuffleboard players of all skill levels and will be a great addition to any home and a great buy for the shuffleboard player on a tight budget.

Top Choice for Kids-Elite Sportz Equipment Shuffleboard Table

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This is a shuffleboard table that’s designed specifically for kids, but the entire family can join in on the fun. This model is just three feet, eleven inches long, so it’s perfect for homes that are tight on space and can easily be stored away when not in use. This mini shuffleboard table is a great choice if parents want to purchase a full-sized table in the future but want to teach the kids the rules of the game and ensure their children will enjoy it, before making a major investment in a traditional table. The lightweight design makes this table highly portable, so it’s also a great choice for road trips, vacations, and camping trips.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a durable, lightweight, highly portable shuffleboard table for the kids, then this model is it. It’s simple to assemble, easy to maintain, and it can easily be stored away when not in use. This table is a great buy for kids who are interested in learning how to play the game and it comes with all the accessories you need to get started, right out of the box.

Best 14-16 Foot Table-Playcraft Georgetown Shuffleboard Table

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

Playcraft is one of the biggest manufacturers of shuffleboard tables in the world. Their tables are often loaded with all the right features and come equipped with beautiful wood playing fields that offer that smooth and fast playing action that all buyers are looking for. Their latest table is available in a couple of sizes; fourteen feet or sixteen feet, so buyers can enjoy the total shuffleboard experience. The table’s playing surface comes in at fifteen inches wide, with a hand stained wood laminate playing surface and a frame that’s made out of plywood. The playing field has been coated in polyurethane to protect the wood’s surface, while making it nice and slick.

It also features traditional gutters with gray carpeting and an abacus scorer that’s made out of deluxe hardwood. The climatic adjuster system does an excellent job of maintaining the shape of the playing field, while the leg levelers will allow you to independently adjust the height of each leg if the table is placed on an uneven surface.

Conclusion

This table is class all the way. The traditional design will make this table the focal point of any room. Additionally, the frame’s durable construction will ensure this is a table that will last for decades, with the right care and maintenance. Playcraft has done it again, creating a well-built full-sized shuffleboard table that players of all ages and skill levels will love.

Best Tabletop Model-GoSports Shuffleboard

Our Rating: (4/5)

This is a great table for kids, especially those who get bored easily. This model features curling on one side and shuffleboard on the other. The frame of the table is solidly built, with a hardwood surface. The table also includes eight rollers that smoothly glide across the surface of the table. This model measures in at three feet, nine inches long, making it perfect for homes that are short on space. The lightweight design also makes this model highly portable, so it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a game table you can take for camping trips, vacations, and more. It can also easily be stored away when not in use.

Conclusion

This table includes both curling and shuffleboard games, offering the type of variety that kids need. The lightweight design makes the table highly portable. Additionally, the slim design makes this model easy to transport and store when not in use. The unique, colorful design of the table combined with its solid construction makes this table a must-have for families who love to play together.

Shuffleboard Buyer’s Guide

This is a fun and simple game the whole family can enjoy. Adding one of these tables to your family rec room, man cave, or backyard can allow you and your friends and family to enjoy a fast-paced game of shuffleboard in the comfort of your home or backyard.

If you’ve decided to purchase a shuffleboard table for home use, then this buyer’s guide will include all of the important features to look for and how to choose the perfect table for your home. Before I jump into what features to look for, first, let’s take a look at the many benefits this type of game table has to offer.

Benefits of Shuffleboard Tables

Owning one of these tables offers a wide range of health benefits, both mentally and physically, including:

• Playing a round of shuffleboard will allow you to decompress for the day, helping to alleviate stress
• If you’re not normally active, then playing a fast-paced game will get the blood pumping, and can give you a nice round of cardio.
• Playing this game can also help to improve hand-eye coordination.
• You’ll find yourself spending more time with your family, who would otherwise be watching TV or glued to their smartphones. A game of two on two can strengthen your family bond, allowing you to spend more quality time together.
• When you play a round of shuffleboard, you can naturally lower your stress level. Not only will be you be moving, but you’ll also be very focused on the game at hand, so it will take your mind off the sources of your stress.
• This is a game that’s fun for people of all ages and skillsets, regardless of the player’s size or strength.
• These tables are available in a variety of styles that can work with any décor.

To learn more about shuffleboard and the other benefits that come with adding this exciting game to your home or business, be sure to stop by and check out my beginner’s guide to shuffleboard.

Other Important Features

Before you buy a table, there are many factors to consider. You’ll need a table that can cater to your playing style, whether you love a fast-paced game of one on one or a larger table that allows you to enjoy a game of two on two.

If you want a table that will work with the existing décor in your home, then you’ll need to learn more about the different types of materials these tables are made out of and cabinet options. However, the biggest consideration is the table’s size.

Size

The size of the shuffleboard table you purchase will be one of the most important factors to consider before you buy. These models come in a wide variety of sizes beginning with tables that are 9 feet in length, all the way up to 20 feet. For home use, you can also find tables that are 7 to 8 feet in length depending on the manufacturer.

Of course, just because there’s a wide selection of sizes available doesn’t mean that you can purchase any size you want. The perfect dimensions will mainly depend on the how much space you have available in the home. Aside from how much space the table takes up, you also need to take into consideration how much clearance space you need for each player.

When you’re measuring the available space in your home, be sure that there’s at least two feet of clearance on every side of the table. Of course, more space would be great, but two feet should be the minimum.

Aside from the length of the table, you also need to consider the width. That table surface should be wide enough for sufficient weight movement. You want to avoid purchasing anything that’s under 18 inches wide, even if you plan to use weights that are much smaller than the standard size.

Models that have smaller surface weights are generally more affordable compared to traditional size tables. However, if you want to enjoy the classic shuffleboard playing experience then you’ll need to choose a model that has sufficient width.

Material

These tables are also available in a variety of materials. This is another important factor that can determine the durability of your table. During use, these tables are at a high risk of damage due to the high impact of gameplay and dropped weights. When one of these tables becomes damaged it can be a very costly to repair it. Because of this, you should search for a table that’s durable and made out of thick hardwood. This type of material can easily withstand high impact play and the test of time.

Common Woods you can choose from include:

• Canadian soft maple
• White maple
• Poplar
• Oak
• Maple wood
• Mahogany
• North American maple
• Birch

Ideally, you should purchase a table that features a solid hardwood playing surface. These types of woods are incredibly durable and can easily handle damage. The most durable hardwoods include oak, hard maple, and birch.

However, if you’re on a tight budget, you can also find more affordable options such as a soft maple with a thick epoxy resin finish. Soft maple is nowhere near as durable as hardwood, but if it features an epoxy finish this will greatly increase its resilience.

Cabinet

Most people believe that a table’s outer cabinet will not have any impact on gameplay. However, the structure and weight will play an important role. Many shuffleboard players are often under the impression that the cabinet is there for aesthetic reasons. However, since it’s what holds the entire table together, you’ll find that it’s equally as important as the table’s playing field.

Models that are made out of solid hardwood tend to be more durable and heavier. However, they can also add plenty of weight, which can hold the table in place during a fast round. A well-built cabinet can also improve shot accuracy. Of course, these tables will be more expensive than low-quality lightweight tables. Typically, you can find cabinets that are made out of maple, pine, or walnut. Low priced models are usually made out of MDF particleboard.

Additionally, some models will come with storage compartments, which will allow you to store all of your shuffleboard gear neatly when you’re not playing. This will help you keep all of your equipment organized and easily accessible. Cabinets with this type of storage often cost more, but it’s usually worth it to keep your gear free from dirt and debris, while also preventing the kids from losing your pucks.

Finish

Your next consideration will be the table’s finish. Because these tables have a high risk of accidental scratches and damage, especially if the table will be used by kids or beginners, then a high-quality finish will be crucial. Weights can accidentally be dropped on the table or pushed too hard across its surface. This can lead to severe damage, especially if the finish on the table isn’t strong enough. Cracks, divots, and dents can have a major impact on shot accuracy and gameplay, making it incredibly difficult for the weights to move smoothly across the table’s surface.

When shuffleboards were popular several decades ago, lacquer was the standard finish to use. However, it was found that this type of traditional finish would usually wear off within a few years. If you decide to go with a lacquer finish, make sure that you refinish the table every two to three years in order to maintain a smooth playing surface.

These days epoxy resin is the finish of choice. The resin is poured carefully over the length of the tabletop to prevent air bubbles. Basically, a poured finish ensures there are no imperfections on the playing surface. It also makes it significantly easier to slide a weight across the surface of the table. This type of playing surface will also ensure higher shot accuracy, improving gameplay. This finish is also highly durable, which will significantly length in the lifetime of your table, with minimal maintenance required.

In fact, these finishes are so durable that most manufacturers will offer a lifetime warranty for your table. In terms of thickness, you’ll usually find that the epoxy resin finish comes in at a quarter of an inch thick. At this thickness, it’s almost like having an extra layer of solid material for your tabletop.  as I touched on earlier, this type of finish can also improve the durability of lower-quality surface materials.

Thickness

The playing surface’s thickness is also important. It should have a sufficient thickness in order to provide stability. Additionally, a thicker surface will allow for some sanding room in case the table needs to be refinished in the future. In most cases, you’ll find that these table surfaces are around three inches thick. Keep in mind, the thickness of the playing surface refers to the actual wood, not the combined thickness of the table’s finish and hardwood surface.

It’s important to pay attention to the wood’s thickness since some lower-quality tables may have too much epoxy, with very thin surface wood. When you’re looking at a spec sheet, the number of inches you’ll see in the description often includes the thickness of the finish. Basically, a table that’s advertised as two inches thick will refer to the thickness of both the finish and wood combined. Most new models will have a finish thickness that’s around a quarter to half an inch thick. Knowing this can help you accurately calculate the actual thickness of the wood.

Scoring System

Shuffleboard tables usually come across two different types of scoring systems. The three-level grid is by far the most common type. Other tables will come with a triangular scoring grid like the ones you’ll find on a standard outdoor shuffleboard court. This type of grid consists of a triangle that’s divided into 6 scoring sections.

Leveling System

Leg levelers will ensure the playing surface is always level. Adjustable levelers will allow you to adjust each leg independently, which will be a crucial feature to have if you’re setting your table up outdoors. An uneven playing surface can have a major impact on your performance.

Climatic Adjusters

Climatic adjusters are another important feature you should look for when you’re shopping around for a table. This feature consists of metal bars that are placed under the table, running the length of its width. These adjusters are so important because they can prevent a table from warping. Additionally, they also help to maintain its shape over time. This feature allows table owners to make adjustments to the table once it’s been affected by humidity levels or the temperature. This will prevent any misalignment, improving shot accuracy and gameplay speed. Even if the table you purchase doesn’t come with climatic adjusters, you can purchase them separately and install them. However, this can be expensive and will require plenty of time and effort. Because of this, it’s a good idea to search for a table that comes equipped with this important feature.

So, how many climatic adjusters are needed? This can all depend on the size of the table. Typically, a standard size table will need between 4 and 6. If you’re purchasing a table online, then you’ll need to take a look at the table spec sheet to determine how many pre-installed adjusters it comes with.

Price

High-quality shuffleboards tend to be pricey. Some of the best models are designed made to order and can cost over $5,000. Models design for home use can cost around $600 to $800. The cost of the table will be directly linked to its size and the type of wood it’s made out of.

Warranty

Most tables these days are covered by some type of warranty. This is especially true for higher-priced tables, or full-sized tables. The length of the warranty will depend on the quality of the table. Some models will have a warranty that ranges from twelve to twenty-four months, while higher priced models will be covered by a lifetime warranty.

Table Powder

If you’ve played shuffleboard before at your local pizza place or a rec center, then you may have noticed that the surface of the table is coated with a thin layer of powder. Also referred to as wax or salt, table powder is made out of a mixture of cornmeal and silicone. Most players will use this powder because it helps the puck to easily glide over the playing surface. Adding the powder also increases the degree of difficulty for players. On a powder-coated surface, the weight will not move as fast so it can take a little practice to learn how to adjust your shot to play on a surface with powder.

A table should be coated with this powder before every game. Some players also prefer to add powder mid-game, if any dry spots are found on the table. Many of the leading manufacturers will include a free can of powder with the purchase of a new table and will also include directions concerning how to apply it.

Weights

Also known as pucks, the weights are round discs that measure in at a little over two-inches wide. Most tables will come with a total of eight weights, four blue and four red. These pucks weigh as little as twelve ounces, based on shuffleboard rules. However, recreational pucks can weigh anywhere from ten to sixteen ounces.

Table Maintenance

If you want to keep your table in pristine condition, then you have to clean your table weekly. How you’ll clean the table will depend on the playing surface’s finish.

If the table has a polymer finish, then it should be washed down with a damp rag.

For a plain wood finish, you can mix vinegar and water, one-part vinegar, three parts water. Use a lint-free cloth, gently wipe down the playing surface. Use another cloth to dry it off.

For a lacquer finish, you can use a wax designed specifically for shuffleboard tables and keep the playing surface smooth and slick.

Cleaning your table should be done at least twice a month. Weekly maintenance will be ideal, since this will help to keep the table’s surface free of dirt and debris, allowing for faster weight action and improved shot accuracy.

Final Thoughts

The best shuffleboard tables will feature playing surfaces that are around three inches thick that are made out of hardwood and come equipped with a thick epoxy finish. Keep in mind, a higher-quality table will cost you more, but over the years it will be able to easily withstand heavy duty use with minimal wear. Each of the tables I have included in my lineup are built to last, are made out of high-quality materials, and feature the type of durable design that many buyers are looking for. With this guide, and the included products on my top 7 list, you will have no trouble finding the perfect table for your home, family, and budget.