Choosing best wood for a table top can be quite cumbersome. That's because there are as many choices of table tops in the market as there are needs for tables. So, it can be quite intimidating for you to choose the right kind of table top for a dining table, workbench top or any other kind of table. So when looking for the best kind of wood to suit your specific need for a table top, you'll find that there is no one kind of wood that alone is the best. Much depends on the look, grain, and hardness of the wood, among other factors, and the environment in which it is placed.
- Portable Poker Table Top
- Solid Wood Poker Table Top
- Wood Octagon Poker Table
- Wood Poker Table Tops For Sale
- Folding Poker Table Tops
- Poker Table Tops For Sale
Giantex 8 Player Poker Mat, Portable Rubber Non-Slip Poker Table Top w/Carrying Bag for Poker Games, Blackjack, Casino 4.5 out of 5 stars 58 $37.99 $ 37. 99 $39.99 $39.99.
- This rustic log game table is the perfect table for your next card game. Each is handcrafted by the talented artisans of Woodland Creek Furniture. Custom made sizes are always available. This game table is made from natural logs and a live edge top.
- A wide variety of solid wood poker table top options are available to you, There are 12 suppliers who sells solid wood poker table top on Alibaba.com, mainly located in Asia. The top countries of supplier is China, from which the percentage of solid wood poker table top supply is 100% respectively.
- Another good choice of wood for a dining table top is maple, a dense wood that takes to staining very well.It can be very stable if you have a wide table top. However be prepared to shell out a lot because this wood is expensive too, being slightly difficult to cut and requiring a lot of sanding to get a good finish.
Let's look at a few kinds of table tops and how you should choose them:
Dining table top
Typically, a dining table is the focal point of every home, so naturally you'd be looking for one that's a show-stopper. Your ideal dining table top would be strong and well designed and would seat as many people as your family comprises. It would also be made of the hardwood of your choice–oak, teak, mahogany, walnut, etc. You might also consider using plywood and MDF, though they aren't as sturdy as hardwood.
Another good choice of wood for a dining table top is maple, a dense wood that takes to staining very well. It can be very stable if you have a wide table top. However be prepared to shell out a lot because this wood is expensive too, being slightly difficult to cut and requiring a lot of sanding to get a good finish.
Cedar is one of the best wood for table top but you must remember that it loses its fragrance with time. Also, it becomes brittle and doesn't stain well. If pine is your favorite, that's fine but you will need to use a sanding sealer when staining it. Besides, it has several knots and checks.
Ameristar pavilion schedule. If you want to get a hardwood look from other kinds of wood, go in for clear fur. Staining it will give it a hardwood look.
A good choice to make if you're looking for something sturdy is a weathered wood table taken from an old farmhouse. Its antiquity usually stands out to the extent that if it did have any scratches, they would have been absorbed into the wood's basic design. So, if you have a young family, this one's really practical.
If you have a transferrable job, you need something durable and lightweight like plywood.
If you find the market for good table tops too overwhelming, take the safe route by going in for a classic country table, made from oak, pine or any such robust wood. You can't go wrong with a classic country table. For one, in size it would suit your family, and if you entertain regularly, it would be a practical size. Further, you can choose to go with a French colonial style of country table or an English country farmhouse style. Both are appealing in their own ways and are practical too.
When choosing a table top, you must consider its shape and color too. Choose a shape that will suit most rooms, say round or rectangular. A round table usually seats more people than a rectangular due to the latter's fixed leg spots.
When selecting colors, erring on the side of conservatism is wise since trends change every now and then. Stick to red, blue, black and yellow, since these are considered classic colors. But take care when you choose black table tops as even the faintest scratch will be seen.
Workbench top
The kind of wood you choose to create your workbench top depends on the kind of work you want to do and your budget. This is because each kind of wood has its uniqueness, which will influence your overall decision.
For instance, if you choose to go with softwood like birch or pine, they aren't as durable as hardwood and they dent easily. Pine also gives out a resin that sticks to your woodwork. Of course, they aren't as expensive as their hardwood counterparts.
Portable Poker Table Top
However, if you choose to go with sturdy, hardy and resilient hardwood like maple or oak, which are more expensive than others but damage less easily while you work on it, think about it seriously. This is because some hardwoods, like red oak, tend to splinter easily if banged a lot, so don't go in for it if you need to create a table top that requires some amount of hammering.
Another consideration for you would be the extent of humidity in your environment. If you choose a type of wood that regularly expands and contracts depending on the season, eventually it will warp. So, think hard before choosing.
Hardwood ply: Yet another feasible option is hardwood ply. This wood is far sturdier than Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) and is available in a variety of woods like cherry, birch and maple. To make your table top really solid, all you need do is to put some trimmings around the edges of your table top.
You can choose to go either with plywood or MDF when creating a workbench top for a variety of reasons. They are:
Plywood: If you choose to have a table top that will be flushed with the frame, plywood is a good option. The surface will remain safe from damage that your woodworker's tools and materials may cause, and it could also be sanded down easily. Plywood remains unchanged by passing seasons, so it doesn't warp due to atmospheric moisture content. The surface of a plywood top table may not be very strong, so you can enhance it by using several layers of ¾-inch plywood on the table top.
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF): If your bench goes beyond the frame of your workbench to accommodate a few clamps, go with MDF, as like plywood, it does not warp or bend due to changes in moisture levels. Besides, it can also be sanded down if it is ever damaged. You also get a much flatter table top surface than plywood would give you.
As I write this, WSOP 2018 is in full swing, so I thought this would be a good time to update my recommendations on folding poker table tops for home games.
These new recommendations aren't based simply on my personal opinion, instead they're based on analysis of more than 1,300 opinions from people who have bought or used them - you can read more about that in the Methodology section at the end of this guide.
As an experienced casino and live tournament player myself, I've also provided some advice for those of you who don't have much experience with poker tables.
Contents
- The Best Folding Poker Table Tops
Poker Table Top Buying Advice
Having a proper felt table is much better than playing your home games on a regular kitchen table top. Not only do they add a touch of class to the game but cards also slide more predictably across the surface resulting in fewer misdeals.
Solid Wood Poker Table Top
Size: For octagonal tops the main consideration is how much space it takes up when bagged and stored. Many people use their poker tops on tables which are larger with many people using 48' tops on 60' (5 feet) round tables. They can also be used on square tables. I personally prefer a top that's slightly larger than the table it's sitting on, however you have to be careful not to knock the top and topple everyone's chips when sitting down. Octagonal tops are usually measured from point to point, not side to side. For oval tables the main consideration, other than folded size, is that length is similar to the table it's going on so people at the ends don't have to reach too far, but it doesn't have to be an exact fit.
Playing Surface: All the tops recommended below have a felt playing surface, however some of them are decorated and some aren't. One issue that often arises with cheaper tops that are decorated is that the markings are printed on with inks or dyes that are sometimes sticky. This isn't always an issue for home players, but anyone experienced at dealing on a professional table will get frustrated with the way cards can stick to the paint when sliding across the surface.
Portability: Although most folding tops come with carry bags, the quality of the bags tends to vary a lot. If you're planning on carrying the top around with you, pay special attention to the review analyses below.
Folds: The more folds a top has, the smaller it generally is when stowed away, however the folds can crease over time leading to cards getting caught sometimes leading to misdeals. To minimize the risk of this happening, get one with the least number of folds for its type if folded size isn't a concern for you.
Extras: Some tops come with extras such as cards and chips. Generally these tend to be lower quality cards than I prefer - see my card recommendation below for a better option. Also bundled chips tend to be lower quality plastic ones that are okay for some, but not for players used to the weight and feel of standard clay based chips, after all a good set of chips can cost more than many table tops.
| I've organized this table to show the highest rated small, medium, and large size poker table tops in each of the two categories - click on model names for detailed meta reviews further down the page. | ||||
| Model | Size | PolyRated* | Sources | Median Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Octagon Poker Table Tops | ||||
| MD Sports ARC046_027M | Small: 46' x 46' | 832 | 15+ | $51 |
| HomCom B8-0001 | Medium: 48' x 48' | 880 | 125+ | $55 |
| Trademark Poker 10-11652 | Large: 51' x 51' | 842 | 150+ | $95 |
Oval Poker Table Tops | ||||
| IDS Home 4-Fold 63' | Small: 63' x 35' | 920 | 10+ | $53 |
| Gaintex TY557993 | Medium: 71' x 35' | 900 | 30+ | $48 |
| JP Commerce TX3 | Large: 82' x 40' | 826 | 15+ | $120 |
Octagon Poker Table Top Meta Reviews
MD Sports ARC046_027M
PolyRated / Sources: 832 / 15+
Median Price / Sources: $51 / 3
Brand: MD Sports
Folded Size: 23.325' W x 23.325' L x 2.5' H
Included Extras: Cards & Chips
Total Weight: 23.1 lb
At only 46' across, this is one of the smallest options currently available. It folds 2 ways making it much smaller than most other options when folded.
It comes with a carry bag and a basic deck of cards. It only includes a 100 piece chip set which is not really enough for 8 players, so if you don't have chips already you'll need to buy some more.
It's made from particle board (MDF) with plastic cup and chip holders.
Review Analysis
Positive
Negative
HomCom B8-0001
PolyRated / Sources: 880 / 125+
Median Price / Sources: $55 / 4
Brand: HomCom
Folded Size: 23.75' W x 47.25' L x 1.25' H
Included Extras: None
Total Weight: 22 lb
The HomCom B8-0001 has the highest ratings out of all the octagonal table tops on the market which seems to be due to its value for money in the 48' segment.
It has the most common size for an octagonal poker table top at 48' across. As you can see from the picture on the right, it uses a single fold - this does make it larger when folded than some options, but it also means there is one less join leading to fewer issues over time as it's packed away and taken out time and again for use.
The manufacturer says it's made from solid wood, however 1 reviewer said it's more likely plywood. In addition to the green felt on top, the back is covered with black felt so there's no risk of it scratching your table. The removable chip/cup holders are molded plastic. The carry bag is made from nylon.
Review Analysis
Positive
Negative
Trademark Poker 10-11652
PolyRated / Sources: 842 / 150+
Median Price / Sources: $95 / 7
Brand: Trademark Poker
Folded Size: 52' W x 26' L x 3.5' H
Included Extras: None
Total Weight: 30 lb
I mainly play on oval tables, however if I needed to get an octagonal table then after examining so many reviews, this is the one I would get.
The raised padding around the edge means you don't have to worry about cards or chips falling off the edge when sliding across the table, and from personal experience they're much more comfortable when resting your arms on them.
At the time of publication, I'm still waiting on Trademark Poker to confirm what type of wood it's made from, but I can tell you that the padded sides and the bottom surface are made from vinyl. The carry bag is made from nylon.
Review Analysis
Positive
Negative
Oval Poker Table Top Meta Reviews
IDS Home 4-Fold 63'
PolyRated / Sources: 920 / 10+
Median Price / Sources: $53 / 3
Brand: IDS Home
Open Size: 63' L x 35' W
Folded Size: 32.3' L x 16.5' W x 3.2' H
Included Extras: None
Total Weight: 21 lb
This top has good ratings but it's usually only bought by people with a small table to put it on - most people opt for one of the larger sizes below.
The manufacture hasn't yet provided me with detailed specifications, but based on user reports it's made with solid feeling wood.
It also comes with a carry bag as you see in the picture.
Review Analysis
Positive
Negative
Giantex TY557993
PolyRated / Sources: 900 / 30+
Median Price / Sources: $48 / 3
Brand: Giantex
Open Size: 71' L x 35' W
Folded Size: 18' L x 36' W x 1' H
Included Extras: None
Total Weight: 29 lb although some owners report that it's actually a few pounds heavier than that.
This top is made from MDF wood with a felt top and PVC carry bag using its 4 segmented folding design.
Review Analysis
Positive
Negative
JP Commerce TX3
Wood Octagon Poker Table
PolyRated / Sources: 826 / 15+
Median Price / Sources: $120 / 5
Brand: JP Commerce
Open Size: 82' L x 40' W
Folded Size: 40' L x 37' W
Included Extras: None
Total Weight: 51 lb
NB: This top does not come with a carry bag.
Despite this top having lower ratings than the 2 smaller options above (possibly due to its higher price tag), this is the option I would choose for myself after having personally read all the reviews for all the options recommended in this guide.
It's built from solid wood and is nice and heavy (51 lb) to ensure it sits firmly on your table. I personally prefer a more weighty table for this reason, after all you spend more time playing on it than you do carrying it around. It also has padded sides which is a big plus for me.
Due to its 3-fold design, it takes up more space when folded than other options, however this also leads to a smoother playing surface with fewer creases.
Review Analysis
Wood Poker Table Tops For Sale
Positive
Negative
Folding Poker Table Tops
Card Recommendation
If you're still using basic playing cards then you should get a set of Copag cards. These are the only ones I ever recommend - in my opinion they are superior to all other sets of cards because they don't easily mark or get creased. Not only do they last for years, it's very difficult for a cheat to bend or crease the corners to mark them during play. The first set I bought lasted for over 10 years!
It comes with a carry bag and a basic deck of cards. It only includes a 100 piece chip set which is not really enough for 8 players, so if you don't have chips already you'll need to buy some more.
It's made from particle board (MDF) with plastic cup and chip holders.
Review Analysis
Positive
Negative
HomCom B8-0001
PolyRated / Sources: 880 / 125+
Median Price / Sources: $55 / 4
Brand: HomCom
Folded Size: 23.75' W x 47.25' L x 1.25' H
Included Extras: None
Total Weight: 22 lb
The HomCom B8-0001 has the highest ratings out of all the octagonal table tops on the market which seems to be due to its value for money in the 48' segment.
It has the most common size for an octagonal poker table top at 48' across. As you can see from the picture on the right, it uses a single fold - this does make it larger when folded than some options, but it also means there is one less join leading to fewer issues over time as it's packed away and taken out time and again for use.
The manufacturer says it's made from solid wood, however 1 reviewer said it's more likely plywood. In addition to the green felt on top, the back is covered with black felt so there's no risk of it scratching your table. The removable chip/cup holders are molded plastic. The carry bag is made from nylon.
Review Analysis
Positive
Negative
Trademark Poker 10-11652
PolyRated / Sources: 842 / 150+
Median Price / Sources: $95 / 7
Brand: Trademark Poker
Folded Size: 52' W x 26' L x 3.5' H
Included Extras: None
Total Weight: 30 lb
I mainly play on oval tables, however if I needed to get an octagonal table then after examining so many reviews, this is the one I would get.
The raised padding around the edge means you don't have to worry about cards or chips falling off the edge when sliding across the table, and from personal experience they're much more comfortable when resting your arms on them.
At the time of publication, I'm still waiting on Trademark Poker to confirm what type of wood it's made from, but I can tell you that the padded sides and the bottom surface are made from vinyl. The carry bag is made from nylon.
Review Analysis
Positive
Negative
Oval Poker Table Top Meta Reviews
IDS Home 4-Fold 63'
PolyRated / Sources: 920 / 10+
Median Price / Sources: $53 / 3
Brand: IDS Home
Open Size: 63' L x 35' W
Folded Size: 32.3' L x 16.5' W x 3.2' H
Included Extras: None
Total Weight: 21 lb
This top has good ratings but it's usually only bought by people with a small table to put it on - most people opt for one of the larger sizes below.
The manufacture hasn't yet provided me with detailed specifications, but based on user reports it's made with solid feeling wood.
It also comes with a carry bag as you see in the picture.
Review Analysis
Positive
Negative
Giantex TY557993
PolyRated / Sources: 900 / 30+
Median Price / Sources: $48 / 3
Brand: Giantex
Open Size: 71' L x 35' W
Folded Size: 18' L x 36' W x 1' H
Included Extras: None
Total Weight: 29 lb although some owners report that it's actually a few pounds heavier than that.
This top is made from MDF wood with a felt top and PVC carry bag using its 4 segmented folding design.
Review Analysis
Positive
Negative
JP Commerce TX3
Wood Octagon Poker Table
PolyRated / Sources: 826 / 15+
Median Price / Sources: $120 / 5
Brand: JP Commerce
Open Size: 82' L x 40' W
Folded Size: 40' L x 37' W
Included Extras: None
Total Weight: 51 lb
NB: This top does not come with a carry bag.
Despite this top having lower ratings than the 2 smaller options above (possibly due to its higher price tag), this is the option I would choose for myself after having personally read all the reviews for all the options recommended in this guide.
It's built from solid wood and is nice and heavy (51 lb) to ensure it sits firmly on your table. I personally prefer a more weighty table for this reason, after all you spend more time playing on it than you do carrying it around. It also has padded sides which is a big plus for me.
Due to its 3-fold design, it takes up more space when folded than other options, however this also leads to a smoother playing surface with fewer creases.
Review Analysis
Wood Poker Table Tops For Sale
Positive
Negative
Folding Poker Table Tops
Card Recommendation
If you're still using basic playing cards then you should get a set of Copag cards. These are the only ones I ever recommend - in my opinion they are superior to all other sets of cards because they don't easily mark or get creased. Not only do they last for years, it's very difficult for a cheat to bend or crease the corners to mark them during play. The first set I bought lasted for over 10 years!
Folding Poker Table Top Selection Methodology
*All of the products recommended above were selected based on their PolyRated scores out of 1000.
These scores were calculated by analyzing reports and reviews by owners and users, assigning a score to each source and then processing those scores algorithmically to produce an overall score that reflects market sentiment about the product.
The analysis included over 1,300 review sources of 18 models from 9 brands: Brybelly, Da Vinci, Giantex, GLD Products, HomCom, IDS Home, JP Commerce, MD Sports and Trademark Poker.
Poker Table Tops For Sale
The models with the highest rating in each category for each of the 3 sizes were then selected to be recommended above.
