You can buy your own poker table or you can build one. Many places sell them in different styles – folding poker tables, poker table tops that you put on an existing table, or the real deal. You can get them in all kinds of shapes and sizes, with drink holders and chip holders. I prefer making my own, it allows me to make it to my needs.

I play with friends weekly and for that I needed a large poker table. I started by getting an old 8 foot wooden table with the folding legs. I then made drew a circle pattern on each end. You can do this by putting a nail in the center of the table that is also in the same distance from the end. Then take a string and tie it to the nail and carefully use a pencil tied to the string to make the half circle. I then used my jigsaw and cut both ends. I went down the fabric store and bought some felt. After seeing how the felt fit, I found that the table was too hard and needed something. I ended up buying carpet underlay and gluing it the table and also rapping the underlay under and stapling it. After putting on the felt, I called my friends for the first game.

It was fine; however, little felt balls kept appearing. It seems the constant use was not what this felt was made for. After careful consideration, I bought black backpack canvas and put it on. It has been fabulous, it has lasted many years now and has literally no wear. I have since added 10 cup holders and a line that all bets must be across. Someday, I will add a railing but for the last 3 years, it has been great.

My table fits my 10 friends comfortably and is quite durable. Whether you buy one or build one, make sure it meets your needs and don’t skimp on the quality, you won’t regret it.