Have you been looking for a great way to bring your family together and share some wholesome, down-to-earth good times? Maybe you've been wanting to tear your kids' face away from their computer, iPhone or video game screen every once in a while?
In the modern digital world, where access to on-demand television, movies, media personalities, and video games, it can be a little hard to find engaging ways to spend quality, personal time with your friends and loved ones.
However, there are plenty of magnificent options available that help families just like your own spend that much-needed quality time with one another.
Classic arcade-style games like air hockey, skee ball and ping pong are just some examples of simple, yet highly-entertaining activities that you and your family can enjoy right in the comfort of your own home. Today, we'll be covering one of these type of games, and reviewing the Top 5 Best Shuffleboard Tables.
Top 5: Shuffleboard Tables Review
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MD Sports adds yet another addition to its long list of in-home gaming tables with the 8', Poly-Coated Surface Home Game-room Shuffleboard Table. This table is designed with one purpose: bringing you and your family the most thrilling, fun-filled shuffleboard experience possible!
This table has very modest dimensions, being only 8 ft. long, 2.5 ft. tall, and 2 ft. wide. It will easily fit into any room in the house, and leaves you plenty of room to play and move around.
All playing accessories are included, and a highlight of this table comes from it's specifically-designed playing surface. Made with 15 mm MDF plywood, the gaming surface is poly-coated to ensure fast-paced, back-and-forth action that will keep you on your toes!
In addition to the top-notch playing surface, the playing board is housed by a finely-crafted black cabinet, set on three fortified, adjustable legs. You won't have to be concerned about a rocky, shaky table-board with this shufflecoard table.
The pucks and game accessories are all included, and professional assembly is available upon request. If you find any defect with the table, MD Sports provides a 90-day, Manufacturer's Warranty with this premium gaming table.
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Playcraft presents their Woodbridge Shuffleboard Table for the enjoyment of your family and loved ones. They have four sizes, ranging from 9 to 16 ft. However, we are going to cover the 9 ft. table, as it is the most practical for home settings.
This table set on solid plywood structure with two sets of reinforced pedestal legs. Each set of legs comes with metal levers and a sliding-door cabinet. Walls and gutters are stylishly carpeted, giving this table an elegant, sophisticated appeal.
The playboard is a single, 1.73"-thick, hardwood butcher-block that is coated with several layers of polyurethane. This coating gives a smooth, sleek finish that allows for fast, action-packed play for all your loved ones to enjoy.
In addition to the structural features, Playcraft includes 8 playing pucks that are a little over 2 inches each. Accompanying them are speed bead wax, and an instruction manual that teaches you how to play.
This well-designed table comes with an impressive 1-year warranty, and if you choose to add a little extra flair to your gaming experience, there are optional accessories such as hardwood bowling pins with special Deluxe Pin Setter.
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Barrington is well-known for providing premium-level design and quality when it comes to classic, in-home arcade games. As such, The Urban Collection, 9 ft. Shuffleboard Table delivers a one-of-a-kind gaming experience that you and your family will love.
Barrington's cabinet design lies up to the high standards that have become synonymous with Barrington games. The furniture-style wood not only creates a sturdy, durable base for housing the playfield, but gives it an aesthetic that fits nicely into any home.
The playboard itself is UV coated, providing a scratch-resistant and smooth finish that allows you and your family rev up the action any time you want.
In addition, the faux concrete legs and adjustable mainframe bracket ensures a level playing experience.
All necessary playing pieces are included, which features:
This Barrington gaming table is also backed by Barrington's 90-day manufacturer's warranty.
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Fairview Game Rooms presents a classic, 12 ft. Shuffleboard Table that provides style as well as high-quality, fast-paced fun that your family is sure to love. This table comes with the option chestnut or mahogany wood color.
The table cabinet is clad with maple veneer. multicore construction with a polyurethane finish for a smooth look that also ensures that your table is resilient and long-lasting. The playfield is also finished with a special polymer to give is a shiny look and to give your family a high-paced playing experience!
The table sits atop three sets of sturdy legs with special features that add to your family's gaming fun. In addition to the metal stabilizers that keep the playing board level, the legs include adjustable levels to maintain level play. One leg contains a special storage cabinet where you can house your pucks and playing accessories.
Included with the 8 pucks, Fairview includes wax for your convenience. One of the great perks of buying a Fairview shuffleboard table is their free shipping, which they provide for both the table and any extra accessories you desire.
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Hathaway brings you yet another classic rendition of an arcade original with the Ricochet Shuffleboard Table. At a compact 7 ft., this table can fit comfortably in any public are of your home!
Though small, this gaming table is tough, durable, and built to last! The cabinet is designed with engineered wood and finished with a cherry, PVC laminate. The 1.5", maple playing board is coated in a polymer that provides a shiny look, scratch resistance, and a high-paced playing experience that your family is sure to love.
Hathaway includes a few, distinct features that add a little something extra for you and your loved ones' enjoyment. Cup holders nicely and safely house your favorite drinks while you take care of business on the shuffleboard table.
Hathaway's unique rebound play-style allows you to take a new spin on shuffleboard that is still true to the classic gaming experience. All accessories are included with this board, including 8 playing pucks, shuffleboard powder and a wooden brush. If your table arrives with a defect or missing parts, you are covered by hathaway's 180-day manufacturer's warranty.
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shuffleboard table Buying Guide
Shuffleboard tables are an essential when it comes to classic table games. However, it is wise to consider some of the variables that go in to acquiring, assembling and using a shuffleboard table.
Consideration 1: Size
To start, shuffleboard tables are rather large and heavy pieces of merchandise. One of the reasons these tables were chosen is due to their size; many of them were under 10 ft. At this size, most tables can fit into a home setting without taking up massive space.
However, with larger tables, the space they take up becomes quite a bit more substantial. Moreover, their shipping and product weight increases. A prime example is the Fairview table, which is 12 ft. long. At this size, it is over 400 lbs in shipping weight, which is significantly heavier than the other 4 tables.
Considering the above, when choosing a table, you want to consider how much space you have for one. If you have only a little amount of space, the Hathaway table could be a very exciting option. But if you have a large, dedicated rec room, then a larger table might be for you.
Consideration 2: Assembly
As with other in-home table games, shuffleboard tables require assembly. While it is possible to assemble these tables yourself, professional assembly can be a much more convenient option if you so desire.
These tables are made with very sturdy and heavy-duty materials, presenting a number of obstacles for the average person if they try to assemble it themselves. With professional assembly, you won't have to worry about messing up this part of the process. However, this professional assembly is not free, and often exceeds $200 for the service.
Consideration 3: "Potential" Chemical Warning
As you read, these tables are often coated with polymers that increase aesthetic appeal and provide protection from elemental wear-and-tear. These polymers are potentially hazardous in certain situations, but they present very little risk as they are used for these shuffleboards.
Consideration 4: Accessories and Gaming Options
Shuffleboard tables are often used for shuffleboard bowling as well. These kits don't come standard with these tables, but can be acquired separately wherever you find shuffleboard accessories.
Many individuals like to set up shuffleboards outside. The tables listed here have polymer coatings that can help withstand the rigors of outside elements. However, in most cases, individuals should keep their tables indoors. Outdoor shuffleboard is a real game, but is played on a court rather than a table.
Also, as you see with a table like Hathaway's, shuffleboard can be stylized to play in a different way. In order to make up for its compact size, The Ricochet uses a rebound style that allows to make up for it. It's still shuffleboard, just a different take on it that utilizes creativity and ingenuity.
Commonly Asked Questions
What size shuffleboard table should I get?
While a regulation-size shuffleboard table is 22 feet long and 20 inches wide, a table this large may not fit in your home. Before choosing a table, you will want to assess the available space you have.
You will need to make sure the table will fit properly, while still allowing plenty of clearance space on all of the side of the table. At a minimum, you will need to have two feet of space on all four sides of your table, though three feet is better. If the tables you are considering have any electronic scoreboards above the table, be sure to consider the available vertical space in your room as well.
Shuffleboard tables are available in numbers lengths to help accommodate different spaces and players. They can be purchased in 8-, 9-, 12-, 14-, 16-, 18-, 20-, and 22-foot lengths.
What is the standard height of a shuffleboard table?
Most shuffleboard tables are around 30 inches high, though this may vary with different table options.
Are shuffleboard tables one piece?
The playing surface of a shuffleboard table is often a single piece. Having a flat and smooth top is important for playing shuffleboard. The lefts and cradle of a shuffleboard table can typically be removed from the tabletop and will likely be separated for shipping purposes.
Because the tabletop is one piece, it may impact where you'll be able to put the shuffleboard table in your home or what size table you'll want to purchase. Not only will you need to consider the available space in the room, but you will need to examine the path to get the table to the space and confirm it will be able to make any necessary turns.
There are some shuffleboard tables that have two-piece playing fields. These may be a good option to consider if you want to be able to place the table in a basement or somewhere else in your home where you'll need to navigate tighter turns when carrying in the table.
If you're going to purchase a two-piece table, look for one that is well-built and designed to connect to create a level playing surface. If you sacrifice on quality here, you may find that your shuffleboard table just doesn't perform adequately.
How heavy is a shuffleboard table?
Shuffleboard tables can easily weigh a few hundred pounds. You will want to keep this in mind when thinking about getting the table into your home after it is delivered.
Many companies may only deliver the table to your home, and it will be your responsibility to get it off the truck and into your space. If this is the case with the option you choose, you will want to be sure to line up some friends to help get it into your house, or hire a moving company if you think it will be heavier than what you and your friends will be able to handle.
What is a climate adjuster?
When playing shuffleboard, having a completely level playing surface is essential. Even the slightest slope can affect gameplay.
Climate adjusters are designed to help you make sure your table is level. They allow you to make micro adjustments to the height/slope of the table.
How are vertically staved and stacked play-fields different from butcher block play-fields?
There are two play-field options you may see when looking for a shuffleboard table: vertically staved and stacked and butcher block. Both of these options are made using wood, but the wood is laid out in different ways.
With a vertically staved play-field, one layer of solid wood, often maple, is joined at the sides with other pieces. This creates a very thick and durable tabletop surface. To make a butcher block play-field, numerous layers of wood are stacked up next to each other.
A vertically staved table is less likely to warp. Higher end tables typically feature this design, making butcher block play-fields a cheaper option.
Do all shuffleboard tables use sand?
Yes, shuffleboard tables use a special type of power that is often referred to as sand. The sand is made of very tiny silicone or plastic balls. When sprinkled over the surface of the table, shuffleboard pucks are able to slide over the surface of the sand.
In addition to helping the pucks move across the table, using shuffleboard sand can also help protect the table's finish by decreasing the puck's friction.
How do you maintain a shuffleboard table?
Taking good care of your shuffleboard table can help ensure it will last for many years to come. You will want to make sure the surface of the table is covered with shuffleboard sand or powder. Doing so can help make sure that the puck does not touch the surface of the table and scratch or damage it.
Another important step in maintaining your shuffleboard table is to wax it. You will want to select a wax designed and approved for use on shuffleboard tables to prevent causing any damage. The wax will help protect the tabletop surface and can accommodate for any imperfections there may be in your playing surface.
Some people also choose to use a silicone spray on their table. This is applied over the wax after it has dried and can help make the wax harder and create a better play surface.
When you aren't using your shuffleboard table, keeping it covered can help protect it from damage and dust.
How often should you wax a shuffleboard table?
The frequency with which you play shuffleboard will determine how often you should wax your table. With moderate use, you will want to wax your shuffleboard table between one and three times each month.
What type of wax should I use for a shuffleboard table?
Shuffleboard waxes comes in various speeds. Slower speed waxes are typically recommended for beginning players who are still working on learning how to control their pucks, while experienced players often prefer faster waxes.
If you are using a smaller table, you will not want to choose a fast wax, since all waxes will perform more quickly on shorter tables.
How can I tell if my shuffleboard table is properly aligned and balanced?
To check for proper alignment of your table, you can place a straight edge, such as a level, on the table. Since you want the table to be ever-so-slightly concave and dip down in the middle, you should be able to slide a piece of paper under the center of the level. You should not be able to slide the paper under one of the sides of the level, however.
Sometimes your table may be properly aligned, but the playing surface is in need of some attention. If the table's surface is damaged or rough-looking, it may need to be waxed or refinished, not realigned.
How do you balance a shuffleboard table?
Shuffleboard tables should be fairly level with a very slight concave in the center. If the center of your table is too concave, or is even convex and bending upward, you will need to perform some adjustments to balance the table.
Shuffleboard tables have climatic adjusters to help you re-balance them. If your table is dipping too much, you will want to loosen the two outer bolts that are between the climatic adjusters. Turning them in a clockwise direction slowly will tighten them and pull the center of the table up a little bit.
If your table is convex, the climatic adjusters can also be used to help you adjust the table. This process is very similar to what is described above, but you will want to tighten the inner bolts, not the outer bold, to make the table a bit more concave.
How much does a shuffleboard table cost?
Shuffleboard tables can cost anywhere from around $500 for a smaller, lower-quality table to over $10,000 for a high-quality, regulation-size table. Numerous factors will impact what you can expect to pay for a table.
If you're looking for a table that will be used for residential use, you can look for one that is coated using a polyurethane lacquer. These tables will be less expensive than those designed for commercial use. Commercial-use tables are designed with a poured polymer surface, which is able to hold up better to more constant play.
Another item that may affect the cost of the different tables you are considering is whether the play-field has a vertically staved style or a butcher block style. Since vertically staved play-fields are more durable and do not warp very easily, even in more extreme conditions, they will cost more money to purchase.
Tables that are made in the United States are also typically more expensive than options made in other countries. This is because there are higher standards for production and labor is more expensive. You can still find a high-quality table that is produced in another country, but you will want to be more selective and ensure it is gone through testing to confirm its quality.
How many players can play shuffleboard?
Shuffleboard is played in singles or doubles matches. Singles refers to two players competing against one another, and doubles refers to four players, two teams of two, playing against each other.
How many points do you need to win at shuffleboard?
If you are playing singles shuffleboard, you need 15 points to win. If you are playing doubles shuffleboard, your team needs 21 points to win.
How do you play shuffleboard?
When playing shuffleboard, each player or team has four weights that they will slide from one end of the table to the other. The goal is to be the player who gets one of the weights to go the farthest on the table, without sliding over the edge. Players can try to push their opponents' weight off the edge of the table.
At the end of each round, after all eight weights have been played, the player with the puck that is the farthest down the table wins the round. This player only will total their score. There are three sections of the table, worth either 1, 2, or 3 points (3 points being the closest to the edge). If a puck is over the end of the table, it is called a "Hanger" and the player will earn an additional point.
The winning player of the round records their score on the scoreboard, their opponent receives a score of 0 for that round. Play will continue until one player reaches 15 points. When playing doubles shuffleboard, a score of 21 points is needed to win the game.
What do you need to play shuffleboard?
To play shuffleboard, there are a few things you will need. First, you will obviously need a shuffleboard table. You will also need pucks/weights and scoring beads or a score board.
What is shuffleboard bowling?
Shuffleboard bowling is another game you'll be able to play using your shuffleboard table. The only additional item you'll need to purchase to be able to play shuffleboard bowling is a set of shuffleboard bowling pins and a pin setter.
Shuffleboard bowling is played much like a traditional game of bowling, but on a shuffleboard table. To play, fuse the pin setter to line up the bowling pins in a 4, 3, 2, 1 formation.
Then, each player will have two turns to try to knock over all of the pins. Like traditional bowling, a game is made up of 10 frames. You can get a strike if you knock down all the pins with your first weight and a spare if you knock them all down with your second weight.
The rules for scoring shuffleboard bowling are the same as those for scoring a traditional game of bowling.
Final Verdict
These top 5 tables are all well-crafted and well-designed, each holding a high standard of quality in their shuffleboard construction. The choice will come down to what you want. If you want a large table and have the extra money to spare, a table like the Barrington 12 ft. table.
However, if you want to save space and enjoy a new take on the classic shuffleboard experience, then Hathaway's Ricochet is just what you want. If you want to save on space, but still get the classic experience, then consider the Fairview, MD Sports, and Playcraft tables.
Either way, any of these tables is sure to provide wholesome, quality fun that you and your family can enjoy anytime you want!