Shuffleboard Table Buyers Guide
Shuffleboard Table Buying Guide
A shuffleboard table can be a great addition to any gameroom, man cave or basement. There are some specific guidelines to follow when considering purchasing a high quality shuffleboard table.
Below are a few things to keep in kind when buying a shuffleboard table.
Size of the Table
The first thing you should consider is the size of the Shuffleboard table. Shuffleboard tables are offered in different sizes ranging from 9 feet to 22 feet. You will need at least 2 to 3 feet of clearance space on all sides of the table so leave enough room for play. Regulation size shuffleboard tables are 22 feet in length and 20 inches wide. Make sure to measure out the dimensions where you plan to place it and allow for plenty of room. If you have an electronic score keeper makes sure there’s enough head room above the table.
Shuffleboard Wood Grain and Playfield Finish
Shuffleboard tables are made of solid wood and the best tables will feature solid North American maple. These tables are going to be the most expensive but they are also going to be the most durable and able to stand up to heat and humidity. These types of tables are also less likely to be damaged by the pucks during game play. It is important so be sure that the playing surface is solid wood. Traditional shuffleboardtables are 3” thick. This allows for a stable playing field.
To protect the playfield the best tables use the "Lifetime Polymer" finish, a 1/4" thick polymer coating is applied over the maple playing field. This polymer eliminates the task of sanding down and refinishing the table. All of our Champion Tables have the Lifetime Polymer Finish.
Climate Adjusters
On the underside of any shuffleboard will be climate adjusters. Climate adjusters are metal braces that can be adjusted to change the playfield when it is affected by variances in the environment. Due to changes to heat and humidity this needs to be adjusted and is a great feature to have. These adjusters are essential because they prevent the table from warping and help maintain its correct shape over time.
Structure of the Outer Cabinet
The structure of your shuffleboard table plays just as important of a role as the actual surface of the playfield. This is what holds the entire table together. When purchasing your shuffleboard pay attention to the game cabinet. You can look at the cabinet as an extension of the playfield itself. The outer structure cabinet is going to support the entire playfield. If possible, try to get solid wood construction, but what matters most is the design of the cabinet. If the cabinet has enough support to hold the playfield upright, while still making it steady (no movement from side to side or end to end) you’ve got a good cabinet. Some cabinets appear to be solid wood and are actually only veneer, so be aware. These cabinets can provide ample stability but are not solid wood. outer cabinet doesn’t affect the game play, the weight and structure do play an important role.
Cabinets made of solid hardwood tend to be heavier and firmer. So they add weight that holds the table in place during particularly intense games.
Scoring Units
No matter what shuffleboard game you’re playing you’re going to want to keep score. Scoring units for shuffleboards can be as small as a mounted scoring abacus on either end or large, lighted and logoed score boards that can be controlled by players on either end via scoring buttons. Most shuffleboards that are used in the home will have an abacus but many customers enjoy having the ease of electronic scoring.
Now that you have a better idea on what to look for when buying a shuffleboard table, this is the fun part. Head on over to our shuffleboard table collection to find the right size and table for you! We offer free shipping on all shuffleboard tables and can also help with installation! Enjoy!