Best table cover/topper or table cloth (2 Viewers)

tigon

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I was a fan of the Chiptalk felt table topper but never actually got one. I think there could be other ways to achieve a decent feeling cloth besides a giant rollable mousepad.

I briefly remember the Poker Hoody, you could tighten the strings on one end to fit your table if I remember right.

Is there anything like a thick feeling suede cloth that you could just toss over a wooden table? The edges of the cloth could have weights or something sewed into them to keep the cloth flat. If not, what are the best options currently available?
 
If you want something cheap, go to your local fabric store and get some felt of the appropriate size for your table. Make sure it's wide and long enough to wrap around the edges by 2-3 inches. Go to your local housewares store and get a pad for your table. A carpet pad would also do. Put the pad on the table, and then secure the felt over it with safety pins at the corners. If you want to cinch down the middle on the long sides, you can get the straps for a bed cover and use those to secure the middle.

You now have a cushioned felt surface for a game, and it folds away out of sight until you need it.
 
Make one! Plywood or MDF, headliner foam, speed cloth, and duct tape.

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I think if I ever went as far as building something like that I would eventually feel the need to turn it into a full table.

Now I get that the purpose of the rubber backing isn't just to grip the table, but to actually cushion the surface too.

Are there any of the mousepad-style mats out there on eBay/etc. that are superior in any way?
 
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Yeah, the cushion helps you lift cards and protects the chips a bit. It can also be nice for shuffling cards or chips. Mousepad is firmer than most would recommend for a fabric covered table, but it serves the same purpose.

A folding topper uses a lot of the same skills and tools as a full table, so it is good practice. I don't have room to store (or even set up indoors) a full length solid table, even with folding legs. If I did, I'd build one from scratch and keep the topper as a second table or for travelling to somebody else's house. My full table would probably use one of Chanmans awesome custom printed suede surfaces, too.
 
Another vote for build-your-own topper. Pretty easy to do, and makes for a wonderful playing surface if you don't have the space (or storage space) for a full-size table. Also can be made pretty lightweight for travel, if using 1/4" mdf or hardboard as the base. Making a portable/sectional rail is harder (and more costly), but worth it in the long run if you plan to use it regularly.

Nice job on yours, Dan.

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Are there any of the mousepad-style mats out there on eBay/etc. that are superior in any way?

They are all about the same, you can usually find a 7-footer for around $50 shipped. I use an additional layer of 1/4" closed-cell foam (Happy Feet pool liner) under mine to add extra cushioning to make it easier for dealers and players to pick up cards.
 
Really nice. 1/2" ply is overkill for a topper though. Mine is 1/4" sandeply from Home Depot and it tolerates a decent amount of overhang. Built exactly to table size it would be rock solid.

Yeah I guess! 1/2" keeps it solid when in storage for me.
 
I briefly remember the Poker Hoody, you could tighten the strings on one end to fit your table if I remember right.

Poker Hoody is still around, and I actually just got one over the summer for my table and I LOVE IT! The pull-strings/wrap-around on the table edge are great added protection, especially if you are converting a nicer table into a poker table. It keeps the edges from getting dinged up by your drunk friends. :)

I had a custom one made since my dining table has wonky dimensions. Gene at pokerhoody.com was super helpful and made sure we got everything measured out correctly. Anyway... it works great - and I can't recommend it enough.
 

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