Topper solutions for plastic folding picnic tables? (1 Viewer)

[pipdenny]

Hi all,

I want to class up the home game tournaments that I play with my buddies.
My first thought was to upgrade our chips from the "dice" plastic metal-slug chips, which is how I found this forum.

Now that I have spent a few days in the rabbit-hole, I am thinking about slightly upgrading our table top experience.

We usually use those plastic folding tables from costco, i.e
https://www.lifetime.com/lifetime-2901G-6-foot-folding-table-commercial

These are the best option for us as we frequently play in a garage and they are easy to store. One of my friends purchased a roll of speedcloth and we just use that as a tablecloth and are good to go.

I do not have the room for an actual table, so I was thinking of interesting ways to spice up my existing plastic table.
Are there any well-received table toppers that would fit nicely on a 72"x30" table without sliding around too much?

Are those neoprene toppers worth it? I hear that many of them are too thin. Perhaps one of those hard toppers with the edge rails and everything.

Interested to hear about others who use these plastic folding tables as well, and what you have done to convert them for poker nights.

As always, thanks so much.
I have been learning so much on this site and you guys have been so helpful!

 

[TheWhiteJZ]

Following. I play on the same table. Haven't found a good out of the box solution. I was seriously considering building my own topper. Benefit would be u could Also add a bit of surface and round out the corners with an authentic casino oval shape

 

[tabletalker7]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T9K8VZ...jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

 

[upNdown]

I would seriously just buy a roll of foam to go with that roll of speed cloth and clamp them both down. That's gonna be immeasurably better than any fold up or roll out topper.

 

[BGinGA]

Cheapest way ($15-$20) to get a playable surface on top of a folding table is to purchase a couple of yards of headliner foam from Joann's Fabrics. Comes in various colors, has 1/4" foam with a nylon fabric backing on one side (suitable for card slide), and costs about $15/yard (and online coupons are available for up to 60% off). Trim to size and add some adhesive tape underneath to keep it from sliding, or use spray adhesive to keep it semi-permanently in place (if it's a dedicated table).

For addtional expense, you can purchase a 4x8 sheet of 5/8" sandply plywood for $25, cut to a 72x36 or 84x42 oval, and apply the headliner foam to it using 3M spray adhesive (trim to fit afterwards). Mounting four 6" 2x4 pieces underneath will prevent the plywood tabletop from moving when placed on the folding table.

Adding suited speedcloth on top of the headliner foam would run an additional $50 or so, and can be done later if desired.

Optionally, you can purchase a rollout poker mat ($50 or so) and either place it either directly on the table, or cut your plywood to fit the mat dimensions.

Personally, I think the standard 30" width of a six foot table is too narrow, and the minor expense of a plywood sheet is well worth it to get the extra width, length, and curved ends. Easy to cut the corners using a jigsaw or router, and Home Depot or Lowes will cut it to length/width for you.

Creating a rail is a lot more work and expense (especially a modular rail that disassembles and stores easily), but really isn't necessary.

 

[Dodger]

I understand you are trying to upgrade the top of what you currently have, but sounds like you opted for this table due to playing location and space.

Have you considered a Barrington? Folds in half and easy to store when not in use. We have used mine in a garage with no problems, and I’ve seen photos of other PCFers playing on Barringtons in their garages as well.

I will admit, they are priced a bit higher right now at about $219 from Walmart (higher on Amazon). But they have been down around the $140-150 mark at times.

Something to keep an eye on perhaps.

Walmart - https://www.walmart.com/ip/Barrington-10-Player-Poker-Table-No-Assembly-Required/55465427

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Barrington-1...=barrington+poker+table&qid=1589947425&sr=8-2

 

[pipdenny]

Cheapest way ($15-$20) to get a playable surface on top of a folding table is to purchase a couple of yards of headliner foam from Joann's Fabrics. Comes in various colors, has 1/4" foam with a nylon fabric backing on one side (suitable for card slide), and costs about $15/yard (and online coupons are available for up to 60% off). Trim to size and add some adhesive tape underneath to keep it from sliding, or use spray adhesive to keep it semi-permanently in place (if it's a dedicated table).

For addtional expense, you can purchase a 4x8 sheet of 5/8" sandply plywood for $25, cut to a 72x36 or 84x42 oval, and apply the headliner foam to it using 3M spray adhesive (trim to fit afterwards). Mounting four 6" 2x4 pieces underneath will prevent the plywood tabletop from moving when placed on the folding table.

Adding suited speedcloth on top of the headliner foam would run an additional $50 or so, and can be done later if desired.

Optionally, you can purchase a rollout poker mat ($50 or so) and either place it either directly on the table, or cut your plywood to fit the mat dimensions.

Personally, I think the standard 30" width of a six foot table is too narrow, and the minor expense of a plywood sheet is well worth it to get the extra width, length, and curved ends. Easy to cut the corners using a jigsaw or router, and Home Depot or Lowes will cut it to length/width for you.

Creating a rail is a lot more work and expense (especially a modular rail that disassembles and stores easily), but really isn't necessary.

I like the idea of the plywood. perhaps I could make it fold-able as well for easier storage. I could screw in some square dowels to make it fit snug on the table and eliminate the potential for sliding around
You're absolutely right about the width of the table, very cramped!

 

[pipdenny]

I understand you are trying to upgrade the top of what you currently have, but sounds like you opted for this table due to playing location and space.

Have you considered a Barrington? Folds in half and easy to store when not in use. We have used mine in a garage with no problems, and I’ve seen photos of other PCFers playing on Barringtons in their garages as well.

I will admit, they are priced a bit higher right now at about $219 from Walmart (higher on Amazon). But they have been down around the $140-150 mark at times.

Something to keep an eye on perhaps.

Walmart - https://www.walmart.com/ip/Barrington-10-Player-Poker-Table-No-Assembly-Required/55465427

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Barrington-1...=barrington+poker+table&qid=1589947425&sr=8-2

Yes I have considered this, and was just browsing the forum and found some people that replaced the felt!
This is certainly an option I am considering, thank you!

Whatever I decide, I will update this thread and upload pics.

Thanks again

 

[Dodger]

Yes I have considered this, and was just browsing the forum and found some people that replaced the felt!
This is certainly an option I am considering, thank you!

Whatever I decide, I will update this thread and upload pics.

Thanks again

Glad you found the Barrington Table thread - lots of useful info. No shortage of PCFers who have replaced the felt and could help with questions you may have. Some have even replaced the cup holders with deeper/larger options.

Keep an eye on the price, though, as they tend to fluctuate quite a bit and you could get for cheaper compared to what is at Walmart/Amazon now. Maybe a Craigslist search to see if anyone in your area is selling used?

 

[Organista1]

Not sure if this is available but this is a good deal, but it’s only up to 8 players but on offer up you can find great deals for what you’re looking for.


Check out this Poker table for $150 on OfferUp.
https://offerup.co/42xXKGQjD6

 

[BGinGA]

I like the idea of the plywood. perhaps I could make it fold-able as well for easier storage.

I have made several folding table-toppers. I use 1/4" MDF instead of plywood, and use Gorilla tape hinges. You need to include hinge strips so that it folds flat.

A single fold table needs a 1" strip separating the two half (each side is 1/2" thick, 1/4" MDF and 1/4" foam). The underlying MDF is taped prior to adding foam and SSC.

A double-fold is much nicer (no fold in the center of the table), but it requires two strips separating the three pieces -- a 1/2' piece and a 1" piece (since the second folding piece rests on top of the other two folded pieces).

A 72x36 table-top folds into a 24"x36" very portable unit, and even an 84x42 table-top folds into a 28"x42"reasonably manageable unit. I install eye hooks underneath and use heavy-duty bungee cords to keep then closed when folded, and have handles underneath for easy carrying. I use a 5-foot plastic table for 72x36 units (6" of overhang on the ends, 3" on the sides), and a 6-foot table for the larger 84x42 table-tops (6" overhang on all four sides).

 

[pipdenny]

I have made several folding table-toppers. I use 1/4" MDF instead of plywood, and use Gorilla tape hinges. You need to include hinge strips so that it folds flat.

A single fold table needs a 1" strip separating the two half (each side is 1/2" thick, 1/4" MDF and 1/4" foam). The underlying MDF is taped prior to adding foam and SSC.

A double-fold is much nicer (no fold in the center of the table), but it requires two strips separating the three pieces -- a 1/2' piece and a 1" piece (since the second folding piece rests on top of the other two folded pieces).

A 72x36 table-top folds into a 24"x36" very portable unit, and even an 84x42 table-top folds into a 28"x42"reasonably manageable unit. I install eye hooks underneath and use heavy-duty bungee cords to keep then closed when folded, and have handles underneath for easy carrying. I use a 5-foot plastic table for 72x36 units (6" of overhang on the ends, 3" on the sides), and a 6-foot table for the larger 84x42 table-tops (6" overhang on all four sides).

I am having trouble conceptualizing the mechanics of the hinge for this build.
I found some older threads where this is discussed, but can;t seem to find any pictures that help with my understanding.

I will continue to look, thank you for this idea! This sounds very feasible for me

 

[Jake14mw]

I also like the idea of adding the plywood. You can cut it to whatever shape fits your number of players and space. One other thing to think about is COVID-19. I think some people are only going to be comfortable playing if there is a decent amount of space between people. I am thinking about using some of the ideas above to make a temporary full size 4x8' table to use until there is almost zero risk.

 

[TheWhiteJZ]

hope this link works. I bookmarked a pic of BGs hinge:
https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/new-poker-table.25816/page-2

Edit: wrong link. Stand by

Edit 2: this is it
https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/folding-topper-with-rail.14256/

 

[pipdenny]

hope this link works. I bookmarked a pic of BGs hinge:
https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/new-poker-table.25816/page-2

Edit: wrong link. Stand by

Edit 2: this is it
https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/folding-topper-with-rail.14256/

That's exactly what i was looking for, thank you!

 

[StatTracker]

Grab a few yards of velveteen at local fabric store, fold it for cushion and safety pin it together. Drape over table

 

[BonScot]

I use a folding table topper from amazon. I put a rug anti-slip foam under it to stop it from sliding about.