What are people using for surface padding? (1 Viewer)

[Jake14mw]

Haven't made a table in over 10 years. Planning on refelting at least one of my tables. I never used volara because I didn't want it too firm. I've used carpet foam , headliner, and other things. What are you guys using these days?

 

[BPTDirector]

I have built three tables over 15 years ago using a product called ‘Happy Bottom’ which I bought at a pool store. It’s 1/4” closed cell padding used to protect pool liners from being pierced from underneath. All three tables are still being used with the padding holding up well. I’m a fan, and it’s pretty cheap.

 

[tabletalker7]

www.yourautotrim.com has a poker table section. 1/4 inch closed cell from them will do nicely.

 

[Taghkanic]

I’ve used 1/4" closed-cell foam, which I think is what you mean by volara, and been very happy with it.

If it’s not springy enough for you, maybe try putting something under it as a sub-layer? But I really don’t find closed-cell overly firm.

 

[Machine]

www.yourautotrim.com has a poker table section. 1/4 inch closed cell from them will do nicely.

I would then put 1/8 headliner (open cell) over top of closed cell, don't glue the headliner down. It makes it so you can pick up the cards with ease.

If you spill something on it, the open cell foam will soak it up, but the close cell won't

 

[mr11]

I refelted two tables earlier this year and used open cell foam with speed cloth. Foam has a good amount of give and the speed cloth kept it waterproof. I’m sure there are better options out there but I’m happy with it

https://www.yourautotrim.com/1hidefooce.html

 

[Jers28]

1/4” closed cell foam for the table with GG felts on my tables. 1” 90lb foam for rails. I definitely prefer the 90lb over the 70lb, but you have to hunt a bit. I recently sold one of my tables that I built 20+ years ago and the foam was still in great shape. The softer stuff will break down in time, depending on usage obviously.

 

[Taghkanic]

I would then put 1/8 headliner (open cell) over top of closed cell, don't glue the headliner down. It makes it so you can pick up the cards with ease.

I would do it in the reverse. The 1/8” headliner will still provide a little extra bounce underneath.

TBH I never have had issues with picking up chips off closed-cell.

Plus the closed-cell stuff retains its shape long-term better than headliner, in my experience, and doesn’t get lumpy.

If you spill something on it, the open cell foam will soak it up, but the close cell won't

This to me is another reason not to put the headliner on top, to avoid anything soaking in.

 

[TheYeti]

I used 1/4" closed-cell from YAT on my build 22 years ago. Table is still in use and still springy.

 

[Defarse]

I've made three tables. First had headliner. Second had two layers of 1/4" Volara which I really liked. Third (current table) has 3/8" neoprene which is nice but a little bit too firm. If I were to make a new table I think I would lay 1/4" Volara down and then on top of that 1/4" high density open cell.

 

[Machine]

I've made three tables. First had headliner. Second had two layers of 1/4" Volara which I really liked. Third (current table) has 3/8" neoprene which is nice but a little bit too firm. If I were to make a new table I think I would lay 1/4" Volara down and then on top of that 1/4" high density open cell.

I really like 3/8s Volara with a 1/4 open cell, I think this the best setup for a table.

Stability to stack chips high and soft enough to get under the cards.

 

[Labrat]

IMO, closed cell foam/volara. If you get the surface too soft, it starts to make your stacks less stable.

 

[jamesjkim]

I went from volara to HD open cell and I prefer HD now.