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How to Build a Poker Table - Materials Needed

The following list is everything you will need to build a poker table like the one shown here. You can substitute things based on preference or what is available in your area but this list is everything I used to make the table, the cost, and where I purchased it from. There is also a list of optional items that help with the process and also items that I borrowed and therefore did not have to pay anything for. When buying things such as poker cloth, vinyl, and foam, you may also try your local fabric store such as JoAnns Fabrics to see what they have. I obtained my table padding (smooth) from a carpet dealer and I actually like it better than some of the poker table padding I have seen online. So don't be afraid to look around locally and use stuff that you think might work better. I used Lowes and YourAutoTrim.com as my one-stop shopping places.

Looking back I may have done a few things differently. Instead of 2 sheets of 3/4" plywood, I would have purchased 1 sheet of 3/4" and tried to find 1 sheet of 1/2" plywood to use for the rail because it does not need to be as thick as the base piece. I also would have bought 1/4" staples instead of 1/2". The 1/4" will hold fine and are easier to take out when you are wrapping the vinyl around the rail.

Poker Felt

I used Wine Colored Nylon Velvet Speed Cloth from YourAutoTrim.com because I obtained samples of everything they had and loved the feel of the cloth. Other good suggestions are Suited Speed Cloth, Velveteen, Ultra-Soft Velveteen. Some people will even use billiard cloth. Just make sure that the material doesn't contain wool that will pill up and drive you crazy. And always try to obtain a sample if you can not purchase this in person. For poker felt, you can also visit a local fabric store like JoAnns Fabrics or visit my Poker Table Supplies page for my information on poker table supplies.

Poker Table Padding

Many people choose to go with 1/4" padding for the table top. Make sure the foam you get is Closed-Cell, which means that water can not pass through it (waterproof). This will keep water from getting through and damaging the wood of your table. YourAutoTrim.com is a great resource as is FoamByMail.com. The 2EO Volara that YourAutoTrim sells is probably the most popular. I ended up using 7/16" Smooth Carpet Padding (Not Rebond) because of some advice I was given. I am very pleased with the result but still may use volara on my next table just to compare the two. The key with the smooth carpet padding is that you have to call around to local carpet stores and ask if they have it. Only 2 stores carried it in my area. It is basically a pale green or sometimes blue color and is completely smooth unlike Rebond (chunks glued together). One side of the foam is smooth and the other is a shiny skin-like material. The padding is Closed-Cell and Anti-Microbial and comes in rolls 6 feet wide. You just get it cut for the length you need (add a little extra to be safe). You can also check at local upholstery shops for padding and some people like to use headliner foam.

Rail Padding

I purchased the Premium 1" 60lb/1.8 rail foam from YourAutoTrim.com and am very happy with it. It is a bit expensive if you are doing it from one sheet, but I will always use this again in the future. JoAnns sells a green foam but I believe it is not wide enough so you have to piece together your parts.

Rail Vinyl

I used Whisper Vinyl for the Railing because it is stretchable, soft, and very professional looking. It is easier to work with than other vinyl. Some people also use Marine Vinyl, and other types of Vinyl. Check JoAnns Fabrics or YourAutoTrim.com for vinyl.

Table Legs

I don't have enough space for a permanent poker table so I needed the ability to fold the legs up and store the table against a wall so I added folding banquet table legs to the bottom of the table. These work great and are very inexpensive at your local hardware store like Home Depot or Lowes ($20/pair).

Other types of legs like pedestal legs are available so check online to see if you can find a ready to stain set of legs that you can attach to the table. Also check local garage sales to see if anyone is selling a table that has good legs. Sometimes you can find these for cheap (or free if you find it roadside) and it only takes a little sweat equity to get them looking good.

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