Updated December 30, 2025
Buying a poker table is a great way to level up your home games. This guide explains how to make a smart choice based on space, budget, features, and how often you play.
From beginners to home game veterans, it is perfect for anyone in the market for some fresh felt to play on.
Why Invest in a Poker Table?
A poker table is more than just furniture; it shows you’re serious and offers a major upgrade in comfort and organisation. Even a basic setup improves the flow of play, giving everyone proper space without the need to hunch over a cramped kitchen table or sit knee-to-knee with their neighbours.
Cards are easier to deal, chips stay organised, and beer spills are less likely to kill the action. You can play poker anywhere: A bench, a coffee table, or even an ironing board in the corner of a budget hotel room, but a dedicated setup makes home games feel better for everyone.
Takeaway: A poker table makes home games more comfortable and organised.
Key Factors to Consider Before Buying
Before you go spending your hard-earned money, get two things straight to stop you from buying a table that looks great online but does not work in real life.
How much space do you have?
Poker games need room to breathe too. Measure properly, factor in chairs, and leave enough space for Big Jimmy to get in and out; it’s a nightmare if everyone has to shuffle sideways just to sit down.
How often do you play?
If you play weekly, durability and comfort matter more than flashy extras. If you play once a month, portability and easy storage might be the smarter buy.
Takeaway: Let space and frequency decide your shortlist before features do.
Seating
When it comes to table shape and size, it’s key to let player numbers dictate table size. Work with the number of players that usually show up rather than how many you invite to play. You might not be as popular as you think!
Oval tables are the norm in casinos because they suit full ring games well, but if you usually have five or six players, round or octagonal tables can work brilliantly too, especially when space is tight.
Most poker tables fall between 72 and 104 inches. Round or octagonal tables typically suit 5–6 players, oval tables around 72–84 inches suit 7–9, and 90–104 inches is the safer range if you want 10 players without everyone sitting on top of each other.
Takeaway: Let the number of players dictate the size and shape of your table.
Felt Options
Felt is one of the easiest ways to customise a table, but the material affects how the game feels, so prioritise quality over fancy logos and betting lines.
Budget felt is rougher and less durable. It can shed lint, wear faster, and make cards stick during the deal, slowing the game and potentially flipping cards over. Colours are often limited to the classic green.
Premium surfaces, including synthetic options, tend to be smoother and last longer. Cards deal cleaner, chip stacks don’t collapse when executing that poker bluff, and the table stays looking sharp after repeated use.
Takeaway: Felt quality affects every hand, prioritise a smooth, durable surface first.
Table Rail and Durability
If your table will see regular action, you’ll want a comfortable rail. Players spend hours leaning on it, so padding matters more than most people expect.
Think more yoga mat than pillow, firm usually beats thick.
Outer vinyl or leather should be durable and easy to wipe clean, especially if drinks are nearby. Cup holders help, but a few drinks in, something always gets split.
Check the legs and frame too. They need to be rock solid. A wobbly table leads to collapsing chip stacks, ‘lost’ chips and huge arguments. If you can, give the table a gentle shake before buying.
It should feel stable enough to handle leaning, poker chip values dropping due to slamming, and the occasional tantrum.
Takeaway: Prioritise rail comfort, wipe clean materials, and a stable frame.
Budgeting for a Poker Table
Unless you have a golden hen, budget will probably be a factor. If money is tight, prioritise essentials like size, stability, and felt quality. You can worry about extras later.
Here are a few tiers that are available:
- Table topper: At around $30–$50, they suit small spaces or occasional games.
- Basic standalone tables: Cost $160–$200. They’re functional but not always built for heavy weekly use.
- Mid-range: At $250–$350, they are the ‘sweet spot’, with sturdier builds and better materials.
- Premium and custom tables: These tables cost $1,500+, depending on features and accessories.
Takeaway: Buy the best build and surface you can afford, then add extras later.
Foldable Tables and Toppers
If you’re short on room, play infrequently, or are worried your new table might become a laundry dumping ground, you might consider a foldable option, pun intended.
This feature lets you enjoy the casino experience when you need it, then pack it away when real life takes over.
If you want the cheapest, simplest upgrade, a topper is still the easiest way to improve the surface without committing a whole room to it.
Takeaway: Go permanent for weekly games and foldable or topper for limited room.
Custom and Premium Options
Premium and custom tables are for players who want a permanent setup and a proper card room feel at home.
Custom builds often start around $1,500 and climb fast with upgrades like LED rails, charging ports, custom felt prints, and chair bundles. Brands like BBO Poker Tables, Jack Game Room, and Gorilla Gaming offer the full Vegas menu if you want it.
Takeaway: Premium builds make sense mainly if you play often and have the space to commit.
Chairs and Accessories for Your Poker Room
With all eyes on the table, it’s easy to overlook the importance of seating, but good chairs are vital for player comfort and posture.
- If you are on a budget, folding chairs can work if they are stable.
- If you play regularly, it’s best to upgrade to cushioned chairs with adjustable height.
Rolling chairs add a little extra panache and prevent scuffing the floor when sliding or dragging chairs.
Adding a mat or carpet is another good way to protect your floor, and it can make the poker area feel complete and more luxurious.
It’ll also dampen some of the noise, which is perfect if you have neighbours living downstairs.
Takeaway: Comfortable chairs and floor protection often improve home games as much as the table itself.
How to Build Your Own Poker Table
Building your own table can be rewarding, and plenty of sites offer free plans for anyone who has levelled up their carpentry skill tree enough. The budget depends on your tools, materials, and patience, and you will get a better result if you follow the same rules as when buying:
- Size first
- Stability second
- Then felt quality and comfort
Budget anywhere from a few hundred to thousands, depending on style and quality. A custom-built table shows pride in workmanship and boosts your ranking on the list of the greatest poker players of all time.
Takeaway: DIY can be fun, but it’s not easy!
Final Thoughts
The best poker table is the one that fits your space and game. To get the most out of it, however, prioritise build quality over extras.
Whatever you end up buying, make sure you've thought through the stuff we covered:
- Felt quality matters.
- Shape matters.
- Your budget and how much space you've got. It all matters.
Get the right table and your home games will be better for years:
- Cheap foldable?
- Premium custom job?
- Build it yourself?
It doesn't matter which route you take. A decent table pays for itself in comfort alone, plus your friends will remember these nights.
Ready to upgrade your poker nights?
Explore the best poker tables today and transform your home game experience!
Poker Table FAQ
How much does a poker table cost?
Toppers: $30–$50. Basic tables: $160–$200. Mid-range: $250–$350. Premium custom: $1,500–$5,000.
Which table is best for home games?
For 6–8 players, a mid-range oval table is the best all-round choice. For small spaces or occasional games, go for a foldable or use a topper.
Where can I buy one?
Budget options are easy to find at major retailers. Premium tables are best bought from specialist gaming or furniture sellers.
Can I build my own?
Yes, if you have basic tools and skills, but price materials first, DIY is not always cheaper.
What size do I need?
Round or octagonal suits 5–6. Oval 72–84 inches suits 7–9. For 10 players, look at 90–104 inches.
