Shuffleboard has never been as popular as some other games out there.
Why is that so is really beyond me.
I don’t know maybe some people find the whole thing a bit slow and without depth. But, that is because they never tried their luck behind one of the shuffleboard tables.
If they did, they would quickly learn that sliding pucks across to the end of the table while trying to knock the enemy’s pucks off is incredibly tricky and addictive.
And I purposefully used the word enemy.
If you manage to put four people behind the table, Game of Thrones will look like a child’s play to the war you are going to wage in your game room.
So, are you ready to have some fun and find an excellent way to settle the scores with your friends and loved ones? Well, you've come to the right place.
Here I am going to take a look at the six most popular products currently on the market and see which one is the best shuffleboard table the money can buy.
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The 6 Best Shuffleboard Tables on the Market
Fairview Game Rooms 12' Shuffleboard Table may not appear as a pristine game table. But that is only the first impression.
Take a closer look, and you will observe this unit checks all the right boxes that allow it to easily pass on as one of the best, if not the best shuffleboard table on the list. I mean, everything here works just as it should.
How about a classy, solid hardwood table design?
You could easily stumble upon this table in some chic parlor, and you wouldn't know the difference. Even better, this piece of hardware feels extremely durable – way out of its price range.
The playing surface doesn't lag behind.
The slab passes all the thickness requirements, and the shiny polymer finish looks like it can withstand a lot of abuse before needing to be refinished.
Also, scoring feels exceptionally gratifying, and pucks fly across the table surface without any resistance — pure class.
Finally, I would like to give a shout-out to some of the special features.
Strong pedestal legs do not only feature built-in storage but built-in leg levelers as well. Take a look below the table, and you will find climactic adjusters that will allow you easy game even in the most humid conditions.
What to say – this is the pure table shuffleboard gold.
Of course, no product is perfect. This one is no exception.
First of all, the table looks classy but very subdued. I could live with something a bit more flashy.
Also, the used materials feature high quality, but the overall maintenance is a chore – be very careful when cleaning the playing surface.
- The excellent overall quality of the table
- The playing surface allows easy scoring
- A solid offer of additional features
- Leg levelers and climatic adjusters
- A solid option for first-time buyers
- Maintenance is a chore
- The table could be looking a bit more refined
Playcraft is no stranger to anyone who has even a remote interest in indoor table games. Playcraft Woodbridge Shuffleboard Table does nothing but honors the legacy of this famous manufacturer.
I mean, the unit does too many good things to count, but I will do my best to highlight the most important features.
First and foremost, this shuffleboard table features probably the best look on the list.
And if you are not overly impressed with the stock cherry option, you get to choose from three cool alternatives (black, espresso, honey oak).
Also, the table feels very well put together – solid hardwood feels like it can take years upon years of abuse and hefty butcher block playing surface is covered with several layers satin polyurethane which gives it excellent glass-like quality.
All this means you will be scoring spot-on hits with no problem.
And yes, if you've been wondering – this shuffleboard table features both leg levelers and climate adjusters, which means that if you are not able to get the plucks where you want to, it's entirely your fault.
So, when it comes to the overall gaming experience, this option is definitely amongst the best on the list. What are the problems then? Well, they are mostly conceptual but present nevertheless.
For instance, the scoring pattern does its job fine, but it's too small and ugly. The legs are beautiful and strong, but you only get two of them. You get the point.
But that's not all. The table I got also featured some small rough patches, which is something I can only attribute to poor craftsmanship. Too bad, this could’ve easily been the best shuffleboard table on the list.
- Excellent look
- Impressive materials
- The playing surface is ridiculously smooth
- A four-color option
- Reasonably affordable
- A couple of lukewarm solutions
- Craftsmanship tends to be a bit rough
Shuffleboard tables don't always need to look impressive to allow for some scoring. They also need to be overly expensive and feature too many exciting features.
Well, if you are looking for an affordable but quality shuffleboard table for sale, you've come to the right place – this unit package might just be perfect for you.
So, what does this 9 ft shuffleboard table has in store for you?
Well, what you say about the furniture quality wood frame with equally as solid playing scratch-resistance. Surface built into its core. Even better, the surface is smooth and reliable and allows for some rock-solid puck action.
When I was testing the unit, I did my best to get the worst out of me, but not even the toughest play managed to leave a single scratch on the table.
Also, don’t be afraid that you are going to cause some accidental damage while performing difficult shots – the sturdy A-style legs look like they can support quite enough weight.
And if the floor in the room is not entirely flat, the built-in leg levelers will compensate for this drawback.
All these things produce one incredibly gratifying and budget-friendly shuffleboard experience.
On the downside, affordable shuffleboard tables always feature some compromises, and this one is no different. The unit looks very cheap, and simple A-style legs are doing very little to improve this impression.
And then, there is the other common problem of affordable units – bare-bone features.
I wasn't expecting electronic scoring or something, but this package includes only the things necessary for a four-player match and nothing more.
- Great value for the money
- The materials are actually quite nice
- Exciting playing experience
- Sturdy build
- Climatic adjusters
- Not quite the looker
- Bare-bone package
#4. Carmelli Dark Cherry 9 Foot Shuffleboard Table - The Beautiful Table with All Necessary Features
Carmelli Dark Cherry 9 Foot Shuffleboard Table is a product that looks fine and has no major selling features. And you know what – that’s perfectly ok.
Sure, other shuffleboard tables may lure you in with one exciting gimmick or another. This unit has none. But when it comes to overall impression? Well, it’s darn good.
Let me elaborate…
The main flaw of this product is its build. As I stated above, the shuffleboard looks pretty handsome. The finish is great; wood looks polished and, although you lack that all-important third leg, nothing seems out of order.
But, if you take a closer look, you will see that the used materials are not that pristine. As a matter of fact, the dark cherry laminate the frame is wrapped in is very weak and prone to scratches.
When we need to talk about the playing field, the things don't get too much better – more experienced players who take scoring very seriously will produce unpleasant scratches sooner than later.
But, not every one of us is that hardcore. As a matter of fact, most people won't notice the flaws I have pointed out.
If we look from this perspective, we'll see this is the one charming product that performs exceptionally well and features all the building blocks that make one satisfying shuffleboard experience.
As long as you take good care of the maintenance and don’t play overly rough, you will be able to squeeze a lot of mileage out of this unit.
So, if you are a casual that likes to play shuffleboard but doesn't take the game too seriously, this is probably the best shuffleboard table you can imagine.
- Solid experience for a moderate user
- The package contains all the necessary items
- Reasonably affordable
- The shuffleboard table looks pretty awesome
- You do get climatic adjusters
- Then materials used for build are not that durable
- The finish could be better
Challenger Shuffleboard Table is a unit that shares a lot of things with the previous product I have reviewed. They look virtually the same. They have a lot of qualities that are the same.
Unfortunately, this 12-foot shuffleboard table repeats all the same mistakes as well and makes a couple of new ones along the way.
For instance, who on Earth could’ve thought that leaving out pre-drilled holes for score abacuses would be a good idea?
Imagine if you had to pre-wire electronic scoring before mounting. The other thing I found very off-putting is that railing rubber is not even glued. You have to do that chore.
All these minor flaws make this package not so much a shuffleboard table for sale as much as a DIY kit.
And then are the bigger problems lime the build that’s definitely not amongst the most durable on the market and the absence of middle leg that should provide you with additional support during the game.
But, the good news is that the shuffleboard looks quite pretty and elegant, the good old game is incredibly easy to play, and the pucks are flying across the game space like bullets. So, in spite of a couple of noticeable flaws, this shuffleboard does offer a lot to be enjoyed.
The real problem with this whole situation is that we have, by now, seen far better tables that cost roughly the same.
Such an intense competition leaves Challenger Shuffleboard Table on a very slippery slope.
- Reasonably affordable
- The shuffleboard table does look quite decent
- The package contains all the essential items
- The whole package does not take too much space
- Not amongst the best-built shuffleboard tables on the market
- Too many chores before you are allowed to try the game
- No strong selling points
Finally, we have one of the smallest portable shuffleboard tables you can find out there.
The fact it took the last place of this roundup is a product of a couple of drawbacks, some of which objective, some of which purely subjective.
Does that make this shuffleboard horrible?
No, you'll get a blast out of it, especially if your kids enjoy the game. So, here's how the things stand.
In my opinion, this unit is too small (3-5 feet) even by tabletop standards. I would get much more enjoyment even out of a simple 9-ft shuffleboard unit. This way, you can say goodbye to any kind of serious competitive game.
Also, the lack of space comes hand in hand with a rather lousy build quality.
The wood that is used here won't win any awards, and you can expect some wrapping if you don't put enough care into maintenance. With no climactic adjusters to lend you a hand, this can prove to be a huge problem.
But then, on the other hand, just take a look at the price tag this shuffleboard is carrying, and you will be ready to forgive a lot of mistakes.
Yes, this is one of the cheapest shuffleboard tables out there, which and even if you are forced to buy another one further down the road… Well, at least you won’t spend too much money.
Also, this unit is not only a cute shuffleboard table, but it also doubles down as a portable carling table as well. Just replace the butcher block, and you're good to go.
Now that is awesome. What else can you expect from a small table with no pretenses at glory? In a world of portable shuffleboard tables, not that much.
- One of the smallest and most affordable shuffleboard tables you can currently buy
- The unit serves a portable carling table as well
- Lightweight and easy to use
- A perfect way to introduce the shuffleboard game to your kids
- I could live with more game space
- The wood is prone to wrapping
- Not one of the best-built shuffleboard tables out there
The Things You Should Consider Before Buying a Shuffleboard Table?
And now that we’ve gone through the best shuffleboard table selection, it is time to look at some of the features that separate zeroes from heroes.
Different players prefer different tables – the only way to find the best table for your game room is to know what to look for.
1. Size
Although they come in a wide variety of sizes, shuffleboard table dimensions are not entirely arbitrary.
Here are the five common types you can find on the market.
Of course, smaller tables (9-ft and 12-ft) are also in the game, but they are aimed primarily at youngest players.
Also, never rule out portable tabletop models that make an ideal fit for smaller rooms.
On the other hand, a 22 feet table can prove to be incredibly hard to fit even in the biggest available space out there.
2. Materials
Essentially, the choice of materials has a great effect on the table’s durability and the ease of maintenance.
Also, there is the matter of the gameplay.
If you accidentally drop the puck on the playing surface, the table can be easily damaged and expensive to fix.
So, aim for durable materials like the good old solid wood, especially if you are buying an outdoor shuffleboard table.
Some of the options that have proved to perform the best are North American Maple Wood, White Maple, and Canadian Soft Maple, Mahogany, and Russian Birch.
When it comes to the playing surface, the best shuffleboard tables usually include butcher block slab (usually Walnut, Hard Maple, or Teak) covered with a layered finish.
3. Finish
The finish of a shuffleboard table is arguably equally as important as the material it's been made of.
If you have a quality finish, accidental damages like the one I mentioned above can be all but avoided.
The two standard options you have on disposal are:
4. Legs
Regardless of the shuffleboard table size, all these units pack a lot of weight and need a set of strong, durable legs to stay in one piece.
Any kind of skewing and contortion can off-set the playing field and completely ruin your game.
So, look for the strong pedestal legs made of durable solid hardwood.
Also, it is highly advisable to buy the shuffleboard table that features leg levelers. This way, even if the table is not placed on a flat surface, you will be able to readjust your unit.
5. Playing Field Thickness
Playing surface thickness is important for a number of reasons.
First, the heftier slab puts more pressure on the legs and makes the shuffleboard table much more stable.
Second, even if the playing surface ends up damaged, you can refinish the wood and extend the life of your unit.
The typical playing field thickness is 3 inches, so do your best to never go below this supposed limit.
Also, keep in mind that the thickness in the manufacturer's description also includes the finish of the wood, so always aim a bit higher.
6. Additional Features
Although the features I covered above make more than a solid indoor shuffleboard table, no one can argue that a bit of convenience can go a long way in making your future games more enjoyable.
So, let's take a look at a couple of additional features you should try to get wrapped in the package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best length for a shuffleboard table?
It really depends on your style and the level of challenge you want to get.
For instance, the more space pucks need to traverse, the harder it will be to score the points.
Now, professional shuffleboard tables used in tournaments range anywhere between 9 and 22 feet, so try figuring which of these sizes work the best for your playing style and available room.
If you are not that much concerned with gameplay but rather convenience, you can find a lot of tabletop shuffleboard tables that go way below these dimensions.
What kind of wood do you use for a shuffleboard table?
All of the shuffleboard tables out there consist of two main parts – the frame and the playing field. In both these cases, I would recommend going as sturdy as possible.
So, when you are buying a frame, try choosing North American Maple Wood, White Maple, and Canadian Soft Maple, Mahogany, and Russian Birch.
As for the playing field, we are talking about nothing more than a well-polished butcher block, so your materials of choice should be Walnut, Hard Maple, or Teak.
Final Words
Writing shuffleboard table reviews has never been an easy job? Why? You might ask.
Well, the competition is simply too fierce. This lineup of shuffleboard tables is no exception – all of them have at least something working in their favor.
Still, the fact remains Fairview Game Rooms 12' Shuffleboard Table simply makes the least missteps along the way.
It's attractive, well-built features enough game room and represents everything one good shuffleboard table should be.
- Handy storage cabinet built in to one of the pedestal legs
- Built-in scoring units on both sides of the table keep track of the action
- Recommended for residential usage.
- Includes 8 pucks and a starter can of speed wax