There are a lot of different options and styles for tables. Check out the links I've embedded in this section for ideas of what others have done as well.
There are a lot of different sizes and options for tables. I didn’t have the space available for a full oval table so the octagon style was an easy choice for me. The entire table is built from one piece of 8′x4′ oak ply. Below is a diagram (not to scale, just an illustration) of the various cut lines, which are denoted as black lines. The only waste should be the corners.
The sizing of the various octagons being cut (i.e. playing surface, track) can vary depending upon your preferences. To calculate the measurements you made need to make, I include a handy octagon calculator.
The only only cuts necessary are for the cup holders in the track and also the under support (since the cup holder likely sink in further than the depth of the track).
If you are thinking about doing an oval table, there are some good diagrams with measurements at PCPOTATO.
Wrap the table base in foam, cut as needed, and staple to the underside. This foam will be much thinner and stiffer than the rail foam.
Then wrap with the playing surface, cut as needed and staple. For the poker table playing surface speed cloth is recommended, which is resistant to tearing or pilling.
More details can be found in the Required Materials section for the foam and playing surface. Additional photos can also be found in the Photo Gallery.
Start by screwing the under-lip rail to what will be the padded rail. Next, wrap with foam, cut as needed, staple to the underside. This foam should be thicker than the playing surface foam since we’re aiming for comfort.
Then wrap the padded rail vinyl, cut as needed, and staple to the underside.
I started by staining the track so if any part of it was showing it looked presentable. We had to get creative when it came down to the cigar bands and pouring the epoxy. We need a border to keep the epoxy from running off. The border had to be thick enough to keep it’s form but flexible enough to be contoured. Our solution was layering dry wall tape. We connected several layers together and formed it to the track and cup holes. We then used clear packaging tape to connect the track and border, running the tape to the top of the border. The clear tape was important because the material wouldn’t absorb any of the epoxy and would also be invisible when done. The tape also made it easy to remove the border when we were finished.
We used a light adhesive to glue the initial layer of bands down. It was important to pre-flatten the bands so they wouldn’t curl. After our layer of bands was down we poured our first layer of epoxy. The layer was thin, may 1/8″ or so. It’s self leveling. The only trick is to go around for about 15 minutes and constantly blow out minor bubbles that may have formed. The bubbles will be there forever if you don’t do this, so it’s worth the time.
We repeated this step and eventually created six levels of cigar bands, which gives the track great depth. When we were done we cut away the borders using a razor blade and we were done with the track.
Now that each component was completed we needed to assemble it all together. Starting from the bottom, the under support octagon got screwed into the track. Be extremely careful with this, using short screws and only screwing to the part of the track that will be covered up in the end. Next the padded rail and main playing surface sit on top and get secured in place.
The metallic cup holders should drop right in. To finish off the look of the table and hide where the track meets the playing surface, we hot glue gunned a piece of fabric rope all around.
Once that is all complete all that remains are the legs. The choices were fancy wood pedestal legs or metal fold up legs. Since I knew I may be needing to store the table away I went with the fold up legs, which got screwed into the under support. The table in general is extremely sturdy, as evidence by the fact that it’s heavy enough to make it difficult to move with just one person.
© RyanDeyer.com | top
