Buying guide for best shuffleboards
Shuffleboard has been a popular bar and basement game for decades. A shuffleboard table in your home is one fixture that can quickly become the center of the party and will likely last for decades.
Shuffleboard tables vary greatly in length, so it’s important to find a table that offers the game play you’re looking for without crowding your available space. The materials in the table vary, too, and the type of wood used to make the playing surface can affect play and the longevity of the table. In addition, the resin used to seal the wood can impact how smoothly and consistently the pucks slide across the surface. There are different scoring systems found on shuffleboard tables, too, and some tables have multiple scoring lines to allow for different types of games.
A shuffleboard table can be a major investment, and a good one will likely last for many years, so it’s important to find one that meets your needs. To learn more about the types of shuffleboard tables available, continue reading our shopping guide. We’ve included several that we think stand out from the crowd, too.
What is shuffleboard?
Here, we’re talking about the table game, not the outdoor sport, though there are many similarities between the two.
Shuffleboard is played on a long, narrow table, usually with a wood surface. It can be played by two people or by two teams of two players each.
Both players stand at the same end of the table and take turns sliding their pucks from one end of the table to the other. After each player has used all four pucks, the player with the puck farthest down the board wins the round and scores all of their pucks that are past the other player’s farthest puck. Scores are based on which section of the board the pucks are in. Play continues until one player reaches 21 points.
Like many table games, the rules can vary greatly. One popular variant requires players to reach exactly 21 points. Any points that would cause a player to exceed 21 are instead subtracted from their score.
Did you know?
Longer shuffleboard tables take a bit more skill because the game is all about getting your pucks to land in the right spot.
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Key considerations
The most important factor when shopping for a shuffleboard table is the size of the table and how it will fit in your space. You should also consider whether you want a table with traditional scoring lines or alternative scoring options.
Size
Shuffleboard tables vary in length from around 8 to 22 feet. The right size for you is a matter of preference, but it’s also highly dependent on where you plan to put the table. You need a minimum of two feet of clearance on all sides to allow players to move around the play area and line up their shots. A longer table is typically more challenging to play on.
The width of the table is important as well, but this dimension isn’t as likely to vary. Most tables are 18 inches wide. Avoid anything narrower unless you’re looking for a small tabletop model.
Scoring lines
The traditional scoring lines on a shuffleboard table denote three sections (the three-level grid) worth one, two, and three points. Some tables have a triangular scoring grid with six-point sections. This typically requires more accuracy and presents a different challenge. Before you purchase a table, have some idea of which type of game you want to play because most tables only have one type of scoring grid.
"Shuffleboard works just as well with teams of two as it does as a head-to-head game. "
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Shuffleboard features
Once you figure out the table size and scoring system you want, there are several other features to consider, such as the materials used to make the table and the finish on the playing surface.
Playing surface
Even though the wood playing surface is coated in a finish, the type of wood can still affect the game play and the look of your table. Popular woods include North American maple, white maple, poplar, and birch. Maple is the best and most expensive option due to its appearance and its resistance to warping. The wood should be around three inches thick. Take note that while manufacturers will list the thickness of the playing area, this usually includes the resin as well.
Finish
The most common finish on modern shuffleboard tables is epoxy resin. Other resins are less common, which makes your decision easy. However, you should carefully research the quality of the application of the resin. It should be poured over the wood, resulting in an even surface that is free of bumps or bubbles that could affect play. Most resin finishes are one-quarter inch thick and will last for decades. The manufacturer may offer a warranty for the resin to guarantee its performance.
Cabinet
While the playing surface is the most important component of the table, the overall construction of the cabinet — the legs and frame — is important as well.
The cabinet may be made of hardwood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Hardwood is a far sturdier and more attractive option. The cabinet affects not only the overall look of your table but also its performance. A sturdy cabinet helps to keep your playing field steady and level when players lean on the table. It also ensures that your table will last for years.
The manufacturer should list the specific type of wood used in the table. Be wary of tables that only indicate the finish, because these are likely made of MDF.
Climatic adjusters
Believe it or not, you’ll need to periodically adjust your table to account for changes in temperature and humidity that could warp the wood and disturb the playing field. These come in the form of four to six metal bars underneath the table that help to keep the playing surface level. Not all tables have climatic adjusters, but this is a feature worth the investment if you intend to use your table for several years. Without climatic adjusters, your table is likely to warp.
Accessories
Some shuffleboard tables include nothing but the table itself. Others have everything you need to play, including two sets of pucks and powder (also called wax) for the playing surface. These accessories can easily be purchased separately, but those included with tables can be of good quality.
Did you know?
The heavy metal pucks are designed to clack satisfyingly when they hit each other. Knocking your opponent’s pucks off of the table is one of the game’s main strategies.
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Shuffleboard prices
Inexpensive: Shuffleboards that cost $40 to $100 are tabletop models designed to be stowed away when not in use. If you’re new to shuffleboard and unwilling to invest hundreds of dollars on a full-size table, there are many models that may meet your needs in this price range.
Mid-range: Tables that cost $100 to $500 tend to be small in size and may not have a wood playing field. These tables may not hold up for years, but they can work well for families or those on a budget.
Expensive: Shuffleboard tables that cost $500 to $2,000 typically have a wood surface and often have additional features like climatic adjusters and electronic scorekeepers. Tables in this range are designed to be used heavily and last for years.
Tips
- Use a level to check the playing surface every few weeks. If it isn’t perfectly level, use the climatic adjusters accordingly.
- Clean your table periodically. Use window-cleaning solution if your table has an epoxy finish. Then apply a silicone spray designed for shuffleboard tables.
- Apply shuffleboard powder to the clean table. This enables the pucks to glide smoothly.
Other products we considered
Though we think our top recommendations are the best shuffleboard tables available, there are a few others worth covering briefly. For a reasonably priced table with an eye-catching industrial style, we love the nine-foot BARRINGTON Urban Collection Shuffleboard Table. It arrives mostly assembled and includes everything you need to play, plus a 90-day warranty. For an affordable tabletop model, we recommend the GoSports Shuffleboard and Curling 2-in-1 Table. While the wood and finish aren’t of the same quality as more expensive tables, customers are pleasantly surprised by the design and how smoothly the pucks glide across the surface. Its price and size make it a great choice for families or those who want to start small before investing in a full-size table.
FAQ
Q. Do shuffleboard tables come mostly assembled?
A. That depends on the table. Many models come almost entirely assembled, and others come in several parts and require tools to put your table together. In some cases, manufacturers may offer expert assembly.
Q. How easy is it to move a shuffleboard table?
A. The weight and sturdiness of shuffleboard table varies, so some tables are more difficult to move than others. High-quality tables can weigh as much as 300 pounds.
Q. Is shuffleboard safe?
A. The most dangerous parts of shuffleboard are the heavy metal pucks, which can pinch fingers or cause bruises if they launch from the table. That being said, children who can keep their fingers off the lip of the table during games should have no problem playing shuffleboard.
