Top 6 Best Shuffleboard Tables in 2022

The best shuffleboard tables

Want to spice up your game nights?

If you feel like you’re no longer looking forward to game nights, it could be because you’re bored of playing the same thing repeatedly.

It is now time to revive those nights with something different, a game of shuffleboard.

Although it’s been around for centuries, shuffleboard is not as popular as other games like pool and ping pong. But that doesn’t make it any less entertaining.

To get the most from it though, you will need to buy a good shuffleboard table. We’ve compiled a list of the best shuffleboard tables available currently. Read on to learn more.

Best overall & best under $1000

There is a wide variety of shuffleboard tables out there. But only a few are affordable without compromising on quality construction, design, and other features. This Playcraft Woodbridge Shuffleboard Table is a good case in point. It simply offers the best of both worlds.

The frame of the shuffleboard is made of hardwood, with a 1.75-inch thick solid butcher block that acts as the playing field. The block is covered in several coats of satin polyurethane, creating a glossy surface.

There are four finish options to choose from: black, cherry, espresso, and honey oak. You also get to pick from four size options- 9, 12, 14, and 19 feet.

The nine-foot and twelve-foot tables have 1-2-3 scoring boxes and two legs, while the 14- and16-foot tables have the 1-2-3-4 scoring boxes and three legs.

Other features of this shuffleboard include climate adjusters, an abacus scorer, an arched leg design with levelers, and a storage compartment.

We also like that it has a wide range of accessories. Included in the packaging are eight pucks (four blue and four red), and a high-quality bead wax.

The downside is that it’s quite heavy, making it difficult to assemble while still managing the weight at the same time.

Best 9ft table

Shuffleboard tables come in different shapes and sizes. But if you are looking for a table that won’t take up too much space in your home or office, then this Atomic 9-foot platinum table is an excellent pick.

It may be small, but it does not compromise on fun. It has a poly-coated playing field. Factor in the shuffleboard wax, and you’re sure to enjoy a fast and exciting game. And thanks to the abacus-style scoring, it’s easy to keep track of scores.

The tabletop is supported by two pedestal legs with levelers. The levelers ensure maximum stability of the table even when the surface it’s placed on is not flat.

The table comes with 8 pucks (4 red, 4 blue) and a canister of shuffleboard wax.

The only disadvantage is that it does not have climate adjusters. This makes the board vulnerable to warping due to weather changes. If the board warps, this can affect the speed and accuracy of your game.

Best tabletop

Do you love the traditional classic shuffleboard game but lack the resources or space for a shuffleboard table? Then this GoSports Shuffleboard and Curling Table is the perfect alternative.

It is a tabletop game, and even better, it boasts a 2-in-1 design. This means that you get to enjoy two games for the price of one.

On one side of the board you have the shuffleboard game, and on the other, a curling game. If you’d like to switch between the two games, simply flip the table.

The table can accommodate up to four players, making it perfect for fun times with friends and family. It comes equipped with eight steel roller pucks (half red and half blue) that can easily slide across the surface of the board thanks to its smooth finish. There is a gutter in between to catch stray pucks.

However, the table lacks a coating that would make it even smoother, so you cannot use the normal pucks on it.

Furthermore, it’s not ideal for pro players because of its size; it’s only 45 inches long. Pro tables should run up to 22 feet (264 inches).

Best for basement

Getting a shuffleboard table that can fit in your basement can be a pretty strenuous task. Most tables are heavy and require several people to carry and install. You also have to consider the conditions in your basement, which can easily damage your table’s playing surface.

If you’ve been searching for a shuffleboard table that would be ideal for your basement, the Hathaway Challenger is just what you need. Here’s why:

First off, this table is only nine feet long and two feet wide. This means it’s small enough to fit through narrow doors and in tiny basement spaces. However, it’s quite heavy, so be sure to get a helping hand.

Secondly, the climate adjusters ensure that the playing surface remains level despite the conditions in your basement; be it dry or humid.

To deliver a smooth and fast gameplay, the playing surface is made of hardwood butcher block and then coated in polyurethane.

Plus, the legs have leg levelers to ensure that the table doesn’t wobble or is level even when placed on an uneven floor.

On the flip side, the instructions manual is not well detailed. Due to this, it may take you a while to put the table together.

Best for home

Did you enjoy playing shuffleboard on that cruise ship or resort vacation? Do you wish to recreate the same fun and excitement in your own home? If your answer is yes, invest in the best shuffleboard table for home use- the Barrington Wentworth Shuffleboard Table.

Featuring a stylish and unique design and being only nine feet long, this table can fit perfectly in any space and complements your home decor. Better yet, it plays just as beautifully as it looks.

The sleek black playing surface is coated with UV poly coating for fast puck action and increased durability.

The gutter and inner walls of the board are carpeted to protect against scratches and minimize the noise produced when playing.

Thanks to the molded apron corner caps, the box leg with full panel and oversized levelers, you’re assured that it will be stable.

To help players easily keep track of scores, the table comes with two metal bead scores on each end of the table. You will also get eight pucks and a tin of shuffleboard wax.

However, this table is expensive compared to its competitors. If you have a shoestring budget, you’re better off looking for a more affordable model.

Best size for family

This Barrington Shuffleboard Table is all you need for a fun time with your family. It is equipped with everything you need to play, including eight pucks and a canister of shuffleboard sand.

One of this table’s key highlights is the playfield. Not only is it made of top-quality wood but it also has a UV coating. This gives the surface a smooth finish, allowing for faster play. The coating also prevents scratching and damage to the surface.

This table’s turdy construction is another feature that makes it stand out. The legs have an exceptional design as they are made of faux concrete.

For extra stability, there is a wooden bar connecting the two legs. Thus, you don’t have to worry about the table becoming wobbly during an intense game.

Also, there is an adjustable bracket system that maintains the shape of the playing surface despite the weather.

And the icing on the cake? Barrington offers a 90-day warranty on this product. The only disadvantage is that the pucks are thinly coated. With time, they peel off, necessitating a replacement.

What to look for in a good shuffleboard table

Researching the best available shuffleboard table in the market is not enough to help you make the right decision.

You also need to know how to spot the difference between cheap knock-offs and real high-quality tables.

The easiest way to go about this is figuring out the features that make a good shuffleboard table. Here are a few factors that you should always consider:

Size

Size is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a shuffleboard table. Most professional tables are as long as 22 feet, but you can get others as small as 9 feet.

To determine what size of table you should get, first estimate the size of your room. In addition, you’ll want to leave some wiggle room of not less than two feet around the table for a more comfortable play.

If you don’t have a ton of space, consider placing the table along a wall but leave the two feet on either end of the table. So, for instance, if the room you want to put it in is 18 feet, the table you buy should be no more than 14 feet long.

You also need to think about how easy it will be to carry the table’s components to your game room. If you have narrow doors and hallways, maneuvering to get to this room while carrying the individual pieces that make up the table will be a little difficult.

Scoring system

There are two types of scoring systems that are common on shuffleboards. The traditional triangular grid scoring system and the three-level system. The latter is also referred to as the 1-2-3 scoring system.

This three-level system is the more common option of the two and it awards you points based on the level your puck lands on. The triangular system, on the other hand, is mostly used in shuffleboard courts.

Wondering which one option to go for? It boils down to your tastes and preferences as neither is superior to the other.

Materials used

The material used in the construction of a shuffleboard table is very important. It determines how long your table can last.

And considering that shuffleboard tables are quite expensive, you would want one that will last a long time.

To determine a table’s durability, check the material used in its build. The most reliable is hardwood.

Examples of hardwood materials include White Maple, North American Maple Wood, Russian Birch, and Poplar.

Important to note though is that tables made of hardwood can be pretty expensive. If you’re looking for something cheaper that offers nearly the same durability, consider soft maple wood. Specifically, the Canadian Soft Maple, which has a resistant finish like epoxy resin.

That said, it is not just the exterior of the table that should be made of high-quality material, but the playing surface too. A weak playing field can easily be dented or scratched by a dense puck.

The thickness of the playing field

We mentioned earlier that the material used to make the playing surface is important as it increases the durability of the table. But another factor you should consider is the thickness of the surface.

Even if a surface is made of hardwood, if it is not thick enough, it will not last long. On that note, the minimum thickness you should go for is 3 inches. This refers to the thickness of the wood itself, exclusive of the finish or sealants.

Some companies may claim that the surface is three inches wide, but the thickness also includes the heavy layers of finish.

Surface coating

The finish used on a shuffleboard table, especially the surface, is very important in ensuring the longevity of a table.

It is used to protect the table from dents and scratches, which are very common. This is particularly the case if you’re a beginner or when the games become intense.

Some pucks are also quite dense and might cause damage if dropped on a table that is not well protected. These dents can eventually affect the quality of your game.

Therefore, you’ll want to invest in a table with a polymer coating, such as epoxy resin. This kind of coating is more resistant to dents and scratches. And since the coating itself is thick, it increases the durability of the table overall.

A good coating also provides a clean and smooth surface for the plucks to glide easily, improving gameplay.

There are other cheaper finish options, such as shellacs and lacquers, but these aren’t as long-lasting. They require you to reapply every 3-4 years because they wear out easily. However, they’re great options for those on a tight budget.

Outer cabinets

You might think that the outer cabinets in a shuffleboard table are just for aesthetics. But, you will be surprised to know that they are also essential to the durability of the table. You should, therefore, put them into consideration when making a purchase.

The cabinets basically hold the table together. So if they are not strong enough, they will break under stress.

For this reason, always go for a material that can withstand rough play such as walnut and maple wood. If you have to use any other, consider medium density fiberboard (MDF). It’s less durable but way cheaper.

Surface curvature

Most shuffleboard surfaces have a slightly concave shape.

This helps to keep the pucks at the center of the table. It also keeps them from sliding over the edges. But if the concave shape is too deep, it might keep the pucks from getting to where you want them to be.

Climatic adjusters

Shuffleboard tables are prone to warping when exposed to various weather conditions. To prevent this, most high-quality tables have climatic adjusters.

These are metal bars beneath the table that allow you to balance the surface based on whether the weather is humid or dry.

Unfortunately, this feature is often reserved for the more expensive shuffleboard tables. If you’re buying a cheaper model, it may not have any climatic adjusters.

Also, note that using the adjuster will affect the surface curvature. Be mindful of how this affects your gameplay and keep adjusting until it is just right.

FAQ

Final verdict

Whether you are getting one for your home or your employees at work, buying a shuffleboard table is and will always be a good idea.

It is a unique game that you, your friends, and family can enjoy playing together. And as a bonus, it will improve your social standing among them.

There are many options of shuffleboard tables to choose from. But your options will boil down to the size of your house, and your budget. Your budget will play a big role in the type of material design and finishes you choose for your table.