Shuffleboard Table Buying Guide

Overview

Shuffleboard is one of those table-based games with a truly wide appeal. It’s easy to play (although more difficult to conquer!) and can be played by virtually anyone, of any age or ability. It combines just about every element you could wish for in a sport. It can be fun or it can be highly competitive. It can be a light-hearted pastime or a super serious game. It involves skill but can still be enjoyed by total beginners. It is, in short, great fun.

How to Choose a Shuffleboard Table

When buying a shuffleboard table, your choice of table will be dictated by where you will be installing it, how much space you have, and the people you're buying it for.

Will it be for amateur players having fun, such as your family at home or your team at the office? Or will it be for public use, with competitive players in a busy bar or sports club challenging each other for points and for glory til the early hours?

Just as importantly, you'll need to decide on where it will be installed. Shuffleboard tables are large, and require plenty of space. But they don't require space all around the table like, for example, a pool table does. So if you're clever, you might be amazed at the size of shuffleboard table you can squeeze into a corner.

A pair of shuffleboard tables in a bar.

Tables for Bars & Public Venues

Most commercial-standard shuffleboards are large and expensive. They're built to last for years, with guarantees and warranties lasting for decades in some cases. They range in size from around 12ft right up to 22ft or more, although there are a handful available in 9ft size. A table like this requires a large initial outlay, but it's a true investment, especially if you're able to generate an income from it.

If you are purchasing a shuffleboard for a pub, bar or club, then it will need to be as durable as possible. Shuffleboard is a competitive game that's surprisingly addictive, so expect your table to be busy! The table needs to cope with the demands of high traffic and regular, sometimes boisterous games. In these cases we'd only recommend a full commercial-spec table. A shuffleboard table of this calibre will usually have a solid hardwood cabinet, which adds not only durability but weight and stability, ensuring that the table remains planted during even the most competitive of gameplay.

The all-important playing surface is made with many pieces of wood that are attached together, whether by glue or laminate, and then finished with a polymer or epoxy finish. It is preferable to have a poured polymer finish (the alternative has the epoxy sprayed on and is considered less advantageous) which will ensure a perfectly smooth surface with no air bubbles, and also means that it will not be damaged by dropped pucks. This surface process has been one of the major steps forward in the evolution of shuffleboard tables, and thus modern tables are far more durable and resilient than traditional shellac surfaces.

The commercial-grade Grand Champion shuffleboard table with polymer playfield, suitable for bars, clubs & other venues. (From £12599.00) [ view in store ]

Tables for Homes

In recent years, shuffleboard tables have become more popular as home games tables. These tend to be smaller than the commercial tables, and are made to a lower price point, making them affordable for family homes and games rooms. This is a great way to discover shuffleboard at home without spending a fortune.

In home tables the playfield is likely to be made of high-quality wood composite, finished with a low-friction laminate for super-slippery gameplay. The cabinet will likely be a tough, thick MDF.

The Strikeworth Home Shuffleboard table with laminate play surface, designed for families & homes. (From £889.00) [ view in store ]

Tables for Offices

In this era of employee satisfaction and the recognition of valuable break time, games tables are a popular installation in offices, and a shuffleboard could be ideal. It's a calm, quiet game that won't disrupt colleagues, and it's great for bringing teams together in friendly competition.

In an office we'd usually recommend a smaller commercial table such as the Gentry, below. However, if it's a small team and the table is used lightly, we might recommend a home table - if played with care.

The commercial-grade Gentry shuffleboard with polymer playfield, which comes in sizes as small as 9ft - ideal for offices. (From £5499.00) [ view in store ]

How Much Space Do I Need?

Shuffleboard tables vary in length, from the shortest at nine feet to the tournament standard of 22 feet, and they vary just as much in price. A 9-foot table can provide just as much fun as a 22-footer, but it is more likely to appeal to those who regard shuffleboard as an occasional pastime or who want a home table to practice their shots and hone their skills.

Even the shorter end of the range of shuffleboard tables can hardly be regarded as a small piece of furniture, and you will need to decide what table will fit your space best. You will need at around three feet or more of clearance on at least one side of the table, and preferably three feet or more at each end.

A shuffleboard table requires at least three feet of space around three sides.

The rules of shuffleboard state that you swap ends after each round, which is why both ends of the table should strictly be open. However, if you are limited for space, you can forego this rule and place the table in a corner. A shuffleboard table can be put up against a wall, as access from both long sides isn't necessary.

If you forego the rule about swapping ends after each round, the table can be placed in a corner

Look at the space where you intend to have your table and mark out its length (most shuffleboard tables are around 20 inches wide). Then walk around it; imagine yourself leaning over and what elbow space you will need; think about where spectators are likely to stand and whether an out of control puck is likely to cause any nearby damage, such as to a window. Also consider whether you intend to have an electronic scoring unit which will require more height.

A game of shuffleboard in a bar.

How to Care for Your Shuffleboard Table

Cleaning your shuffleboard table will, as with any piece of furniture, depend upon the materials from which it is made. If your table has a traditional wood finish, then it can be cleaned with water and vinegar and then with a wood polish applied. Lacquer will require a good quality furniture wax, while a polymer finish can be cleaned with a damp cloth and then rubbed over with a soft dry cloth. While it’s best to purchase a professional silicone spray to help with cleaning, you can also use a non-abrasive household spray.

You should naturally take all precautions necessary in keeping the table clean, especially the play surface. Dust, direct sunlight, drinks spills and impact damage can all affect the playfield's smooth, silky action. We'd recommend keeping the playfield covered when not in use.

Unused powder can be swept up after a game and often kept for reuse in the next one. But shuffleboard powder will degrade with time, so ensure you rotate in fresh, clean powder occasionally.

A premium shuffleboard table playfield - like this Gentry - needs care. (From £5499.00) [ view in store ]

Shuffleboard Accessories

Your new table will be provided with everything you need to start your first game, but you may soon find that you would like some shuffleboard accessories to both improve and enhance the playing experience.

Shuffleboard Wax

Whether or not you are serious about your game, shuffleboard wax is essential. The name is something of a misnomer as shuffleboard wax is actually made from silicone beads – in fact, it’s frequently also known as ‘powder’. It has two benefits in that it will make the playing surface of your table last much longer and secondly, it will improve movement performance in every game.

Shuffleboard wax sometimes has different ratings of speed. That rating system can vary by manufacturer, so if you are a beginner, choose a slower wax, or you may find your puck moves so fast it’s uncontrollable!

Strikeworth shuffleboard powder sprinkled on a playfield. (From £19.99) [ view in store ]

Silicone Spray

Used alongside shuffleboard powder, silicone spray creates a slick, slippery surface for the powder beads to roll over. It helps to protect your playfield and can accelerate puck speeds too, for an even more exciting game!

Cans of shuffleboard silicone spray. (From £239.00) [ view in store ]

Lights

There is a reason why many table-based games (including professional level shuffleboard) frequently have overhead light kits. Having a better lit table allows you to see where the shuffleboard wax is laying, not to mention letting you focus completely upon your play. It also provides a better experience for spectators who can see the action more clearly. Depending on the length of your table, you may find that pool table lights are suitable for this.

Strikeworth pool table lights, perhaps suitable for a smaller shuffleboard table. (From £119.00) [ view in store ]

Table Wipe

Your table will most likely arrive with a brush, which you can use to sweep up powder and collect it for reuse. But you can make the job a lot easier with a dedicated table wipe, designed to collect powder, clean the surface and maintain a low-friction, polished shine to help your pucks glide effortlessly.

A shuffleboard table wipe. (From £65.99) [ view in store ]

Delivery Info

Probably the most important thing to consider for installation – and one which people do tend to forget – is whether you can get the shuffleboard table to that space? Are your doors wide enough? Are there any awkward turns along your wall space? If you have ever tried to manipulate a new sofa through your house, you may appreciate the problems of trying to install a shuffleboard table twice the length!

There's no easy way of saying this, but shuffleboard tables are huge. Even the smallest are fitted with one-piece playfields of 9ft or more in length. When you place your order, our sales team may well get in touch with you to discuss the route through your premises to where the table will be set up. This is to check tight corners, narrow passages and other areas that may cause problems with such large components.

But don't let this put you off - our installation crews are very experienced in guiding large games tables through seemingly impossible obstacles. Just chat to our sales team if unsure.

In most cases, table installation is either included in the price of the table, or offered as an optional extra. We'd always recommend buying installation for a stress-free purchase.

Players of all ages can enjoy shuffleboard - not just grown-ups!

Summary

Think about the space you have available and what length table would best fit that space. Also be aware of any difficulties in manoeuvring the table into position. Decide whether this table be in constant use or as an occasional pastime and choose a table accordingly for its construction and durability. A wide range of lengths, designs and finishes are available to ensure that it fits your chosen environment perfectly. But whichever table you choose, you will have a game that appeals to anyone of any age.