In order to better understand the difference between a factory made table and our custom built tables, we have broken out the various components into 8 basic areas of interest.

Each area dicusses important information about what you should  consider when evaluating shuffleboard tables.

- Frame Design -

The design of the shuffleboard frame is a very important element in order for the playing surface to endure a lifetime of support. Nearly all commercial table frames are made as two piece units.  In other words, the frame is made in two halves that get bolted together with a center leg for support. Although this does allow for easier shipping and delivery, it also compromises the overall strength and stability of the table as compared to a one-piece design.

Our frame is made in one piece and will therefore be very stable in the long haul.  Our frame is also designed more like an aircraft wing with more than twice the number of under-side cross supports. The end result is a rock solid one-piece frame.

- Materials -

Materials are a very important key item that often get overlooked. Most manufacturers build their shuffleboard frames with a combination of wood veneer and plastic. Even tables that claim “solid wood” still use laminated hardwood as part of their frame. Lower priced tables even use particle board covered with wood grain vinyl. The underside of the commercial tables are typically made of lower grade wood in order to cut costs.

We choose not to cut corners on our frame materials by substituting laminated wood, wood veneer or plastic. All three components of our table frame are solid hardwood. Many are surprised that we even use solid hardwood for the underside cross supports. By not taking shortcuts on materials we offer a beautiful table that is built to last.

- Workmanship -

Using high quality materials is important, but it’s only half the story. Putting these materials together is the other half. Often shuffleboard manufacturers will assemble their tables with methods that speed up production. For example, using nails, staples and screws with minimal amounts of glue. 

The superior strength of our tables is accomplished by using combinations of the best wood glue, screws and wood biscuits. Using an abundance of glue, screws and wood biscuits makes our table very strong, especially in joints where stress is naturally present.

- Playing surface -

It goes without saying that the playing surface is a very important component of a table. The playing surface must be able to withstand years of play.

Most shuffleboard manufacturers use rock-hard maple in a butcher block configuration to build the playing surface.  However, most manufacturers build their tops by gluing shorter boards end to end to get the length they need.  In our table design we make the playing surface with each board being one continuous piece of maple. This method does cost us more, but it eliminates end-to-end glue joints that may later separate.

It is just as important to have a top that is the right thickness to avoid warping and yet allow side to side adjustability. Longer shuffleboard tables require thicker tops while shorter tables do not.

Most commercial table builders make all of their tops a thickness that is suitable for the longest table (one thickness simplifies the manufacturing process). However, the added thickness for shorter tables is just not needed and adds cost to the table. Our tops are made to a thickness (2.1/2”) that is optimal for our table lengths.

The last element of the playing surface is the protective finish that is applied on top of the wood. Older type finishes (varnish, lacquer or polyurethane) are similar to what you would find on hardwood floors. These finishes can easily chip and will wear over just a few years of regular use. This wear may result in the need for expensive refinishing down the road.  Many shuffleboard manufacturers have switched to a polymer coating that is vastly superior to the old finishes.

From the very beginning, we researched and perfected the art of applying this highly resilient surface.  Our industrial grade polymer is applied to nearly 3/16” thick. This results in a very durable finish that is smooth as glass.

The polymer coating virtually eliminates the need for refinishing the playing surface down the road. Professional players insist on a polymer finish table for tournament play because it is the best.

- Fit and Finish -

The quality of the tables fit and finish is very noticeable when you look closely at our tables. Our tables are assembled by custom fitting each piece with the next with good old fashioned craftsmanship.

In addition, finishing the table with our unique 8-step process results in a fine furniture-like finish. This process, while time consuming, provides a smoother, better looking finish that is second to none.

- Leg Design -

The leg design is an important part of the overall table stability.  Our leg is a tapered box design that has an extra wide base for more contact surface area. The leg is constructed of matching hardwood plywood with internal bracing that is made of solid hardwood (no particle board or OSB).

The leg is assembled with glue and screws resulting in phenomenal leg strength. Each leg is then bolted to the frame with six 3/8” diameter lag bolts. Lastly, each leg sits on a pair of levelers that have a weight rating of 5,000 lbs. Add this all together and you have a sturdy table that will never wobble.

- Custom vs. “Off the Rack” -

Choice of wood… Begin your table design with your choice of the actual wood (oak, maple, walnut, cherry, mahogany, hickory or a combination if you prefer).

Options… Next we offer several unique options such as built-in cup holders, various decorative trim options, side skirts and leg styles.

Frame color… We also offer nearly any stain color you wish. We often custom match stain at no additional cost. Gloss and Semi-gloss finishes are also your choice.

Frame Carpet… Choosing a carpet for the inside of the frame makes a big difference in the overall appearance of the table. Unlike some companies that offer a half a dozen carpet choices, we offer nearly any carpet color or pattern we can get. We work with the customer to help select just the right carpet to compliment their décor.

The final result is a truly custom table that has been built with your selections at a lower price than a commercial table.

- No Charge Extras -

Our tables include abacus scoring units at no extra charge. These abacus units are hand made of real wood as opposed to plastic like the commercial units.

We do not offer electronic scoring units because we believe the traditional abacus scoring adds character to the table. Electronic scoring units are often made of plastic and can be very expensive. They also add a component that could break down the road.

Climatic adjusters are installed on the bottom side of the playing surface in order for the playing surface to remain flat in changing tempuratures and humidity. Our adjusters are very heavy-duty and will not rust because they are made from extruded aluminum. These adjusters allow for easy table adjustment without bending. These adjusters come at no extra charge.

One last personal touch to make your table customized is adding decals under the playing surface. Perhaps add the first letter of your last name or a sports team decal. This option is offered at no extra cost.

Thanks for taking the time to understand what we feel makes our tables a superior value. Now you are ready to make an informed decision on buying a shuffleboard table.

We know you'll be proud to have one of our custom shuffleboard tables in your gameroom.  If you haven't already seen our showcase, click here to see some of the tables we've already delivered.