Best affordable, sturdy poker table out there?

[kev6873]

I am looking for a functional, affordable, sturdy, nice table that doesnt cost over 500 bucks but costs much less than that. Everything ive seen is portable for less than that. Can anyone recommend a good poker table that doesnt cost a fortune. Any ideas? Can you recommend something that wont break the bank and that is sturdy, functional and wouldnt be embarrassing?? So, what is the BEST affordable table out there?

Thank you.

[HarveyWallbanger]

if i need a second table, my buddy brings over his pitboss table.  he said he found it on sale at dick's for $150.  i'm not saying it is great.....but it is portable, sturdy & far from embarrassing.

there are also tons of plans on these forums to build your own table.  you can make them as affordable as you want depending on your choice of materials.

mine cost about $300 to build but i used top quality materials.  i bet if you cut some corners, you could build a pretty nice table for a little over $200.

there was a guy who posted pics of tables he built from plywood & automotive headliner.   he said his total cost was $90.  that might not be a bad idea if price is a concern.

either way, welcome to hpt.  stick around, there is a TON of information here.

[kev6873]

Thanks for the info.  Wouldnt even attempt to build...I am a complete moron with that stuff....it wouldnt look like a table when i was done.....

[beemergolf24]

I used the tables from Sports Authority for the 1st year of my tournaments before I built my own. They were fine but decided to take on the challenge. I picked them up on sale for $89 each. they are usually $99

[HarveyWallbanger]

Thanks for the info.  Wouldnt even attempt to build...I am a complete moron with that stuff....it wouldnt look like a table when i was done.....

want to know how handy i am?  i had to buy a drill & a jigsaw just to build my table.  i can barely drive a nail.

if you can follow directions, you can do it.  i still can't believe i did this:

[Magoddi]

I had bought my first table at American sales for 120.00  It was a good starter table.   My tourney goes from one place to another so I bought three more and they have held up for 4 years now. 

[OldWestGambler]

If building your own is not an option you're going to probably just want something inexpensive and standard like these tables (shipping included).

These tables hold up pretty well if you treat them right. They move and store easily. Eventually (a few years) you can just reupholster them with some nicer rails and maybe some speed cloth when you want to upgrade.

[links_slayer]

Thanks for the info.  Wouldnt even attempt to build...I am a complete moron with that stuff....it wouldnt look like a table when i was done.....

7 months ago, I thought the same thing.  6 months ago I built this (for around $250):

[AzCat]

Here is an affordable option.  Under $200.  Not that bad of a table.  It's sturdy and folds in half for easy storage.  A friend of mine had one and it worked pretty good.

http://www.amazon.com/Fat-Cat-84-Inch-Folding-Poker/dp/B000T0322E

[Morningwood]

Thanks for the info.  Wouldnt even attempt to build...I am a complete moron with that stuff....it wouldnt look like a table when i was done.....

7 months ago, I thought the same thing.  6 months ago I built this (for around $250):

Option 1 - latch on to a buddy thats "tool savy" and make a project out of it for ~ $250

Option 2 - lurk through the forums mentioned below, do a little homework and take the plunge/chance, you might surprise yourself.

Option 3 - Find a table maker in your area either here, SK or PMC forum, pay more for labor costs

I would suggest a combination of 1 and 2. Post your progress (with pics), you'll get more out of it than letting some one build one for you.  

[OldWestGambler]

Here is an affordable option.  Under $200.  Not that bad of a table.  It's sturdy and folds in half for easy storage.  A friend of mine had one and it worked pretty good.

http://www.amazon.com/Fat-Cat-84-Inch-Folding-Poker/dp/B000T0322E

That is a super affordable table but the only thing about folding tables is that they sag in the center in a very short amount of time because people lean on them. I've seen weak solid tables sag from the weight of players after time.

[tator2k]

I also thought the same thing. I've now built 5 tables. Four of them for well less than $150 and the other I deceided to get fancy and really test my woodworking skills and built it out of red oak. That one cost around $250-300.

[Jambine]

I would check your local Craigs List.

I thought I would pick up some extra $ building a few tables here, and found 2 builders in Denver that were (pretty much) giving em away at cost + $0.00 labor.

[AzCat]

Here is an affordable option. Under $200. Not that bad of a table. It' sturdy and folds in half for easy storage. A friend of mine had one and it worked pretty good.

http://www.amazon.com/Fat-Cat-84-Inch-Folding-Poker/dp/B000T0322E

That is a super affordable table but the only thing about folding tables is that they sag in the center in a very short amount of time because people lean on them. I'e seen weak solid tables sag from the weight of players after time.

If it's the actual Fat Cat table, it shouldn't sag. I have played on that table and it was surprisingly sturdy.

[pathand]

Here is an affordable option. Under $200. Not that bad of a table. It' sturdy and folds in half for easy storage. A friend of mine had one and it worked pretty good.

http://www.amazon.com/Fat-Cat-84-Inch-Folding-Poker/dp/B000T0322E

That is a super affordable table but the only thing about folding tables is that they sag in the center in a very short amount of time because people lean on them. I'e seen weak solid tables sag from the weight of players after time.

If it's the actual Fat Cat table, it shouldn't sag. I have played on that table and it was surprisingly sturdy.

I bought one of these on sale for $100 bucks @ Academy Sports. I cut out the cupholders and replaced them with 3" plastic ones. I also replaced the playing surface with volara and suited speed cloth. I used it weekly for over a year before I had one built and I still use it about once a month. No sagging issues so far. It ran about $200 after the modifications. Good luck!

[PhilHutchings]

Depends on whether you want your table set up all the time or not?

Living in a Condo I went with a 2 fold table than folds in half and has legs.  Its about 90lbs but is transportable in a large vehicle without much fuss or easily stored under a bed.  I have personally climbed up and walked on my table and it didn't seem to be bothered by that at all.  Cost me $180 from StraitPoker in Canada and Charly delivered local for a good price too.  I think there $195 now or something but definately a good buy as an easily stored table. 

During play the seam hasn't been an issue for me thus far with cards catching. 

[OldWestGambler]

Depends on whether you want your table set up all the time or not?

Living in a Condo I went with a 2 fold table than folds in half and has legs.  Its about 90lbs but is transportable in a large vehicle without much fuss or easily stored under a bed.  I have personally climbed up and walked on my table and it didn't seem to be bothered by that at all.  Cost me $180 from StraitPoker in Canada and Charly delivered local for a good price too.  I think there $195 now or something but definately a good buy as an easily stored table. 

During play the seam hasn't been an issue for me thus far with cards catching. 

I'm having a hard time imagining a scenario where you would need to walk on a poker table. please explain.

[PhilHutchings]

was not part of rational play lets say that lol.

was part of a joke someone had about getting girls up on the table and well as the safety expert i had to try it out first hahaha.

[HarveyWallbanger]

I'm having a hard time imagining a scenario where you would need to walk on a poker table. please explain.

it's a new form of stud.

[WolfPack]

My first table was one of the cheap folding tables like the fat cat table above.  (got it for $50 at a home and garden show)  I still use it as a second table.
Then I got this


my recommendation is get one of your buddies who is ok with tools, have him come over on a saturday and help you out, offer to buy the beer (the good stuff).

[brianb10]

I would check your local Craigs List.

I thought I would pick up some extra $ building a few tables here, and found 2 builders in Denver that were (pretty much) giving em away at cost + $0.00 labor.

X2

I just picked up a table to use as a second on craig's list and it turned out to be a nicer table than my first.  It was just $275 which may be more than you want to spend but I also saw many for less.

[Klobberer]

Where are you located?  I'm in SE PA and would be more than happy to lend a hand...  I have a set of poker table plans in PDF that I can send you if you want to give it a shot.  You need a jigsaw, a screw gun and a staple gun.

On the side note, to avoid or fix the sag, cut a couple of steel "L" rails off an old bed frame and bolt them to the bottom of you sagging table.  Works like a charm