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Your Guide to Shuffleboards: How to Choose the Right One

Get your game on!

Shuffleboard in the center of a game room.

Shuffleboard game tables provide an elevated, sleek surface to play shuffleboard and other game variations (like shuffleboard bowling). With table shuffleboards, you use your hands instead of cue sticks, –which are commonly used with floor/deck shuffleboards to push weighted pucks across the surface. The right shuffleboard should fit your space, align with your aesthetic, and include the right game accessories so you can get all prepped for game night. Keep reading to determine what to look for when shopping for shuffleboards.




Shuffleboard Sizes & Room Compatibility
Shuffleboard Materials & Durability
Shuffleboard Features
Shuffleboard Assembly & Installation






Shuffleboard Sizes & Room Compatibility

Wood shuffleboard table on a striped blue rug.

Size is the first thing to consider when choosing a shuffleboard table. The right one should fit comfortably in your space without overcrowding it. Be sure to measure the length and width of your room before you start shopping to guarantee satisfaction once you receive your shuffleboard. We recommend at least 3' of clearance on all sides of the table, but especially at both ends of the table so you have plenty of room for gameplay.


You should also account for how wide and accessible the delivery pathway through your house is (doorway clearances, curved stairways, corners) because shuffleboards typically come packaged as a long inflexible piece. On Wayfair, you can browse by desired table size or room size to meet your search criteria.


Playfield Thickness

The play surface on a shuffleboard is usually between 1.5" and 3" thick and has a concave appearance to help with gameplay. Prolong the lifespan of your shuffleboard's playfield by opting for 3" thickness when possible. This way you can sand or refinish the table without significantly thinning the surface. It's important to note that the thickness of the playing surface doesn't impact the size or length of the table.


Table Size

For perspective, professional shuffleboard table dimensions are 22' in length and 20" in width. If you want something smaller but still close to regulation size, go with a 14', 16', or 18' long shuffleboard. This gives you the professional feel but some extra room to spare. However, there are plenty of options for smaller spaces as well. These smaller shuffleboards range from 7' to 12' in length. The length of the shuffleboard doesn't necessarily impact the width, so be sure to review a product's specific dimensions to determine if the table is too wide for your space.

Shop 7'–9' Shuffleboards

Tip!

Unless specified otherwise, table size refers to the overall length of the table, not just the playfield surface. The playfield surface may be slightly smaller in length than the table size. Verify the size of the playfield in the “Weight & Dimensions” tab on a product page.


Room Size

You can also narrow your search for the perfect size shuffleboard by browsing by room size. Make sure to compare shuffleboard dimensions to your room's measurements before deciding on a product.

Shop Shuffleboards for Small Rooms

Shuffleboard Materials & Durability

With size figured out, it's time to decide on the right materials and finish options for your shuffleboard. These factors affect the aesthetic appeal and the longevity of your game table, so it's important to choose wisely.


Base Materials

The base materials of a shuffleboard refer to the table legs, frame, and table surface that surround and support the playfield. Learn more about your options and which is best for you below.


Solid Wood: Solid wood is a smart base material option for shuffleboards because of its natural strength and durability. Not to mention, it looks great too. Solid wood models are typically on the higher end of the price range but their quality makes it worth it. Be sure to check if your shuffleboard already has a water-resistant coating or if you need to apply one yourself to prevent warping over time. Solid wood is also used for the playfield surface in most cases, due to its ability to withstand the movement of weighted pucks. More on this in the wood species section below.

Shop Solid Wood Shuffleboards


Manufactured Wood: Manufactured wood options are typically more affordable compared to solid wood varieties due to manufactured wood's composition of wood fibers, sawdust, and human-made materials. However, this can also have an impact on quality. Some shuffleboards are made of solid and manufactured wood to increase durability while making it more budget-friendly. Depending on the manufacturer, manufactured wood options may be less susceptible to warping or water damage.

Shop Manufactured Wood Shuffleboards


Metal: Metal is a great option for the base of a shuffleboard because it's heavy-duty and durable. Some metal shuffleboards come with scratch-resistant coatings. Stainless steel and aluminum are both practical and affordable metal options. Some have powder-coated finishes in fun colors you couldn't achieve with finished wood.

Shop Metal Shuffleboards

Wood Species

The playfield surface is typically made of solid wood to withstand knicks, scratches, and dents from weighted pucks. Strong solid wood species promote the longevity of the play surface – and look great too! The base and frame materials may also be made of solid wood, adding to the overall quality of the piece. When deciding on a playfield surface material, always opt for a durable hardwood species. You can't go wrong with varieties like oak, birch, or maple. If you want similar durability at a more affordable price point, poplar wood and mango wood also work well. Both are softer than the average hardwood, making them easier to work with and manufacture (and therefore easier on your wallet as well!).

Shop Solid Wood Shuffleboards

Finishes

The right shuffleboard finish contributes to the strength and appearance of the piece for years to come. Before you decide which color or wood tone would best complement your game room, you need to determine the best protective coating for the playfield surface and the table itself. Keep knicks, scratches, dents, and moisture damage at bay by opting for a shuffleboard with a pre-applied polymer coat. Polymer is a clear paint, similar to a plastic or resin that helps to seal wooden surfaces while allowing the beautiful wood finish to shine through. The polymer coat rests on top of your shuffleboard's playfield surface to protect it against accidental puck drops or overly-enthusiastic gameplay.


You can determine whether a product has a pre-applied polymer finish and repair warranty by referencing the product overview and additional sections on a product page.


Color Tone Finishes: Shuffleboards come in a variety of sleek colors you can match to your aesthetic – and other game room furnishings.

Shop White Shuffleboards


Wood Tone Finishes: If you have other wood furnishings in your game room or designated game area, consider looking for a shuffleboard with a similar wood tone finish. This way it will blend right in as soon as you set it up.

Shop Light Wood Shuffleboards

Tip!

In the process of designing a game room? Check out these Game Room Ideas and Tips on Building a Game Room for more inspiration on how to make the space fun and cohesive.


Shuffleboard Features

Now it's time to think about which features you want on your shuffleboard. The features you choose ultimately help to enhance your game experience, so be sure to check these out.


Climatic Adjusters: Climatic adjusters are bars located underneath the shuffleboard table. This feature is super helpful as it allows you to adjust the position/angle of the table and play surface with just the twist of a bar and a wrench. This is especially important for wood shuffleboards, because wood naturally warps and changes shape due to temperature changes.

Shop Shuffleboards With Climatic Adjusters

Leg Levelers: Leg levelers are located on the bottom of each table leg. You can maneuver them individually to lift or lower a portion of the table to level out the play surface. This is helpful for rooms with uneven floors, dents, or carpeting.


Tip!

Review the specifications tab on a product page to determine if a shuffleboard comes with leg levelers.


Manual Scoreboard/Scoring: A manual shuffleboard scoreboard may look different depending on the model. However, it usually consists of two built-in metal bars on either side of the shuffleboard. One for you; one for your opponent. Each bar has a set of beads that you move when you score points.

Shop Shuffleboards With Manual Scoring

Cushioned: Some shuffleboard designs have lined cushioning around the interior of the table. Not only does this look cool, it also helps reduce noise and protect the interior sides of your shuffleboard from dents and scratches from out-of-control pucks.

Shop Cushioned Shuffleboards

Accessories-Included: Accessories include puck sets, shuffleboard wax, shuffleboard powder, brushes, and other game must-haves. These may vary depending on the manufacturer.

Shop Shuffleboards With Accessories Included

Indoor/Outdoor Use: Models made for outdoor use typically have weather-resistant coatings to withstand changes in temperature, light, and humidity.

Shop Outdoor Suitable Shuffleboards

Delivery/Assembly Included: Delivery/assembly-included shuffleboards come with flexible delivery and assembly options, meaning you can select delivery to the front door, entryway, or a room of choice. Your shuffleboard also gets assembled by a trained professional.

Shop Shuffleboards With Delivery/Assembly Included

Tip!

Learn about additional features for a shuffleboard in the product overview, description, and specification tabs on a product page.


Shuffleboard Assembly & Installation

There are a few important considerations to keep in mind when it comes to assembling a shuffleboard. Here's how to ensure a smooth installation experience so you can get playing:


  • We recommend at least two to three people (including yourself) to help with installation and lifting due to a shuffleboard's average size and heaviness.
  • Review the specifications tab on a product page to determine the level of assembly (full or partial), which tools come included for assembly, and which tools you need to source yourself.
  • Assembly level varies depending on the product design and manufacturer. Some products only require you to connect the table legs and frame to the table/play surface. Other models may require additional steps, including attaching the playfield surface to the table base or assembling under table storage cabinets.
  • Upgrade your purchase to "Room of Choice" shipping at checkout if you want to install/assemble the shuffleboard yourself, but need help bringing it into your home and moving it to a specific room.




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