Best Shuffleboard Tables (Reviews)
Best High End
Playcraft Telluride Pro-Style
Best Overall
Playcraft Woodbridge
Best Inexpensive
Challenger Shuffleboard Table
Last Updated: 09th Mar, 2023
If you've played shuffleboard before, you would definitely agree to the fact that this game is addictive beyond words! Hours and hours simply fly by attempting to get your puck as close to the edge as possible. No wonder at the bars or pubs, the shuffleboard table is mostly taken, often with a long waiting queue.
But you don't need to drive down to the local bar or wait for your turn anymore. Owning your personal Shuffleboard table for your rec room isn't a dream anymore! With the rise in popularity, manufacturers are coming up with shuffleboard tables of different sizes and across various price bands. From space-saving tables to budget tables, there is something for everyone.
Shuffleboard tables are available in sizes ranging from 9' to 22' and can cost anywhere from $800 for an entry-level table to as high as $4k for a tournament-grade table.
To choose the ideal shuffleboard table, you need to account for a couple of factors such as size, build quality, warranty, and price. To save you the hassle, we did an in-depth analysis of 14 shuffleboard tables and compared them based on specification, price, and customer reviews.
After 60 hours of research by my team and me, we present to you our top 6 shuffleboard table picks.
A Game of Kings In Your Living Room
Our Top Picks for Best Shuffleboard Tables
- Playcraft Telluride Pro-Style Shuffleboard Table - The Tournament Top-Dog
- Playcraft Woodbridge Shuffleboard Table - Best Overall
- Challenger Shuffleboard Table - Budget Pick
- Fairview Game Rooms 12' Shuffleboard Table - Best 12-foot Shuffleboard Table
- Barrington 9 ft. Allendale- Best Design
- GoSports Shuffleboard and Curling 2-in-1 - Best for Kids
1. Playcraft Telluride Pro-Style Shuffleboard Table
The Tournament Top-Dog
Specifications:
- Size: 12' /14'/16'/18'/22'
- Material: Butcher Block
- Includes eight pucks, one can of shuffleboard powder and two plastic scorer
- Weight: 600 lbs+
- Assembly required: Yes
If you're looking for a pro-quality shuffleboard table that plays not only great but also looks beautiful, then you're going to love the Playcraft Telluride Pro-Style Shuffleboard Table. Nothing like this is available in the market - the rice finish, elegant and superior construction separates this table from the rest.
The table is available in five different sizes, from 12-foot to 22-foot, and comes in two different colors - Espresso and Honey. It's probably the only table in the market which comes with a large stained hardwood overhead electronic scorer with Plexi face. This not only makes score tracking easy but also facilitates faster gameplay.
Coming to the construction aspect, the table is durably built. The playing surface is 19 7/8" wide and 2 3/4" thick made out of solid Canada Maple hardwood butcher blocking. The frame and cradle are stained with a rich espresso finish with clear birch accents and come with a leg-leveling system that is vital for competitive play. The gutters are carpeted in the traditional grey color scheme to help reduce noise, and a ¼" poured polymer surface tops the wood for smooth gliding of pucks. The table comes with a traditional 1-2-3-4 scoring system. Additionally, four climate adjusters are provided under the board to get the desired convex shape.
The setup also includes a set of eight pucks, four blue and four red, each measuring 2-5/16". A board sweep and speed wax for the playing surface is also included.
Because of its size, you should be aware that there is some assembly required. But the directions have a reputation for being less than stellar, but most reviews indicate with an ounce of common sense it's not impossible to put together. This table is also heavy, so make sure you have some additional help for installation.
If the price isn't a constraint and you're looking for the very best shuffleboard table, it doesn't get better than this!
What We Liked
+ Probably the best professional-grade table currently available
+ Sturdy and robust construction
+ Multiple sizes and color options
+ Elegant and attractive design
+ Large electronic scorer
Watch out for
- Little difficult to assemble
2. Playcraft Woodbridge Shuffleboard Table
Best Overall
Specifications:
- Size: 9'/12'/14'/16'
- Material: Butcher Block 1.5" wide
- Includes eight pucks, one can of shuffleboard powder and two plastic scorer
- Weight: 300 lbs+
- Assembly required: Yes
Playcraft Woodbridge is the best-selling shuffleboard table on Amazon and has hundreds of raving reviews to prove it's worth! This also happens to be the cheapest 9-foot table (only the espresso color variant) on the market priced just under $750.
This entry-level table is designed for players of all skill levels and age groups while offering above-par performance at an excellent price tag. The table is durably built and sports a simple yet elegant design. Available in four different sizes -9ft/12ft/14ft/16ft and four color combination - black/cherry/espresso/honey oak - you're sure to find the right fit among these options.
Made of solid 1.75'' thick and 1.5'' wide hardwood butcher blocking, the playing surface is coated with multiple coats of satin polyurethane to create a smooth and stable surface. The cradle is one-piece and made out of solid plywood and finished with a vinyl laminate. The color-coordinated carpeted walls and gutters to help keep the noise level down to a minimum as well as keeping your pucks smooth and damage-free. Three climate adjusters are bolted at the bottom of the board that allows you to set the optimal shape and compensate for any climatic changes.
The cradles sit on top of sturdy double-paneled pedestal legs with 6'' metal levelers. Each leg also doubles up as a storage cabinet to store all the accessories in one place.
The unit comes with eight standard pucks (2 1/8"), one can of granular sand, and two plastic slide scorers. You will need to be a tad handy with this table, as an assembly is required. Some people have noticed minor imperfections in some of the trim work, but only when you get up really close and personal.
This table is bound to offer hours of enjoyment. When not in use, this beauty is sure to add charm in your game room. Overall, this an excellent shuffleboard table for an affordable price.
What We Liked
+ Best-seller on Amazon
+ Value for money
+ Above-par performance
+ Positive customer reviews
+ Durable construction
+ Elegant design
Watch out for
- The instruction on how to use climate adjusters is a bit confusing
3. Challenger Shuffleboard Table
Budget Pick
Specifications:
- Size: 9'/12' /14'
- Material: Butcher Block 1.5" wide
- Includes eight pucks, brush and one can of shuffleboard powder
- Weight: 250 lbs+
- Assembly required: Yes
- Warranty: 180 days
If you're looking for a simple yet quality shuffleboard table that won't break the bank, the Playcraft Woodbridge is your best option. Why? It's the only 12' table available under $1000 from a reputable brand that comes with a butcher block play surface. But lower price does not mean corners have been cut. The table is durably built and competes with much pricier options.
The table is available in three size options - 9ft, 12ft and 14ft and two color options - Dark cherry and Walnut to suit the needs and taste preferences of most buyers.
This professional grade table us built from 1.5inch hardwood butcher block and coated with multiple layers of glossy polyurethane resulting in a silky-smooth surface which plays true. The table comes with traditional 1-2-3 scoring, which is printed on either side of the surface. The padded gutters and surrounding wall are covered with grey carpeting ensuring quieter play while creating a nice contrast.
The frame and legs are built out of high-quality engineered wood with PVC lamination, making it easy to clean and maintain. The pedestal style legs come fitted with 6-inch bronze leg levelers to keep the playing surface flat and steady. While the integrated climate adjusters help you maintain the correct shape of the surface for optimal game play and long-lasting performance. Keeping track of the score is easy thanks to an abacus style scoring system mounted at one of the corners.
Don't worry about keeping your play area organized, either! Each leg doubles as a convenient storage cabinet, allowing you to store all your accessories in one place.
The table comes all-inclusive with everything you need to get started. You get eight pucks (four rest/four blue), a high-quality wax, and a table brush. To top it all, the unit comes with a 180-days warranty against any manufacturing defect.
If you're looking for a budget shuffleboard table that's durable and plays excellently, do yourself a favor and grab this now!
What We Liked
+ Bang for the buck pricing
+ Durably built, and performs well
+ Available in multiple sizes and color options
+ Ample storage space
+ 180-days warranty
Watch Out for
- You may encounter quality control issues
4. Fairview Game Rooms 12' Shuffleboard Table
Best 12-foot Shuffleboard Table
Specifications:
- Size: 12' (1-1/4" H x 15" W x 11' playfield)
- Material: Butcher Block 1.5" wide with maple veneer frame
- Includes eight pucks and one can of shuffleboard powder
- Weight: 267 lbs
- Assembly required: Yes
A 12' table makes a lot of sense for buyers who don't have enough space to put a regulation table. It's neither too small nor too big while allowing you to play competitively. If you're looking for a 12' table that offers a good value for your table, the Fairview 12' table comes highly recommended. Overall Dimensions of the table are 12' W x 26" D x 30" H.
It's a mid-grade table offering above-average gameplay experience at a reasonable price. The Fairview Shuffleboard Table sports a simple and traditional design. The cabinet is made of Maple Veneer with 5 layers Multi-core Construction and coated with polyurethane for a smooth finish. As an added bonus, one of the legs comes with a hidden accessory door and shelving to store your pucks and wax. Inside the cabinet, there are metal stabilizer bars holding the playfield level, reducing the chance of the playfield to bow or warp. In addition to that leveling core, the table also comes with chrome leg levelers and locking nuts.
The table comes directly from the manufacturer, and they offer free delivery. You will want help unloading, however, since the table weighs 267 lbs. The company has a stellar customer service reputation, making sure you're taken care of every step of the way because this isn't a third party purchase; you're getting this table hot off the assembly line!
What We Liked
+ Sturdily built
+ Traditional design
+ Above-average performance
+ Excellent customer support
Watch Out for
- Only one size available
5. Barrington 9 ft. Allendale Collection Shuffleboard Table
The Best Looking
Specifications:
- Size: 9'/12' (Allendale, Urban, Webster)
- Material: Wood Veneer
- Includes eight pucks and one can of shuffleboard powder
- Weight: 209 lbs
- Assembly required: Yes
If you're looking for more of a modern looking shuffleboard table, the Barrington 9ft. Allendale ticks all the right boxes. Available in three sizes (9'/11'/12') and three urban design - Allendale, Urban, and Webster - this unit is sure to satisfy your taste preference.
But more importantly, the table is priced quite reasonably! Crafted by skilled furniture makers, this 9-foot table features a UV coated, scratch resistant top for smooth for fast puck action. The frame is mounted on two industrial-looking A-style legs. Overall, the table is sturdily built, resulting in above-par gameplay experience.
The Barrington Shuffleboard Table also comes with everything you need to start playing. This includes eight colored pucks, a pack of shuffleboard powder, and two integrated abacuses for scoring. The company also guarantees the product with a 90-day warranty from the date of purchase.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind with this table, though. The biggest complaint about the table seems to be that it does not come with a storage cabinet - Not a deal-breaker, though! Few buyers complained about the warping issue with the play surface, but the manufacturer seems to have replaced the same under warranty.
What we Liked
+ Industrial design - Looks exquisite
+ Sturdy and stable construction
+ All accessories included
+ Great customer service
Watch out for
- Available in only one color
6. Franklin Sports 2-in-1 Shuffleboard Table and Curling Set
Best for Kids
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 48 x 3 x 3 inches (W x H x D)
- Material: MDF
- Includes eight pucks
- Weight: 11 lbs
- Assembly required: N/A
Not everyone has the space to put in a permanent shuffleboard table in their home. We get that; it's a huge commitment. This is where Franklin 2-in-set comes in. This portable and miniature version of the traditional shuffleboard table allows you to play and enjoy the game without breaking your bank.
Kids especially would love the smaller variant as it's easier to play yet is fun, challenging, and engaging. Adults can't join in the fun too - it's equally competitive and tests your skills! It's an excellent option for family game nights and parties, allowing up to four players to play at a time.
Not just this, it also includes the game of curling on the other side, doubling the fun!
As it's just the tabletop, you're free to mount it on any surface to set the desired height, making it suitable for kids of all ages. Made from solid wood with a smooth surface for easy sliding of the puck, this offers close to realistic play experience. Included in the set are eight rollers that slide through the surface ultra-smooth.
If you're looking to introduce your kids to shuffleboard or are looking for something more portable, Franklin 2-in-set is definitely worth considering.
What We Liked
+ Compact and portable
+ Great for kids
+ Decent build quality
+ Affordably priced
Watch Out for
- None
Buyer's Guide to Shuffleboard Table
While shopping for a Shuffleboard table, there are several factors you need to take into account. To complicate the matter further, the market is flooded with so many tables from different manufacturers, each claiming to be the very best.
These tables are not cheap either, so you would obviously want to pick the very best without ending up with buyer's remorse. To save you the hassle, we have put together this buyer's guide. We'll be discussing what factors you need to look for while purchasing a shuffleboard table and how to spot a quality unit.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Shuffleboard Table
<Size Matters>
The first thing you need to decide is the size of the table you're looking for. Shuffleboard tables come in size ranging from 9-feet to as large as 22-feet and will need at least 2-3 feet clearance on either side to play without feeling cramped.
Regulation size tables are 22-feet in length and 20-inches wide. But not everyone has the space to put in a full-size table unless you own a bar or club. Tables in the range of 9' to 12' are ideal for home settings. They offer a decent gameplay experience while being equally competitive.
Measure up the free space precisely before you finalize on the size.
<Thickness>
Look for at least 3'' thick play surface made of either hard or soft maple wood. The higher thickness allows for a more stable and sturdy surface for the pucks to glide over. Moreover, in case the surface needs to be refinished, the thicker surface can be machine sanded more easily while still being thick enough.
<Finishing>
The surface of the Shuffleboard table must be be smooth and glossy throughout, for the pucks to easily glide. For this reason, they're coated with a thick layer of polymer or lacquer. Polymer resin (epoxy) is a more preferred option as it's much stronger than the lacquer and resistant to scratches. Moreover, a lacquer surface would need regular maintenance and touch-ups jobs.
So, it's best to stick with a polymer-coated surface.
<Material>
This leads to the fourth consideration: Material. Tops made of MDF are increasingly becoming popular because they are cheap to manufacture, but true shuffleboard tables traditionally were built using hard maples. MDF surfaces aren't durable should be avoided at all cost.
Nowadays, many tables are made of soft maples, but really the distinction is in the species of maple, not the stability; hard maple is strictly a sugar maple, and soft maple is pretty much every other kind of maple tree.
Just make sure if it is soft maple, it is finished with a heavy-duty polymer so they can take a beating, the pucks are guaranteed to dole out.
If you do go with another wood, make sure it's hardwood; an easy way to check this is just to Google that wood's hardness and compare it with what is called the Janka scale, a way woodworkers measure a wood's hardness.
What Kind of Pucks?
Believe it or not, it's a great idea to consider the size and weight of the puck. Much like ping-pong paddles, puck weight can affect not only your gameplay but also the over playability.
The size of the table determines the puck size to use. Typically, the larger pucks have diameters of two and five sixteenth inches. These are used on the longer and wider table designs, (tournament approved tables are twenty-feet eight-inches long, twenty inches wide,) and are considered tournament approved pucks. The smaller pucks, on the other hand, are best suited for tables nine to fourteen feet in length and are usually around eighteen inches wide.
Are there benefits to choosing a larger puck over a smaller puck? Well, the larger pucks do allow for more strategic play on a wider surface. But if you have a smaller table, they can actually be a detriment to your overall goals. So make sure to use a right puck based on the table size.
Choose the Right Wax
First things first - Properly wax the playing surface. You can either use fine sand, saw dust, salt, or the most popular option silicone beads. The purpose of wax is to reduce friction between the pucks and the playing surface, resulting in less wear/tear of the surface and smooth gliding of the pucks. Waxes are rated from #1 to #3 with #3 the fastest and #1 the slowest.
For larger tables (18 to 22'), it's recommended to use a faster wax i.e., 3 while smaller tables (less than 14') use slower wax either 1 or 2 to compensate for the shorter length. Also, for beginners and casual players, it's best to use slower wax to allow for better control.
Using a wax not only promotes better playability but essentially increases the lifespan of the table.
How to Apply: Sprinkle the wax generously on the whole surface rather than completely covering it.
Rules
The good news is a shuffleboard table is pretty well contained. However, when choosing a spot for your table, you need to keep in mind that when you're playing, you will have to be able to access all sides of the table. This is especially important for the ends since you will either be switching ends for a one vs. one game or need a room at both ends for a two vs. two.
<How to Play>
There are basically two ways to play shuffleboard; one-on-one, and teams. In either version, the rules and objects of the game are mostly the same.
The overall objective of the game is to slide all four of your pucks, (also called weights) alternately against your opponent. The idea is to push each puck so that they reach the highest scoring area without falling off the end of the board into what's called the alley. Depending on the size of the table, scoring sections are printed on each end - 1-2-3 or 1-2-3-4.
You also have to push your weights further down the board than the other player's weights in order to score. To accomplish this, you have to either knock off the opponent's weights or outdistance them on the board. Horsecollar, the most common form of the game, is played to either 15 or 21. Below is an image of the weights on the board — only the weights in the front Score.
For a 1 vs. 1 game, each player is assigned a colored puck, giving four pucks to each player. Play begins at one end of the table, and each player alternates, shuffling one weight at a time down towards the opposite end of the table until all 8 pucks have been shuffled. Your first goal as a player is to put the puck as close to the end of the table as possible. Your next consideration should be to knock the opponent's pucks off the table, knock your own puck into a higher scoring area, or position your puck so that it will defend a better scoring puck from your opponent. Once you've exhausted all your pucks and the opponent has as well, this finishes the round.
Players tally the Score and head to the other end of the table. When a set number of points has been reached by a player (often 15 or 21), that player has won that frame. A match consists of a predetermined number of frames. So, to recap, a game is a match made up of a predetermined number of frames, each of which consists of however many rounds it takes for one player to reach 15 or 21 points.
<How to Keep ScoreScore>
Points are scored in several ways; the most common being is to get the puck to stop in one of the numbered scoring areas. These scoring areas look like a pyramid with hopscotch numbers inside the cells. The puck has to completely across the zone line to count as a full score, so if you get the puck on the line between three points and two, you will always take the lower number. A puck that's hanging partially over the edge at the end of the table in the 3-point area gets a bonus point, resulting in a total of 4 points. This is called a hanger. Pucks that haven't passed the foul line get removed for the round, as are pucks that are hit or land in the trough at the end of the lane.
Once all the pucks are pushed, the only person who scores is the person that is closest to the edge, and they only score the number of points that their pucks land ahead of the other team's pucks. For instance, if you have two pucks close to the trough, and the next puck in line is the other teams, you only collect for those two pucks, and the other team does not score.
Of course, in the 1970s, the electronic scoreboard was introduced, so if you want to forego keeping your own Score, you might opt for a model with that feature.
Summing Up the Guide
Shuffleboard was once reserved for rich kings and lords with lavish gardens and a field to play in. Nowadays, this sport of kings can be enjoyed in the privacy of your own home. There are all types of sizes, qualities, and prices to fit with any person's preference. Sure, they can be a pain to find a place for; they're oddly shaped and take up a decent amount of room. But overall, this game is a fantastic way to get people interested in a different, unique sport that isn't the "same old same old" games typically found in recreation rooms.
It's engaging, challenging, and requires just enough luck and skill to keep it interesting round after round. Play against your friendly rivalry or team up and get more people involved. Whatever the case, you will find a great amount of enjoyment and fulfillment in your shuffleboard table for years to come, regardless of what model you chose.
