Joe's Poker Table

Complete step-by-step instructions for building a poker table

Plans and Supplies

1. The first step in building a poker table is deciding on a design and drawing up the plans (blueprints). As I said in the introduction, I decided to make a rather basic 42''x84'' (3.5'x7') stadium shaped table. You may want something a little bigger like the 4'x8' tables many people make or you may want something a bit fancier, built-in cup holders or a race track. Whatever the case, you'll want to draw up some plans and work out all the details before you make your first cut.
   

   Here are the plans for the table I built: [JPG], [DOC]
   

2. Once you have the design worked out you will need to acquire all of the necessary tools and materials. I wanted to make a good table, but I didn't want to spend a lot of money so I tried to use less expensive materials where I could. The most noticable instance being the use of MDF instead of a sanded plywood. MDF is heavier and not as durable as alternatives like a sanded hardwood plywood. However, MDF does have a nice, flat surface and the alternatives can cost over twice as much. In the end, it is your personal perference and how much you are willing to spend.
   Here is a summary of what I used:
   
   

   Tools:

   Jig saw w/ 2'' blade (Craftsman)

   Heavy duty staple gun (Stanley heavy duty Sharpshooter)

   Power drill w/ drill bits and screw bits

   Dremel w/ coarse sanding wheel (a power sander would be much better, but I did not have one)

   5 C-clamps

   Tape measure

   Scissors

   
   

   Materials:	Quantity	From	Approx. Cost
   4' x 8' x 3/4'' MDF plywood	2	Home Depot	$20/each
   44'' x 7' orange felt cloth	1	Wal-Mart	$15
   54'' x 8' black vinyl	1	Jo-Ann Fabric	$15
   1/8'' x 54'' x 8' foam	1	Jo-Ann Fabric	$20
   1'' x 24'' x 76'' high-density foam	2	Jo-Ann Fabric	$20/each
   54'' x 7' clear vinyl (optional)	1	Jo-Ann Fabric	$10
   3M ''77'' spray adhesive	1	Wal-Mart	$10
   box of 1/2'' heavy duty staples (1000 ct.)	1	Wal-Mart/Target	$3
   box of 3/8'' heavy duty staples (1000 ct.) (optional)	1	Wal-Mart/Target	$2
   box of 1-1/2'' construction screws (50 ct.)	1	Wal-Mart/Target	$2
   3M coarse sandpaper (60 grit, 4 pack)	1	Wal-Mart/Target	$3
   a pair of folding table legs	1 pair	scavenged(Home Depot)	freebie($20)
   extra 2'' jig saw blade(s)	1	Ace Hardware	$2
   Grand Total:			~$165-$185

   
   

   Extra stuff for ''finishing touches'':

   flat black spray paint

   large cardboard box

   Exact-o knife

   box of 2'' construction screws

   scrap 1/4'' plywood

   
   
3. Once you have the plans, tools, and supplies it's time to start cutting and building...
   

Introduction
Plans and Supplies
Cutting and Building
Table Top and Felt
Rail
Finishing Touches