Shuffleboard Tables 101: Your Complete Guide to the Game
All kinds of sports have their variations. Shuffleboard is no different, it's a game where two players try to move their pieces from one end of the board to the other by sliding them across the surface on disks called pucks and getting them into specific parts of the board that are worth different points values. Its variation, which is table shuffleboard, is also commonly played just as fervently as the original sport.
As the name suggests, shuffleboard is played with on a special table made for the game. Shuffleboard tables can be made from a variety of materials but the best are made from a combination of high-quality woods, metals, and finishes. Higher-quality tables provide better gameplay and a longer life for the table itself.
This article will discuss everything there is to know about shuffleboard tables. Read on below to get started.
The Ideal Table Size
Table Shuffleboards
Table shuffleboard tables are usually around four feet long, two feet wide, and 18 to 24 inches high.
The dimensions are there because they are recommended by the United States Table Shuffleboard Association (USSSA), the governing body of table shuffleboard. Since each player's table should have the exact measurements, you'll want to stick to these dimensions for the sake of fairness.
Beyond that, there are also other sizes of shuffleboard tables. These are:
8 Foot Shuffleboard Table
This is the smallest size possible. It's perfect for those who have limited space at home and is affordable. These are the most common shuffleboards found in home due to their convenient sizing for game rooms with multiple items.
9 Foot Shuffleboard Table
This is the next size up from an 8-foot table. It's larger, thus giving more surface area for the metal pucks to glide on, allowing for a more controlled playstyle. These are common household shuffleboards for game rooms.
12 Foot Shuffleboard Table
This is a larger shuffleboard table, having more surface area than the other two. It's usually reserved for commercial or semi-commercial events.
If space is not an issue, then the 12-foot table would be the ideal choice because it provides versatility. It can be folded up when it's not being used for shuffleboard, making it easier to set up.
14 and 16 Foot Shuffleboard Tables
These tables are beyond the realm of home tables. They’re considered semi-commercial, which is a good choice if you plan to use them for a business. It's large, making it perfect for team play or commercial events.
18 Foot Shuffleboard Table
This is the maximum size of a shuffleboard table. This is ideal for bars and other establishments, which cater to a wide range of customers. It's not meant for home use because of its size.
20 and 22 Foot Shuffleboard Tables
These shuffleboard tables are beyond regulation, meaning they're the ones you won't find anywhere else. These are also the sizes used in official events and tournaments.
The Best Materials to Choose From
Choosing a shuffleboard table that's worth your money will depend on how much you're willing to spend. There are a lot of materials that you can choose from, and here are some of the most common ones:
Wood
This is an excellent material to choose from if you want a quality table. It's very classy, and it looks good in any room. The downside is that it's often costly, thus making it unattainable for the average Joe. Wood also has tendencies to warp and lose its luster over time, even if it's well-maintained.
Metal
If you're really on a tight budget, go for metal. It's cheap and works just as well as wood. Other than that, it's also eco-friendly. You can purchase one without feeling bad about a tree being cut down. Another positive thing is that it doesn't stain or warp, so it'll never lose its luster.
Wood/Metal Combination
This is an excellent choice because it combines the best of both worlds. You'll get the classiness of wood with the durability and resistance to warping and staining that metal has.
Fiberglass
This is a material that's less popular than wood or metal. It's a good choice if you're after a cheap yet durable table. It's also recyclable, so it's also ideal if you want to save the environment. The downside is that it's prone to warping.
Polymers
This is another choice to consider if you're on a tight budget. It's more expensive than metal but less expensive than wood. It's also a good choice if you want to wipe off messes easily.
The Cost of Shuffleboard Tables
Prices vary, depending on the quality of the shuffleboard table. For example, a typical 9-foot shuffleboard table made out of good wood and metal will cost around $4,000, while a 12-foot table made out of red oak will cost approximately $7,000.
If you have the budget, there are also more expensive tables that you can go for. The costs can range from $3,000 to $10,000 and sometimes more.
Conclusion
Shuffleboard tables are a lot of fun to play with and can be made out of different materials. They can be purchased depending on your budget. There are several options to choose from, so it's essential to learn about them so you can make the right choice.
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