Shuffleboard is one of those games that many people love to play and has been around for many years.
Although Shuffleboard is not quite as popular today as it used to be, you can still find Shuffleboards all over the world.
Shuffleboard continues to evolve into one of the most interesting and enjoyable games to play.
If you are a Shuffleboard player or want to learn how to play, it’s important to know about the surface used to play the game and more importantly, its size and dimensions.
Dimensions Of A Shuffleboard Table
The official size of a Shuffleboard table for competitive play is 22 feet long, 20 inches wide, and 3 inches thick. For recreational play, the tables can vary in size from 9-22 feet long, 16-20 inches wide, and 1.5-3 inches thick.
Tables that are 12 feet long and larger will increase in size in increments of 2 feet up to 22 feet in length.
Most tables will stand between 30-32 inches tall.
Shuffleboard tables are designed to be long and narrow.
There are many different options available for table size which is great for fitting properly in the space you have.
Most people will choose a table that is between 12-16 feet as it will fit easily in most rooms.
Playing surface size
The playing surface of a Shuffleboard table is slightly different from the actual dimensions of the table itself.
The available playing surface will be less.
Here are the actual playing surface sizes for each sized table.
- A 14 foot table has 12.8-13 feet of playing surface available.
- A 16 foot table has 14.8-16 feet of playing surface available.
- A 18 foot table has 16.7-17 feet of playing surface available.
- A 20 foot table has 18.7-19 feet of playing surface available.
- A 22 foot table has 20.5-21 feet of playing surface available.
Shuffleboard weight
There are a few variables that determine the weight of a Shuffleboard table including the size of the table and the type of materials being used.
Generally, larger tables will weigh more than smaller tables.
The length, width, and thickness need to be considered when determining the weight.
Also, the type of wood and other materials used during construction can affect the overall weight of the table.
On average, a small 9-foot table will weigh close to 300 pounds. Tables that are between 12 and 14 feet long will weigh around 450-600 pounds, and 16-18 foot long tables will weigh between 650-800 pounds. A 22-foot long table can weigh between 850-1000 pounds or more.
If you plan to move a Shuffleboard table regardless of its size and weight, you will need help to move it.
Larger tables will require several people to safely move them.
What is a Shuffleboard made of?
Most Shuffleboards are made out of wood with the best quality boards using hardwood like maple.
Other types of wood commonly used include poplar, birch, oak, and mahogany.
Choosing the right materials to build the table is crucial for its overall strength and long-lasting ability.
A high-quality Shuffleboard is designed to prevent the warping of the wood and minimize dings and scratches while providing a smooth playing surface.
During a game, it’s common for high impact between the pucks and the table itself causing damage.
A poorly constructed table that uses low-grade materials is more susceptible to damage than a higher quality table.
How to play Shuffleboard
Shuffleboard is a great game for beginners as it is easy to learn and play.
The game starts with either 2 or 4 players and the objective is to push weighted pucks across the table landing into a scoring zone to accumulate points.
Normally a game is won by scoring 75 points or achieving the highest score after 10 rounds.
Each player or side will have 4 pucks each and a paddle-like stick or cue which is used to propel the pucks down the table landing in the scoring zone.
At both ends of the table is a triangle with the different point zones.
The top of the triangle is worth 10 points and each zone of the triangle is worth different values.
At the base of the triangle, is a 10 off penalty zone.
Each player will take turns pushing 1 puck and the total points are scored after all 8 pucks are used.
What size Shuffleboard table should I get?
If you are in the market for a Shuffleboard, choosing the right size is important and there are a few things to take into consideration before you decide.
If you are planning to put a table in a room in your home, you need to measure the space available to prevent buying a table that is too long.
Don’t forget that you will need extra space to play and move around the table.
If your room is 18 feet long, then a table longer than 18 feet obviously won’t fit. Even a 16-foot table is too large.
You need to allow for about 2-3 feet on the ends and sides of the table. Allow even more if you can.
You can actually place the table along a wall if you need to, so you might only need the extra space on one side of the table.
A 12 or 14-foot Shuffleboard table would be better suited for an 18-foot room.
Also consider any decorative pieces in the room like lamps, fans, and other furniture that may be in the way.
If you are a beginner, you may want to consider a smaller table.
Not only do they take up less space and are easier to transport, but to learn the game and improve your skill, smaller tables are normally recommended to start with.
A 12-16 foot Shuffleboard table is a common size for beginners.
You can choose a smaller table like a 9 foot, but they are quite small and not as challenging as bigger tables.
Another consideration before buying a table is to ensure it will fit through your door and hallway, around corners, and up stairs or elevators if needed.
It can be frustrating to get a new Shuffleboard table home and realize it won’t fit through the door.
Normally this isn’t a concern as most doors are 36 inches wide, but it’s something to consider.
You can also choose to have a custom-made Shuffleboard table that can be built any size to meet your needs.
Most tables that are sold in stores will be one of the common sizes mentioned above.
For the most part, people will find a table that is suitable for the space in your home without having a custom build which will most likely cost more.
