This site has step by step instructions on how to build a racetrack poker table with whisper vinyl padded rails.
Step one in any project should always include careful planning (planning may be substituted by alcohol with mixed results). My plan was to build a high quality, free standing table with a wooden raceway, cup holders, raised whisper vinyl covered padded rail.
I prefer the raised center for a few reasons. It makes it easy to see what people are betting without painting on a bet-line. It helps contain spills.
Materials List
I used Whisper Vinyl
Whisper vinyl from your auto trim (also available at JoAnns or some other fabric store, if you have one nearby.)
Playing surface from yourautotrim.com:
Holdem Casino Suited Speed Cloth
Holdem Black - 2 yards at $15.95/yard.
The 3/8″ foam I used behind my playing surface was too think for my taste. If I did it over I would use 1/4″ closed cell foam or better yet, neoprene.
Last thing, When I build my padded rail, I’m not going to attach it to the table. I saw some at a poker store in the mall and they were not attached either. That should make it easier to clean.
Menards:
2 Sheets Hardwood Plywood (birch 4′x8′x 3/4″) 2 at $37.00 each.
2 Sheets Regular Plywood for the rails (4′x8′ x 1/2″) 2 2 at $28.00 each
Wood Glue: 1 for $3.50.
3M Spray Adhesive: 1 for $4.00.
Staples: 1 box for $3.87.
Polyurethane: 1 quart for $5.00.
2″ Foam Brush: 5 at $0.60 each.
Folding Table legs: 1 for $18.95.
CasinoSupply.com:
Cup-holders 9 $6.50 $58.50
January 11th, 2007 at 10:42 pm
hey i would like to know where to get the cup holders(SS) for the table. THANKS
January 12th, 2007 at 12:22 am
I ordered them from casinosupply.com.
More details are available on my materials page.
January 16th, 2007 at 11:58 pm
I have been looking at a lot of home made tables as homework for building my own. I like your table with the vinyl rails and really like the whole design and finished look. I would really like to get a hold of some detailed plans/pictures to fill in some blanks.
Nice job!!
Update: thanks for adding all the detail!
July 29th, 2007 at 7:15 pm
hey i have a question, since you will end up only seeing the top piece of plywood, isn’t that the only one that needs to be like birch? i guess my question is why do you need the birch underneath also?
July 29th, 2007 at 9:59 pm
The birch plywood is a hardwood. So it makes the table more sturdy. If you’re aren’t worried about that and you want to save money, and weight, a regular piece of plywood will probably suffice.
August 2nd, 2007 at 11:22 pm
thank you so much for the step by step 2 of my friends and i just finished this table with you step by step instructions, thank you so much it turned out great! we did the same color scheme and everything the only thing we really changed is under the hard plywood its particle board, it saved us some money and its holds up well! thanks again!
Josh
August 30th, 2007 at 7:44 am
where were you able to find a 4×8 sheet of plywood, i cant find it anywhere
August 30th, 2007 at 7:47 am
I got mine at Menards, but Home Depot, Lowes, and any local lumbar yard should have it.
October 3rd, 2007 at 2:55 pm
What thickness plywood did you use for the base and the rails. It looks like 3/4″? Not sure?
Excellent table.
October 5th, 2007 at 10:29 am
Yes, I used 3/4″ but I belive 1/2″ would work.
June 26th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Love the table and plans. I have one question though. Is the 3/4″ birch thick enough to router in grooves for chip placments beside the drink holders or do you think it would weekin the table