When it comes to choosing the right material for your custom poker table, you want to ensure that it is resilient and capable of withstanding the wear and tear that will transpire during gameplay. Deterioration is inevitable as poker players slide their cards, poker chips, and various objects across the table. For this reason, it is essential that durable material is used to cover your table to limit wear and tear.

If you are building your own poker table, or presently shopping around for one, this review offers several recommendations. There is a wide range of materials available on the market, but there are only a few that are ideal for a poker table’s surface. Below is a list of materials that should be considered and others that should be avoided.

Ordinary Felt

For individuals unaware of the type of material to be used for a custom poker table layout, selecting the right fabric can be a daunting task. Most assume that ordinary felt is the right option, but this is not all always true.

Ordinary felt must never be used for a poker table. This type felt is the worst kind to use. It is not durable and, after one or two intense games of poker, the persistent movement causes the material to become fuzzy as it collects balls of lint. Once this happens, it automatically loses its fresh appeal and instead presents an unkempt look.

It is best to avoid ordinary felt entirely. It is not at all intended for poker tables. Instead, opt for a material that is long-lasting and can withstand hours of poker playing.

Viscose Felt

In contrast to ordinary felt, viscose felt is the total opposite. This type of felt is more heavy-duty and is of a higher quality. Viscose felt is typically used for home décor, furniture and other things that encounter high traffic or that are consistently in use.

Based on its qualities, viscose felt would be the most ideal for your poker table playing surface. You do not have to be concerned about it quickly losing its appeal after one game of poker. It is robust and can withstand constant movement.

The Felt Store’s Poker Card Table Felt is made of 100% viscose felt. It is offered in an array of colors and sizes to suit any table. It can be used to cover your existing poker table or it can be used to transform any table into one. Overall, it is a great material.

Speed Cloth

Speed cloth, also known as casino cloth, is a much better choice than ordinary felt. Many have attested to its durability and suitability for poker tables. Despite being manufactured for this purpose, some poker players detest its use for their tables. However, it is solely dependent on preference.

BryBelly offers a two-toned poker table speed cloth that can be purchased. It is 60 inches wide and comes in colors such as black, red, blue, and green. It is durable and suitable enough for a game of poker.

Billiard Cloth

Billiard cloth is the typical material you would see on a pool or billiard table. If you like its appearance on these tables, then this material may work for you. It is much better than ordinary felt as it does not succumb to wear and tear after one use.

Many individuals swear by the quality of this material and choose it over the all the others. However, depending on your budget and your preferences, billiard cloth is more than capable of covering your poker table, providing you with the appearance and feel you are seeking. It offers a very simple appeal. Most importantly, though, with billiard cloth on the table, cards are permitted to slide with ease.

Iszy Billiards offers billiard cloth in a variety of sizes and colors. Their material is made of 80% rayon and 20% nylon, two elements that provide excellent durability.

Nylon Velvet

Nylon velvet is also an option for your poker table playing surface. It is most certainly durable and capable of withstanding wear and tear. It provides a soft feel and is very smooth. With this softness, cards can move across the table with no trouble.

One of the worst things is to play poker on table tops that have rough material. It detracts from the game and can also spoil the experience.

The Fabric Exchange’s Royal Nylon Plush Velvet Poker Table Upholstery is an excellent choice for poker tables. The fabric is 60 inches wide and can adequately cover your table. Plus with its soft and silky texture, it offers up a fantastic surface for playing poker.

Velveteen

Velveteen is another excellent material that can be used on your table. It offers a very sophisticated look and is extremely durable. Unlike ordinary felt, velveteen never reacts adversely to persistent movement.

It does not produce lint balls and the material remains intact. However, if you decide to use this on your poker table, be sure to install it correctly. If pulled or stretched inappropriately, it can cause strain marks on the fabric.

Other than this, velveteen has to be one the best options for poker tables. Many individuals have praised its use.

Robert Kauffman offers luxurious velveteen fabric by the yard. It is 100% cotton and can be purchased to cover your poker table.

Which Material Is the Best?

It is a challenge to state which material option is ideal for poker table tops as each option has their distinctive qualities. Also, poker players have their own preferences. However, it is safe to say that the fabrics with a softer feel and smoother finish, offer an enhanced experience.

Nylon velvet and velveteen both provide features that many other materials lack such as their soft and shiny as well as their durability. They permit the ease of movement and, regardless of the cards or chips used, it allows them to slide effortlessly.

If you are focused on style, performance, and durability, nylon velvet or velveteen are great selections. However, irrespective of your choice, be sure to choose a piece of fabric that is conducive to a great game of poker so avoid ordinary felt entirely.