Build a Gaming Table For Under $100

[@HowtobeaGreatGM]

*Thanks for watching!* How have you built your gaming tables? Let us know in the comments below!

[@matthouse4989]

A bunch of empty chairs and sadness

[@gamingborger]

a simple folding table

[@Cirkux]

We did build one. Some basic shelves plus some board plus a roll of felt. For the money it works very well.

[@gegegebebebe5087]

It is amazing to see somebody who can make explanations about GMing and roleplaying in a very high quality describe the needed equipment with terms like "a screw like half your finger". 😂 Well done sir, you got me laughing and enjoying.

[@Pelencheification]

Nice I’m sure this will help a lot of people. A good takeaway is that whatever table you do have, you can always modify and customize it!

[@arphod]

I use a 6' circular card table with folding legs, covered with a tablecloth and large wet-erase mat. When not in use it rolls up leaning against a wall.

[@theactorsdungeon3898]

Kind of a dumb question, but do you prefer the round to the rectangle? I've only used rectangle, but after seeing this video I want to work on my game space.

[@arphod]

@@theactorsdungeon3898 No, valid question. I only prefer the circle because it's easy to put away.

[@colmbright9822]

I would run a piece of 3 inch XPS foam about 11 inches wide ( size of a book) around the whole thing. Cover it with a different colored piece of cloth and now you have a sunken and separated play area .

[@ryanbeverley1546]

We actually just bought a really big used dining table from our local reseller store. Someone didn't want it, the store kinda cleaned it up, and we bought it for 60 bucks. Brand new it probably cost a few hundred. It's way too big to be a dining table for us, but in our basement it is the perfect table for board games, D&D, Magic, and everything else.

[@theactorsdungeon3898]

! Congrats 👏. Sounds like a mighty fine find.

[@ryanbeverley1546]

@@theactorsdungeon3898 All credit goes to the wife!

[@Glitch_Online]

I love these much simpler videos, not every one has the know how or the tools for fancy projects.

[@mikesrpgs835]

Hey, Guy. Great job. A friend made the table that we currently use. It's similar to what you have, but instead of screwing the board to an existing table, he took the legs off an old folding table and screwed those legs to the board. Thus, the whole thing folds up and can be stowed away if you need to use the room for something else. Again, nice job. Hope you feel better.

[@Agito928]

Underrated video Guy. 100% So awesome, simple and affordable. More people need to see this.

[@TheScarvig]

i would suggest a couple of minor technical upgrades to the table: 1. i would screw in the extended table top from the bottom. this requires you to select the length of screws a bit more carefully so that they dont poke out the top, but it also means that you can remove the table top without destroying the fabric surface in case you want to move it out of the room. 2. i would staple the fabric on first before i add the decorative nails (they should not be what holds the cloth to the table as there are way too few) and do it by starting from the center of each side. this is the proper way to attach fabric to flat objects like when you are making canvas. 3. fold the excess of the fabric once over before stapling it down so that you get a clean edge of doubled up fabric all around the edge of the table. this doubles the strength of the fabric where the staples are to prevent them from ripping out and hides the frayed edge of the cloth.

[@RyuuKageDesu]

Nice. My group plays on the dinner table, so a friend of mine made a riser frame, from cardboard, that lifts the game space up, and provides a nice gap to set things under the battle map. easy to plop down, easy to pack away.

[@RIVERSRPGChannel]

We started with an 8’ folding table. We now use a dining room table with a 55” smart tv in a box for gaming on the table and use roll 20 maps on it

[@arphod]

Hot.

[@danmurray7608]

I really appreciate this video - in an atmosphere that is more and more normalizing "boutique" play, it's nice to be reminded that simple and clean is plenty.

[@mejeg]

Yes to the intro, the amount of video that are like 'OK here is how you make a gaming table for cheap. You're going to need 1) time 2) effort 3) access to timber [4) a $10,000 workshop in your garage.]'

[@krinkrin5982]

I use two of these boards, 60cm x 2m each, to make a an oversized wargaming table. The advantage is that I can take it apart and store it if I need the space.

[@Marcus-ki1en]

I was a bit nervous when you showed a Hammer, and then Screws. I thought, surely he won't... But then the power drill came out - We can't live without power tools can we? One upgrade: a tack strip along the edges so the fabric can be easily removed. If you players are anything like mine, they are pigs and will get Crisp dust and spilled drinks on it eventually. Be nice to be able to launder it. Otherwise, nicely done.

[@Wicca_P]

I would recommend stapling or adhering the excess fabric to the bottom first before using the tacks, it will cut down on chances of creases and the like

[@bruno-sp9cq]

This was fun to watch! Thank you Guy

[@DragonsAndFlagons]

This is great! I love it! And while I drool over a nice Wyrmwood or a custom made table with projectors, flatscreens, and LED lighting, oh and cup holders, I just don't have the time money or resources to do it. This table is practice and in the end will allow me to play games with my friends

[@cubancavalier3051]

If you want easier disassembling, you can drill a hole through and use a bolt and wingnut to secure the table top to the legs. Super easy to later unscrew the wingnuts and breakdown for easier storage and moving!

[@skamensch4306]

this is the easiest DIY table I've seen on YT. LOVE IT!

[@JhonnyB694]

Finally a DYI project that I can actually afford and make with my skills. Now I just need a dedicated game room... PS.: That painting on the wall is GLORIUS

[@deecap71]

Cheap, simple, effective. Nice job! The only advice I might give is to use a rubber mallet instead of a hammer if your going to use decorative pins to secure the fabric.

[@HowtobeaGreatGM]

That would save a lot of pins and fingers!

[@1_BhS]

Thank you for this video! You saved me so much time and money lol. I needed to fit this in my bedroom so I made a rolling trundle that can be pulled out from the bottom to save space.

[@erniemiller1953]

For my own table, I would put a one inch padding arond the table to save arms.

[@CmderSwords]

I use my dinner table but i have started to notice an issue with space for my papers. So i am in the process of building a folding table top that will go on top of my table so the players have space for their papers while i have a space for the battle map and minis.

[@rollingchaosgames]

You Should have screwed the top in from the bottom if the table, not the top. This would allow you to easily remove the base from the top if you ever had to move it. Otherwise nice cheap build.

[@thor-cj9dh]

The only thing I would have done differently would have been to "paint" 2 or 3 coats of resin on the surface to fill in the flaws and make it perfectly smooth.

[@dojikeiichiro]

References "other" builds requiring tools, knowledge, lucky finds. Proceeds to get most expensive component of his table with a "lucky find". I did something similar using a small dining table that opened up to add a leaf into it, except I used that to anchor in a 6x4 topper that I built from twin pine panels that I then sanded, stained, and sealed. Still under $100.

[@shawnkuhns2187]

Guy, hope you get better quickly. Miss your videos

[@JohnGunter_Johnprime]

I built my own gaming table, cost me about $350 due to increased cost of wood, then another $300 for the smart TV I put in the center of the table. It has a power plug in the center of each of the sides, 2 drink holders on 3 sides, with 1 drink holder on the gm side. Also 2 dice trays on 3 sides and 1 on the gm side. Since the surface with the TV is below the height of the sides, I have 3 inserts that I can put into the table to cover up where the TV is. But I like what you did for your table. It's a perfectly good table for what you want to do and is very frugal.

[@russelljacob7955]

I have an old house I have been restoring. I LOVE those lights!!!!!!

[@fightingcorsair7297]

That is a great table. My group plays on four smaller tables butted together. We'd love to have a large table but our space is limited and can't be dedicated to gaming.

[@Outland9000]

Got an old refectory table. Absolute unit of a table and massive. You can get 8 people round it no problem with space for all the accoutrements that people like to bring. Sure, not quite as cost effective as this solution but multiple times cheaper than some purpose built tables one might care to mention.

[@rpeterson9182]

Glad you’re healing!!!!! Take it easy and get well soon!!🤕

[@JM-dl1wp]

Love it! No dedicated gaming table yet, but I did make a Lego table with a lot of the same mentality, i.e., use something old, a little bit of new, and voila. I have been trying to figure out a top for it for gaming. Your video gives some wonderful ideas.

[@gamingborger]

a grass mat and scatter terrain is all you really need

[@mikej2239]

That is a fantastic table! I hope it brings many great adventures and future stories into your life.

[@karoussosaristomenes593]

Nice, thank you for sharing, happy gaming 🙂

[@lycanthrose]

I use a table from work. It's an oval shaped table that sits 4 to 6 people comfortably that triples as a dinner table and book shelf. I like the idea of cloth attached to your table for aesthetics as well as a noise reducer for over zealous die rollers. Also, I like how you position your self along a long side, I will have to do that in any future games due to my books, folder/Storyteller screen and Chromebook all utilized for leading my coterie of ner do wells. Also, is that a Milwaukee brand driver? You, sir, are a gentleman.

[@DaSauceDatsBoss]

I do construction, and yet here I am watching this video. I will say I greatly appreciate it. This sort of thing is perfect for me and my group. Since I don’t want to be the only one paying for it, this is more what I’m looking to do haha

[@joedulin3812]

Yardsales for the base table - or pick one up off the roadside where it's been set for garbage pickup. I like the fabric idea - also yardsales - though I'd use clear adhesive backed peel and stick vinyl for a really spiffy look.

[@andrewtomlinson5237]

With a board like the one in the video, if you can master the skills of rubbing a bit of sand paper along the edges in order to reduce the risk of splinters, and then using said sand paper to remove any blemishes on the surface - a cheap wood stain works a treat. Then get some fake "leatherette" + some impact adhesive, Cut 12" wide strips of the faux leather, fold them over by 1/3 (so an 8" wide strip, with 4" double thickness" with the leather side facing OUT!!!) use the impact adhesive (or other glue you can get your hands on that will work) and lay them down along the edge of the table so the folded edge of the leatherette sits about 3 or 4 inches from the edge of the table, fold the rest undermeath and bang in some of the fancy pins for effect. I've made that sound a LOT more complex that it is... You can have a "mahongany" and "leather effect" table with "brass" fittings for not much more outlay than the stuff used in the video and no addditional skill levels required.

[@harraldschmitt9113]

As a classic British liberal i strongly believe in decentralization. Which is why my gaming „table“ consists of three seats that each have a clampable bedside table attached to them which serves as the gaming space and arm rest for each individual player, thusly creating a decentralized gaming „table“. The fact that i don’t have the space for a table also might have had something to do with that

[@Pasta__Lover]

For the most part I use folding table(s) with a purple bed sheet and no gm screen.

[@alexandershendi7428]

Not finished watching the vid, but would like to wish you a speedy recovery. Cracked ribs suck. Get well soon!

[@Baruch05]

Love the video. I'm currently on the hunt for my next table build myself, so this is fantastic to source. Can I ask you where you got your leather back chairs in this video too? those look fantastic!

[@rickhenderson631]

Bought a Wyrmwood, because I wanted a larger dining room table and it was a neat idea to double as a gaming table. On hindsite, your idea probably makes more sense. :)

[@Monkey_Spunk]

This is the best thing I ever saw.

[@russelljacob7955]

My gaming table? A couple of collapseable saw horses and a top that sets and clamps underneath to it quick. Easy to move.

[@burnsbits5829]

Great to see you receiving so well. It sounded like a rather nasty fall when you took it! 👍

[@Larry-j2y]

Glad to see you again. You were missed.

[@Ozarkwonderer]

Ive used kitchen tables, card tables, pool tables, dry erase boards, coffe tables....whatever is available

[@heikesiegl2640]

I am using our dinner table, it is extendable, but am also lacking space for my notes etc. Thats why left and right from me i have boxes xD where i put the rest of my stuff. I am really walled in. Not the best solution but for now it works

[@orbitalair2103]

$50 ??? thats more than I spent on 4 Basic Fantasy books(rules, chaotic caves, morgans fort, and the field guide monster book) !! AND the $5 for Maze Rats was the best $5 I ever spent I think. BUT bravo sir, for making a low cost table and sharing your ideas !!

[@RDGoodner]

I'm interested in knowing how well this has worked. Your original table seems kind of small for the purpose. Have you had problems with people on either end tipping the table when they lean on it?

[@TheStoryWhoNeverWas]

i live in perpetual scheduling fails so i only have online games. as a result i pour hours and hours of work into preparing visually details and mysterious maps that provoke lots of questions to project into a virtual table top platform where we gather cerebrally

[@pb-bx1ll]

Great video thank you

[@paulsavas2394]

Nice work sir!

[@teh_ludwig]

Roughly what weee the dimensions of the original table? Thanks!

[@TheSirGoreaxe]

I've found a ping pong table is excellent for a gaming table. Plenty of room for everyone to spread out and still have access to the battle map.

[@Piqipeg]

Something most of these "build your own" videos forget to mention, you slso need space, not just for the finished thing but also building space.

[@jerryharris876]

1:39. Screws, but no screwdriver?!!?

[@jeffreykershner440]

Love it.

[@jps62]

If you screw two Ikea Linnmon together, you get a 5ftx5ft gaming table. Cheap, easy and light of weight...

[@Doughy_in_the_Middle]

Lovely...except I have 8+1 at my table. That little rectangle is just quaint.

[@Noops_AU]

Any reason you didn't use a staple gun?

[@heikesiegl2640]

I would use velcro so you can just change out the fabric an wash it

[@HowtobeaGreatGM]

That's brilliant!

[@heikesiegl2640]

@@HowtobeaGreatGM thanks xD i Just used this "technique" on a used Cat Tower. I recycled it for my rats and well they pee a lot xD and when i started smelling it i started to ripp the fabric off and used velcro bands.

[@Jrakula10]

i think im going to do this exact thing.

[@theactorsdungeon3898]

I've dreamed of what my future gaming space might be... But alas, I am just a renter.

[@blackmage471]

Still not quite big enough for Twilight Imperium, lol 😆 I have to put two tables together for 6 people to play that game.

[@HowtobeaGreatGM]

Is any table ever really big enough TI?

[@alexandershendi7428]

@HowToBeAGreatGM Could you please tell me the dimensions of the top of the finished table? Thanks in advance.

[@jleewatts4318]

Yea! Fading Suns.

[@PsionNovastar]

Guy: "Here's a hammer and here's some screws. You'll need these." Me: *having passed basic wood shop in high school* "I have... CONCERNS." Jokes aside, this did come out really nice for what looks like an hour or two of arts and crafts and some lucky dumpster diving.

[@fenoglio8]

You’re a delight to watch but man that was a long walk to get to “nail a sheet to a board”

[@Genesis8934]

2:00 "Not a lot of fabric" measurements ---> "about a yard" - Fabric is, if I recall 36" wide always, wrapped on a bolt that's like 10+ (at least) yards long. Though I'm not sure if the standard is still in yards outside the US. Local fabric stores should also be able to help if you want to get a specific kind of fabric. You probably don't want anything cotton/polyester. you'll want something more like felt or velvet, or in this case... corduroy. (~) 9:14 (or so), Fabric glue works so you have a nice smooth surface if you wanted to put the square of fabric on it. --- My group plays 100% online across many timezones so while I so want to build a table... I really have no need for it lol.

[@Marcus-ki1en]

Some fabric on bolts is doubled over so is up to 5' wide. Perfect for a 4' wide table. I would suggest gluing or sewing the edge down and laundering first.

[@HowtobeaGreatGM]

@@Marcus-ki1en Both are good pieces of advice. I was surprised by this bolt of cloth - it was super wide, well over 3'6".

[@jamesrickel3814]

Cheap pool tables ftw. Mine was free

[@flareblade24]

I absolutely love this idea. Thanks for the video, and when I get a bigger place, I'll definitely be doing this myself at some point.

[@JohnWheaton2PF]

OMG, was that a Little Wooden Boy cameo???

[@keeperodinson3306]

Does anybody else feel like he sounds like John Cleese's vocal stunt double?

[@mikeadkins8215]

better than the table I don't have

[@Eisenwulf666]

Instructions unclear, hand screwed to table, what now?

[@Marcus-ki1en]

1) Scream, 2) Turn Drill to reverse, 3) Reverse Screw out of table and hand, 4) Pour a Pint and contemplate where you went wrong.

[@theoavg]

I understand so I just take a large piece of wood and I fix it on my table

[@RoadDeerGames]

U invented a table cloth. But yeah that’s basically what I did

[@nickynets]

you have a lich behind you

[@seandevine3695]

How to build a table: 1. Get a table

[@paganmadnessYT]

This is not the _best_ table in the world - and it really doesn't have to be. And that's the point: Just do it! Just try it. Maybe it's working fantastic for your situation. Maybe not. And you know what? The next one you build will be a lot of better! Dare to make mistakes and learn :) Start cheap and be positive to just replace and improve things.

[@bigsarge2085]

✌

[@DOGDAD78]

I'm building a table and game room also. Do you have a name for those high back black leather chairs? I really like those.