How To Build a Subbuteo Table

I always say I don't play enough, so I decided it was time to build something so I could play Subbuteo on whenever I wanted. This is how I did it.
Please note I'm not the best at DIY, so this is more a "How I" than a "How to", but the idea if there.
Review and Unboxing Of Subbuteo World's Pegasus Range • Review and Unboxing Of...
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Key Products used:
THE PEGASUS RUBBER BACKED HALF SIZE ASTROTURF. IDEAL 5-A-SIDE OR 7-A-SIDE PITCH www.subbuteoworld.co.uk/subbu...
TWO NEW EUROPEAN PLASTIC GOALS WITH BLUE NETTING. www.subbuteoworld.co.uk/subbu...
MDF Board Light 18mm www.homebase.co.uk/mdf-board-... (you'll be able to make a few with this)
Polymer coated Chamfered Skirting www.diy.com/departments/polym...
Crown MDF Primer www.homebase.co.uk/crown-mdf-...
Crown Quick Drying Gloss www.homebase.co.uk/crown-quic...
Bostik Fast Tak Permanent www.homebase.co.uk/bostik-fas...
Flat Multi Coloured Drawing Pins from Local Stationary Shop

[@petersewell7468]

Thanks for the inspiration ! Now doing one for the grandkids . Cheers

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Brilliant man, inspiration the right word, I'm crap at DIY, so I'm sure most will do better. Hope the kids enjoy it

[@simonhenstock6244]

I ended up here because my SO didn't know what Subbuteo was and it was easier to show her a video than try to explain it. This video reminded me of the wooden board my grandfather put my pitch on when I was a kid. I actually spent more time playing with myself and trying to recreate the excitement of a real football match than playing games with other people. It was a football-related way to occupy my time when my team wasn't playing before I discovered football management sims. I wish I still had the Subbuteo related bits I had when I was younger but life intervened and they all dropped off the radar. I like the idea of collecting Subbuteo teams but I have enough collections as it is and I can't justify devoting space to something I have no practical use for. I love the table you've built, though. Very nice work.

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Thanks you, a fantastic story to read. Thanks for sharing. Time to come back to come back to the game I think :-)

[@pauledmonds6824]

Great video mate as always really enjoy watching them keep up good work.🤗

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Paul Edmonds cheers buddy thank you

[@garyb6152]

Fantastic mate

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Gary B cheers buddy

[@paulwilliams9278]

Thanks for the good tips my friend keep the great videos coming

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Paul Williams I’ll do my best buddy

[@ashleymiles2525]

Quality! Iv has a subbuteo set from when I was a kid, been wanting to mount it on some board for a while but not known how best to do it. Cheers for the tips 👌🏻

[@SubbuteoCollector]

no probs man, I make mistake so you don't have too lol. Loads more subbuteo on the channel, make sure to subscribe

[@jr7077]

Superb job!

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Thanks pal. Make sure to Subscribe and hit notification to see much much more

[@bigtdynamite528]

Great job 👍 I think I will try something similar once we get over lockdown. The smaller pitch is a great idea also.

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Something to do during lockdown, lol. Keep ya busy. Sorry for the slow reply, missed a load of comments

[@RafazReds]

Top job mate, love it 💪🏼

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Thank you pal

[@henrysmith411]

You've got red on you! Looks great, this has given me the push I need to have a go.

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Go for it man, have Cornetto as you go:-)

[@barts8746]

Quality mate 👏👏👏👏👏

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Tank buddy

[@ThePalace81]

Looking good mate 👍 very nice

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Tommy Smith I did alright I think

[@darranparker3930]

My full sized astro turf from pegasus arrived today from subbuteoworld. I got the one already attached to mdf as I'm terrible with glue. I've not opened the box yet but I'll send you a pic on Twitter once the rest of my stuff arrives. Thanks for all your help on twitter these past few days advising me where to buy and the subbuteo fair etc

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Darran Parker no worries pal. Love it

[@MB-cl6kq]

Class!

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Thank you pal

[@aidanmills6812]

That looks really good job well done

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Cheers Aiden

[@garypritchett8136]

Great effort!, I think back in the day, my mate had his on plasterboard, I think his dad done it for him, but the pitch adhered to the board perfectly, no need for any adhesive. The lines around the pitch were perfectly straight, the fence surrounding and goals were held down by drawing pins(only goals removed after games). Best pitch I ever saw or played on, the ball ran perfectly. I close my eyes and we are still playing on that pitch, happy days indeed!!

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Not too heavy either being on plasterboard, I can imagine the smoothness of it

[@garypritchett8136]

@@SubbuteoCollector yeah, the wood was lightweight, the ball ran so smoothly. I had mine on a board too, a thinner kind of wood, it was ok, but nothing like my mates. I remember him getting the World Cup edition for Xmas around the same time (late 70’s), with the 3 teams, Argentina, Brazil and Germany if I remember right. I always wanted that set. He was a Birmingham fan and I’m Villa, it was the only Subbuteo game we never played, it would’ve caused us to fall out!

[@SubbuteoCollector]

@@garypritchett8136 derby

[@nickpearson869]

Looks great mate

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Nick PEARSON cheers buddy

[@nickpearson869]

I played in loads of tournaments in 70s and 80s and gonna try get back into it , bought a couple of zeugo teams , need to sort a table for practice, liking yours ! Great video btw

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Nick PEARSON fantastic. Always good to hear people getting back into. And of course thank you

[@philipeccles6032]

Great video and love your enthusiasm. I got first set (Display addition 1969) and have loved the game ever since. Lost collection (divorce!) but re-discovered Subbuteo 2012 and have collected some of new stuff and Zeugo - might give ebay a try for older stuff as watched your ebay video. Been catching up over last few weeks some of your other videos - enjoy them all

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Around a 1 year to reply I'm so sorry, I missed a million comments. Poor showing on my part. Glad you got back into it pal. Make sure to subscribe and turn on notification to not miss other videos

[@stookennedy6283]

Great vid, thanks dude

[@SubbuteoCollector]

No probs, thanks pal

[@JordivanKaam]

Looks great! Greets from Holland

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Thanks buddy. Goedenavond

[@shaunlindsley2364]

Great mate I’m going to buy my 3 years son one for his birthday this may I’ve never had one either so this is a great idea to keep tidy

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Did you get it for him? Did he enjoy it?

[@subbuteoclubmarigliano1992]

Very nice!

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Subbuteo Club Marigliano thank you guys

[@subbuteoclubmarigliano1992]

@@SubbuteoCollector You're welcome! I saw you just subbed to my channel, thanks for helping out my Subbuteo related channel which I just created. If you wonder Marigliano is a small city in Naples (Italy)

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Subbuteo Club Marigliano hey if it says Subbuteo I’m gonna subscribe

[@sdungworth]

Awesome Job mate looks very good cute too. All my very best 👍

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Thanks pal.

[@lordcornwallis2]

well done !

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Thanks buddy Don't forget to hit the subscribe button and bell for more videos

[@paulridler77]

About to start making a full size one from scratch 😬... This was great to watch for tips so cheers mate. It may take me a fair while but will add pictures on social media as I go so you'll see how good or badly I do 🤣...

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Excellent, look forward to it pal. I make share mistake so you don't have too lol

[@joaopontes649]

Great job. I´m planing to build on for one sided pich.

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Super Go for it!

[@thomasearp1564]

excellent..need to purchase that size pitch as i have no room for a full size one...

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Thomas Earp it’s perfect just for that reason

[@boatofcar3273]

Great video, thank you 🙂

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Anytime, hope it helpped

[@pjmcfadyen]

I think it looks excellent. If I had the time and patience, I'd do likewise but instead I have ordered a bespoke 5 a side one from Gareth at FlicksforKicks. As much as I would love a full size one, the colour arena one from Flicks is perfect for holidays away and my 2 lads to play on before I introduce them to corners, throws in etc! That and I like the look of it. I think you did an excellent job on yours.

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Paul McFadyen thank you buddy. I have no patience at all and waiting for the paint the dry. I’d love one Flick for kicks one, they look amazing

[@willyham72]

You done a Good job mate

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Thank you very much buddy. Make sure to subscribe and ht the bell for more.

[@None12445]

🤣 ...anywho, it looks good! 👍🏼

[@SubbuteoCollector]

I think it does

[@ShaneJoshua1980]

World In Motion framed pic👍🏿👍🏿 I can tell if we'd grown up together we'd of been the best of friends. I was thinking of buying subbuteo again to play with my boy.

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Do it man, once you get the bug you can't stop. Better than a framed pic, 12" vinyl. Hit the subscribe button and there more videos to watch

[@paulspeller1794]

Love it! You've inspired me to do this myself, so I'll keep you posted how I get on! One question- why was the gloss a seemingly bad idea? Was it just that it took so long to dry? Did you consider using a spray paint at all?

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Sorry for the slow reply, look sleek I missed the comment. Poor show sorry. I wasn't happy with the shine it had, and yeah took a lifetime to dry. I did think about spraying, but I didn't wanna ruin my drive way and I can't be trusted lol

[@oldskoolfool141]

Nice job, I'm imagining doing the same but hinged in the middle so it folds into a carrycase, open the hinged case out, remove the folded-in-two pitch from on top of the one side, dig out the players, goals and ball from underneath, put empty boxes back in case, open pitch (mounted on split board, (if there was a little routed recess/step in all around the inside edge of the case the pitch would drop snugly in so it lays nice and flat (that recess would also provide a perfect cavity to house the folded pitch securely when the two recessed halves are married when the case is closed) .. oh for the tools the time and the space lol

[@SubbuteoCollector]

You've got it worked there pal. I just couldn't work the hinges out when I went for it. Don't forget to subscribe and hit the bell to stay up to date :-)

[@andyhenly1538]

The boy done good! One thing I would just say is that the thickness of MDF might be a bit excessive. It just adds weight. If you use thinner MDF, and use your skirting board or battening around the outside, you can use similar battening down the centre bottom of the board, and two supports across from width to width to stop the MDF from distorting. Tidy it up by using the same battening all the way around the bottom of the board. It takes a bit longer and costs a little more, but it will mean your board is lighter. Unfortunately when I play, I have to lug my table downstairs, and the first board I built used 18mm MDF, like yours! I didn't fancy a hernia, so I rebuilt mine with thinner board!

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Andy Henly yeah i is a tad heavy but heard stories about was board less than 18mm bowing out of shape. Luckily being a smaller pitch it’s not as heavy as it could be

[@andyhenly1538]

What you heard is correct Stew, IF you don't put support underneath. You can get away with it, if you make a framework of battening underneath. I build model railway boards like this. My oldest one dates back to 1999 and it's still as good as it ever was!

[@riccioxborrow8961]

Hi mate I watch you all the time

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Brilliant thank you pal

[@hernandotorres1234]

Pretty damned impressive

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Thanks buddy. If I had even basic carpentry skills, wouldn't have come out ever better lol

[@jasonkennedy6510]

When built my first it was a mess.. So your one is great. The art is to paint all bits. Forget about them. When dry sand rough spots and then do pitch first onto the main board. You need 2 or 4 people depending on size. Pull the edges as far as possible over the edges and pin, tack, staple until happy all lines are straight and then you screw in the skirtings and add the extras. But brilliant job mate

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Jason Kennedy absolutely sound advice right there

[@sdungworth]

I built mine a similar way but I used presstuds to hold the green official Subbuteo fence and. Used full astro pitch Great game. Up The Owls 🦉👍

[@SubbuteoCollector]

That’s a good idea. Means you take it off too

[@davidjsouth231]

I don’t have anyone to play with, that and I’m not sure where I’d stow it once I make a table. One question. Why cut openings near the goals? The ball will just roll off on the floor and you have to chase it. Just a question

[@SubbuteoCollector]

David Southwell it’s so the goalkeeper rod sits flat behind the goal and so that you can get your hand on it properly. Plus if you hit the target, no ball rolling off

[@ianlillis7649]

This looks great. I’m thinking of doing something like this but for the rugby version. Do you think the rugby pitch would stick down the same way?

[@SubbuteoCollector]

I would pin it down as it material, I don't like glueing the material but people do

[@pras12100]

Nice :-)

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Thanks buddy. Don't forget to subscribe and hit that bell for more

[@davidjsouth231]

And his wife is standing there rolling her eyes. “Lads and their toys!”

[@SubbuteoCollector]

No reply for 6 months, I'm so sorry. Poor show on my part. She rolls her a lot, but she gets it. Make sure to subscribe and turn on notification to not miss other videos

[@syrianumber1]

Hi mate - great video! It has inspired me to build one for the kids (and me of course) quick question on the link for the pitch - it takes you to the website and says the product already comes mounted on wood? Is that how it came or is that link wrong?

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Excellent, have fun with pal. They might have changed the site since I did the link. I believe (although not looked recently) they do a mounted one and unmounted oneZ the one I purchased was the I mounted, just has rudder back :-)

[@philipeccles6032]

Another thing - saw the video with the 'sponge' balls, played with these when came out with the smaller goals too, balls were OK but I missed the sound of 'plastic on plastic' but they were good for getting height.

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Philip Eccles I think that’s what they were for; to practice getting lift

[@SubbuteoCollector]

I can’t see your other reply for some reason

[@PeterPan-wh1sg]

Hi Stuart, any idea if Flicks for Kicks are still around ? I tried to place and order (quote) for one of their tables but got no response. Tried ringing them several times. Goes to message bank. Bummer. Finally found some spare cash & they disappear. Oh well.

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Hey pal, yeah I’ve seen him in Twitter and Instagram. He’s on Facebook too, maybe worth a message on there. Unless he’s taking a little break

[@unrealrailway1592]

What size is the official pitch set from subbuteo? That looks like a really professional job, may it see many tense games!

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Omid Kiannejad ya, I made it better than I thought I would l. I can’t remember the full size off the top of head. Not crap at all that lol

[@shedxi8521]

Did you ever get around to trying a 11 vs 11 match on this smaller pitch? Thinking of getting one to save space but want to check if it's possible to play a full teams rather than five or seven-a-side. Thanks and keep up the great content.

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Around a 1 year to reply I'm so sorry, I missed a million comments. Poor showing on my part. I did it get's a bit congested in the middle of park but is possible, just. Best with 7 out field players tho. Make sure to subscribe and turn on notification to not miss other videos

[@jimlouizos1462]

Is that a full size pitch as per the ones that come in the box sets ?

[@SubbuteoCollector]

No this is the 7 a side version, you purchase from Subbuteoworld, its a little smaller. Same process for bigger, just need more mdf lol

[@10Duser]

Looks great! I was a player back in the day (though had a bit of kit too), both Subbuteo and Table Soccer. I like your enthusiasma and 'down to earth-ness' - great for the videos. What sort of scale (to 'full size') is the pitch - and have you played with the same number of players, like correspondingly?) - ie. if its 2/3 scale, do you you play with 8 players or similar? I always liked the subbuteo astropitches, but you couldn't play table soccer (ETSA) on them, players didn't spin enough really. But it looks great. Love your collection behind you - so many bits and bobs I haven't seen..! Keep up the good work, and enjoy yourself!

[@SubbuteoCollector]

10Duser really glad you enjoy pal. It’s classed as a 7 a side pitch. I’d same it about 2/3 smaller. Plays just like the Subbuteo Astro pitch. I play either 6 or 7 a side. I tired 8 and it was impossible.

[@10Duser]

@@SubbuteoCollector Cheers, yes - that sounds about right, 6 or 7. Really nice job. I always enjoyed playing on my astropitch - and (latter day) subbuteo tournaments had them too. Table soccer all green baize - but I played a mixture of long slides with a bit of 'spin' thrown in, so didn't mind. It's funny. I think 'our age' now have 'the means' to go back and get the bits & bobs we couldn't have back then - quite a stiff collectors market out there, I think!

[@SubbuteoCollector]

10Duser and getting stiffing by the year

[@TheGuruguru123]

Nice table well done, going to try one myself. Great tips!

[@Richardm427]

dicen que el Zeugopich no vale para jugar a Subbuteo porque el balon se desplaza con mucha velocidad. Es cierto? Lo recomiendas?

[@SubbuteoCollector]

I have not used he Zeugo Pitch, but I am told there rubber back pitch is very fast. No he usado el Zeugo Pitch, pero me han dicho que el back pitch de goma es muy rápido.

[@riccioxborrow8961]

Need enough space for stands. Then make my own stands like Highbury. Cool

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Your gonna need a big old bit of MDF to include stands

[@PeterPan-wh1sg]

Nice job. Are the goals full sized ?

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Thanks pal, Yes mate I used normal sized goals

[@moem7018]

Where did you get your cabinet lights from?

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Ikea. I can't remember the name. but if the search glass cabinet they recommended. Make sure to subscribe and ht the bell for more.

[@23yidarmy]

What pitch did you use?

[@SubbuteoCollector]

It's a Pegasus half size pitch, from Subbuteo World

[@runnymederangers]

TBH I prefer 7-a-side to 11-a-side. It's a faster game and more goals!

[@SubbuteoCollector]

high scoring games that for sure

[@rcspaintservice]

What is in cm - length and width?

[@SubbuteoCollector]

This is from the subbutoe world website MEASURES APPROX. 900mm x 630mm AND THE PLAYING AREA MEASURES APPROX. 760mm x 500mm.

[@richardsaunders520]

You just stuck the dug outs on with glue?

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Yeah just a bit superglue

[@richardsaunders520]

@@SubbuteoCollector great. Building my table now based on your guide........ wish me luck lol

[@richardsaunders520]

I'm finding it hard to get goals!

[@SubbuteoCollector]

You can buy new goals on places like subbuteo world and astro base. In fact Flicks for Kicks have some nice metal goals. I've heard. For proper Subbuteo branded goals, ebay is best

[@richardsaunders520]

@@SubbuteoCollector cheers. Most were out of stock on Subbuteo World but just managed to get some. I've ordered the 7 a side pitch like that one. Ideal for those who don't have much space. The standard pitches are huge! I remember as a kid mine was mounted on MDF and spent a lot of time leant against the kitchen wall!!

[@Richardm427]

queda mejor pintado de blanco

[@SubbuteoCollector]

It certainly pops in white

[@riccioxborrow8961]

Arsenal. Fan

[@SubbuteoCollector]

I'm not the only one suffering then

[@gianpaoloabagnale2564]

hi Subbuteo collector, can I talk to you? I need to ask you for some information.

[@SubbuteoCollector]

No reply for 8 month, I'm so sorry. Poor show on my part. What do you want to ask?. Make sure to subscribe and turn on notification to not miss other videos

[@riccioxborrow8961]

Love you’re table. I’m making one m d f

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Fantastic good luck

[@riccioxborrow8961]

I’m a Arsenal fsn

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Poor us lol

[@riccioxborrow1600]

Hi. Arsenal need 6 points to get in champions league cool

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Need another season, can't see ti happening this weekend

[@riccioxborrow1600]

Cool

[@lentner3]

Please stop slapping your hands. 🤨 but great table and I like the idea of a smaller pitch you’re more likely to use

[@SubbuteoCollector]

Even after 2 years so, I still clap a lot lol

[@lentner3]

@@SubbuteoCollector good for you, don’t let me stop you being you. 👍🏻

[@SubbuteoCollector]

@@lentner3 never lol

[@januddin8068]

Loads slapping your hands and didn’t even say what size board to get

[@SubbuteoCollector]

I do love a clap don't I, but then I've had no media or presenting training so it ain't all bad,, plus keeps people awake if they nod off while watching. Bored size all depends on what pitch you buying and using as they all come different sizes. for a full size pitch I use 150cm x 100 cm. This was a 3rd smaller, but whatever pitch you buy check the measurements. and get board to match. Simples