Poker Table

Description

Poker table plans: 8 players, speed cloth and an LED-lit rail

These are the plans for the poker table I built for our poker nights. Retail tables with speed cloth and lighting cost a fortune, so I built my own: small enough to reach across, big enough to seat 8. The playing surface is one piece of 3/4″ plywood cut into an octagon, padded with headliner foam and wrapped in casino speed cloth, and an LED strip tucked under the padded rail gives it that glow. Plan on a weekend and $150 to $300 in materials.

Watch the build

What you get

• Printable 6-page PDF plan, instant download
• Overall dimensions
• Cut list with every angle, including the plywood octagon layout
• Step-by-step diagrams, from the rails to the base
• Rail and LED details
• Tools and materials shopping list

Specs

• Overall size: 55-1/4″ across x 30″ tall
• Seats: 8 players
• Build time: a weekend (about 2 days)
• Skill level: Beginner
• Estimated materials cost: $150 to $300, depending on what you already have

Lumber you’ll need

• 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood, 4′ x 4′ (the playing surface)
• 4 boards, 2x6x8′ (rails and legs)
• 3 boards, 2x4x8′ (base supports)
• 2 boards, 1x2x8′ (optional trim)

Hardware and supplies

• Poker table speed cloth
• 1/8″ automotive headliner foam or neoprene for the padding
• LED light strip for the under-rail glow
• Spray contact cement to bond the foam and cloth, plus instant adhesive
• Wood filler for joints and knots before stain
• 2-1/2″ pocket screws, 1-1/4″, 2″ and 2-1/2″ wood screws, and brad nails
• Semi-transparent tintable deck stain (I used slate)
• Clip-on cup holders

Tools you’ll need

• Pocket hole jig
• Drill/driver
• Miter saw for the angled rail and leg cuts
• Table saw for ripping the rail segments
• Circular saw
• Brad nailer (optional, for the trim)
• Tape measure, pencil and safety gear

Common questions

What goes under the speed cloth? A layer of 1/8″ headliner foam or neoprene, glued to the plywood with contact cement, then the cloth stretched over it. That’s what gives the soft casino feel and keeps the chips quiet.

Why no racetrack or cup holders? On purpose. Players find racetracks annoying (cards are hard to pick up and the chips clack), and sunken cup holders eat into an already cozy 8-player surface. Clip-on holders go wherever the drinks are.

Is the base sturdy? Yes. My build used plywood at the top of the base and was a little wobbly, so the plans swap in 2×4 supports for more rigidity.

The full walkthrough is on the blog: DIY poker table with LED lights. Building out the game room? My DIY shuffleboard table pairs well with it.