How To Decide On A Game Table

Turn Your Home Into the Ultimate Game Room: Game Table Buying Guide

Building the perfect entertainment space starts with choosing the right game table. Whether you're upgrading a basement, designing a dedicated game room, or adding something fun to a shared living space, the right setup can completely transform how your family and friends spend time together.

From a classic pool table to a fast-paced foosball table, a stylish poker table, a long and impressive shuffleboard, or a versatile multi-game table with ping pong, air hockey, and dining options — there’s a perfect match for every home.

Browse our full lineup here: Deck and Den Game Table Collection.

This guide walks you through what to look for, how much space you really need, and how to choose the right game table for your lifestyle.

1. Start With Your Space (Before You Buy Any Game Table)

People often start by falling in love with a gorgeous pool table or a sleek foosball table online — only to find out later that it doesn’t quite fit. Measuring first makes everything easier, especially when choosing game tables for basements or multi-purpose rooms.

Step 1: Measure the Usable Footprint

Grab a tape measure and note:

• Room length and width
• Ceiling height (important for lighting above a pool or ping pong table)
• Obstacles such as support posts, doors, windows, stair openings, bulkheads, or built-in furniture

You’re not just checking if your future game table fits — you're checking if people can move, shoot, lean, swing, reach, and enjoy themselves comfortably.

Step 2: Add Practical, Real-World Clearance

Leave around 3 feet of open space on all sides of your game table.

Here’s what that looks like when you’re planning around the table itself:

• Pool tables: For both 7-ft and 8-ft tables, aim for roughly 4–5 ft of clear space from each rail to the nearest wall.
  Full guide: How to Choose the Right Pool Table
• Foosball tables: Allow about 4 ft on each long side for rod extension and players + 2 ft at each end.
• Shuffleboards: Leave 2–3 ft behind each end for shooting + 2 ft along each side.
• Poker tables: Keep about 3 ft from table edge to walls so chairs can slide back.
  Poker guide: Poker Table Buying Guide
• Ping pong tables: For full-size (9' × 5'), leave 5 ft behind each end + 3 ft per side.
• Air hockey tables: For 6–7 ft models, leave 3–4 ft at each end + 2–3 ft per side so players can move freely.

2. Multi-Game Table vs Dedicated Game Table

One of the biggest decisions is whether to buy a multi-game table or a dedicated table like a shuffleboard or poker table. Both offer huge value depending on how you plan to use your space.

Explore all options here: Game Table Collection.

Multi-Game Tables: Maximum Versatility

Ideal for families, basements, and multi-purpose spaces where you want lots of activity without needing separate tables.

Great if you want:

• Pool + ping pong + dining in one table
• Variety for kids, teens, and visitors
• Maximum entertainment per square foot

Dedicated Game Tables: Premium Play Experience

• Shuffleboards provide smooth, precision gameplay.
• Poker tables elevate game nights.
  Read our Poker Table Guide
• Foosball tables deliver fast, competitive play.
• Pool tables act as the centerpiece of any game room.
  Read our Pool Table Guide

3. “What If I Don’t Know How to Play One of the Games?”

This is one of the most common concerns when buying a multi-game table — and thankfully, it's almost never an issue.

• You don’t need to use every game.
• Most games are easy to learn.
• Guests love variety.

4. Build Quality: What Really Matters

A quality game table should feel solid, stay level, and last for years — especially in basements or busy family spaces.

Frame & Durability

• Heavier = better for stability.
• Solid wood or reinforced MDF prevents flex.
• Strong bases are essential for shuffleboards and pool tables.

Play Surface Quality

• Pool: smooth felt + proper slate support
• Foosball: sealed, fast surfaces
• Shuffleboard: smooth polymer-coated top
• Ping pong: thicker tabletop reduces warping

Hardware & Components

• Leveling feet (especially in basements)
• Chrome-plated rods on foosball tables
• Reinforced legs and rails for long-term stability

5. Match the Game Table to Your Lifestyle

Families & Casual Play

A multi-game table, foosball table, or ping pong table offers variety and quick fun for all ages.

Adults Who Host

A premium poker table, a modern pool table, or a handcrafted shuffleboard adds atmosphere and sophistication.

Game Room Purists

Start with a statement pool table and add supporting pieces like a foosball table or shuffleboard depending on your space.

Shop all premium options here: Deck and Den Game Tables.

6. Quick Decision Checklist

1. Measure your space (length, width, ceiling height, obstacles)
2. Choose your main game: pool, foosball, shuffleboard, poker, ping pong, air hockey, or multi-game
3. Decide: multi-game vs dedicated
4. Check build quality and hardware
5. Match the style to your home
6. Plan accessory and storage needs

7. Final Thoughts

The right game table doesn’t just fill a room — it becomes the heart of your home. Whether you pick a pool table, poker table, foosball table, shuffleboard, ping pong table, air hockey table, or a versatile multi-game table, you’re investing in years of connection, fun, and memories.

Explore all your options here: Deck and Den Game Table Collection.

Choose the one that fits your space, your style, and how you love to play — and let the games begin.