WHAT DO I NEED?

WHAT IS THE SHAPE OF THE TABLE?

HOW DO I PICK THE RIGHT TABLE COVER
FOR MY NEEDS?

1ST ONE MUST CONSIDER -
HOW MANY PLAYERS ARE SITTING AT THE GAME 
AND WHAT KIND OF TABLE ARE WE PLAYING ON!

It may seem like the really dumb question..
but Tables and Chairs are cruical to comfort.

When playing the game.. the serious moment --
need not be disrupted by the squeak of the chair,
the creak of the table.  IS THAT A TELL???

SO To begin with, you need to select the location, 
the table shape, table size, the set up..  Then
what kind of surface your prefer..?

WHAT KIND OF TABLE ARE WE USING?

RECTANGLE, OVAL, OBLONG, SQUARE, ROUND, OVAL OBLONG, HEXAGON?

I ask that question first as it makes a big difference. 

A rectangle or oblong table has 2 long  sides, the corners are squared.   

A square table is just that.. length of each side is the same.

A round table has a circumference.

An oval table as 2 long sides with rounded ends.

An oval oblong is a nice big rectangle table with round corners instead of squared corners.

A hexagon has angled corners.

Next - what is the table made of?

Is it glass, wood, plastic, composite?

Knowing that anwser.. sets the tone for the top.

GLASS

A glass table needs something soft on it to absorb the noise, and make the edge feel smooth and soft.  Some glass tables have a edge that is pretty yet rough to lean on.  Some glass tables also have a texture in the glass, so chips and cards do not slide. It looks pretty, but is not conducive to play. The Tablecover you select has to fix the feel of the glass surface.  Also consider, You may want a pad under the tablecover to give the surface a softer, but no trampoline, feel.

How about Premade Tabletops on glass?
This is a good option, if they do not slide. 
You may want to insulate the glass surface from the tabletop with a cloth barrier - felt pad or cloth quitled pad. 
Glass tables will accentuate any banging sound.

WOOD

A wood table by nature has a soft feel. 
The edges generally are not rough,
but the top can be slippery.  Many wood tables have a grain that is also annoying to play.
Any tabletop or cloth will work correct the feel.
A table padding my also be recommended.  Trial and error is suggested.  A premade tabletop would also work, if it fits the table properly.

PEG BOARD TABLES

This is truly an unique idea that came from a group of contracters.  A great setup for outside, as you can play, the table surface is durable to the outside, and can stay mounted out side as the top will will drain.  However, as great as this inexpensive surface for outside play maybe, you will need some sort of cover and padding.  The concept of the drill holes was so you could peg or anchor the cards to the table.  But the peg holes will be unconfrontable.  The edge will tend to be rough, and if not sanded, it will need a finished surface. 

PLASTIC PATIO

A plastic table may or may not have ridges on the entire top for outside moisture drainage. 
The plastic table feels like just that.. plastic.
It is a good, suitable playing surface. 
Plastic tables can come square, round and oval. 
Weathering maybe an issue, as plastic will break with prolong exposure to uv / sunlight.
A premade tabletop may work just right.

COMPOSITE?
These can be a plastic, even a stone mix.  You need a cover and a pad to make it feel more like a table, and not like a statue for birds.  Some composite tables are rather cheap and not solid.

TYPICAL CARD TABLE PREMADE TABLES?
These can be a plastic, even a METAL AND PAD mix.  Of all the orders we receive, it is for tables of this type that have been purchased for individual or group play.  They tend to be the typical 60" round verison with a one or 2 inch edge.  A drawstring or elastic band felt cover is the most recommended.  Pad generally is optional only.

TABLE LEG POISITONS?  Table legs can be a center post or set even with the table edge or inset by 1-4".  How you sit in relation to the leg says alot about confort - or distraction.  Be sure to take this into account with buying a new table, or covering an existing table.

PADDED TABLECLOTH COVERS?

DO I NEED A PAD?

Many times I am asked.. What is padding?

PADS

Pads can be any type of material that will not slide on the table, and will provide just enough cushion to the top for comfort without interrupting play.

Pads need to be thin enough so the table surface feels pleasingly soft.  Pads can not be so thick that chips bounce, or so the tablecloth bunches.

There are all sorts of pads available, but the trick is to find one that is wide and long enough to fit the table.  PADS DO NOT HAVE HEMS OR DRAWSTRINGS!

Do you have padding for the tablecloth to cover up the ridges and what types do your recommend?

LET'S MAKE THIS CLEAR ---
WHAT DO CASINO POKER TABLES USE FOR PADDING?

Actually they do not use pads.  The material that is on typical casino tables is a poly composite of plastic soft foam either rolled or stretched on the table, and totally afixed to the surface.  It is not felt or velvet or any atypical cloth.  It is a product that is not available for general recreational play.  

Can a foam backed tablecloth be as good as the real casino table?  Yes -- they are terrific. 
The foam will settle the cloth from shifting and give an insulated feel.  However, foam backed cloths may bunch in the wash, and they may not press out well.

There are several types of padding you could consider. 
Precut premade padded table boards. Foam, cotton batting, a thin layer of Fleece, or even an additional precut piece of Wool Felt.  All can be cut to fit. 

Precut premade padded table boards. Often referred to as Dinnig Room / banquet table under boards - These are made to existing sizes with a hard cardboard backing, fleece top and a smooth fiting cottom surface.  They can also have a vinyl top with fleece bottom layer.  Mst offered are for standard round or oval sizes (even rectangle with rounded corners).  Precut, premade can vary in price.  Some companies will custom make, the cost is rather expensive. 

Foam - A thin layer for foam is ideal, but it must be very thin.  Simply go to your local fabric store and purchase a sheet.  Lay it on the table, and cut it even with the edge.  The foam, however, will eventually wareout.  It does not wash well.  A very thin sheet maynot be readily available.

Cotton batting- can be found at any discount fabric store, even walmart.  You need a thin sheet.  Sheets however may not be wide enough, but can be flat stitched together.  Test for the right thickness, if possible.  They will bunch up in the wash.  I do not recommend them sewn to the table top.  Cotton batting is best for quilts, who whats to play on a quilt.

Fleece - Fleece will not bunch or shift under the tablecloth.. it is Machine washable, and can be cut to just about any size.  It does not require hemming, it will not ravel, it will not flake.  The cost can run anywhere from 8.99 - 14.99 a yard.  But the widths run upto 60"+.

Easiest solution.  You can go to your local department store (walmart, target, kmart) and buy a thin layer of Foam or Fleece and cut it to lay on top of the table, and just throw the tablecover over it.

Wool Felt - Ideally a precut pad of wool felt is just thick enough under a cover to give you that extra security.  It can be any kind of craft felt, as long as it is wide enough and fits to the table edge.  I do not recommend sewing the felt pad to the cloth, as it may bunch in the wash.

Plastic fuzzy backed tablecloths - A cheap holiday plastic fuzzy backed cloth is a quick and easy solution.  They run for 2.99 - 4.99. Put it on the table, and cut it even to the edges.  Then put a pokercloth on top of it.  You will not see the vinyl/plastic cloth, but it will cushions the table surface just enough, protects the table surface from spills and make the ridges vanish. 

ALL IN ONE - VLYNL PLASTIC - ELASTIC BANDED COVERS.
The ultimate - all in one solution.  These come in premade - precut certain sizes.  They rarely come, however, without a printed pattern.  They are cut to fit, but allow no adjustment.  Besure to pick a size that will fit your table. - see our list -  

Elasticized Table pads and Quilted Table Pads: These smooth fitting pads protect your tabletops and cushion elbows.  Quilted vinyl pads have a fleece backing and elasticized edges.  Preset sizes are available.  Also availalbe is a custom pad you cut yourself.  White vinyl is quilted over soft polyester.  Cut the shape and site you want.

Felt topped cardboard pads - The perfect solution.  If you can find them, they are the best pad for table and tablecloth.  They are premade, and may or may not fit the table.  They may or maynot be expensive.  Search the internet for companies that make or sell them.

PRECUT - READY MADE - BUY IT NOW FELT CLOTHS.
SEE OUR CURRENT LIST -

CLASSIC PREMADE TABLETOP TABLE WITH LEGS.

This is the Ultimate, obviously.  These range from cheap to rather expensive depending on the shape you purchase and the number of players. 

These come with a Bristol Billard Cloth top.  They are ideal for playing.  They may come with a padded bumper.  The only thing you may need for this, is a dust cover, or packing bag to protect it when you are not using it. 

When the table is not in use - should we cover it?  A DUST COVER / STORAGE - TRAVEL COVER FOR THAT EXPENSIVE TABLETOP UNIT YOU JUST INVESTED IN!

So you bought that great unit.. and there is nothing to save the top from damage when you put it up, or are not playing.  There has a been a recent demand.. what would work other than a sheet and a big rubber band (or safety pins etc.)

A neat wool felt tablecover made large enough with drawstring is the answer.  Need One?  Just ask .. we will prepare to your request.

What about elastic.  Elastic is great, easy, but the zip will wear out.  We recommend a good drawstring.

If you elect not to go via the wool felt.. try Fleece!
The cost per yard maybe more, but it is durable!