How To Build A Race Track Poker Table

Adding a racetrack to your poker table

      To add a racetrack to our original poker table plans isn't all that difficult.  You should still start at step one to learn how to build the basic table first though.  You will have to use the extra piece of wood (D) that was previously labeled as optional though.  You'll also have to make sure that one of your pieces of wood has a good side that you can stain and finish. 

Additional supplies needed:

• One extra sheet of plywood
• Stain
• Polyurithane
• Paint Brush
• Sand Paper
• Cup Holders (Optional)
• Hole Saw (Optional if you use cupholders)

       Once you've gathered everything you need and decided how you would like to finish your exposed wood its time to get started.  You will build the rail exactly as the original plans have instructed.  I recommend that you actually build and finish the rail before you build your racetrack.  That way you will be able to get a look at the table(without the track or playing surface upholstered) and get an idea of how wide you want your racetrack.  Once the wood is cut and the railing is upholstered, assemble your standard casino style table with the playing surface as bare wood.  Then decide how wide you want your race track to be.  You are going to cut the racetrack out of the original playing surface but you are going to use both pieces still so be carefull(Fig 5-1).

       Once you have cut the playing surface (A) you will have A1 and A2.  A2 will be your racetrack and A1 you can upholster as normal.  Now is a good time to assemble your table again and cut the holes for the cup holders with a hole saw if you plan to use build in cup holders.  You want to do it before you finish the wood and you need to assemble the table to cut the holes because you are going to cut through the base (D) as well and you want the holes to line up so the cup holders drop in easily. 

       When you finish the racetrack make sure to sand well between coats of polyurithane and clean any dust that may be left from sanding.  If done correctly and you apply enough poly your racetrack should look wet at all times.  Hopefully it won't be though.

       With your holes cut, your playing surface upholstered, your railing assembled, and your racetrack finished, its time to put the thing together.  I have included a top view (Fig 5-2) and a cross section (Fig 5-3) of how the table goes together.  If you need further instruction see the original plans on assembly.

       When you assemble your table, your playing surface will be slightly higher than your racetrack due to the thickness of the foam and the felt.  If you want to eliminate this slight difference in height you can shim the racetrack all the way around before assembly. 

       For more variations on your poker table visit our other ideas section.  Also if you have ideas of your own be sure to let us know.  If you build a poker table and our plans helped out give something back.  Share some photos of your table.