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I am trying to buy a 6x4 table, which I've wanted for a while but I've been thinking now is a great time, what with staying at home as much as we are these days.

So I've been torn. I'm in the US, so the shipping for https://www.urbanmatz.com/c/6-x4-folding-table is really expensive. Plus it doesn't have a carrying bag, I read a review that implied it is susceptible to being accidentally 'closed' (partially), and doesn't look as spiffy or as nice as...

https://firmerterra.com/.
Now this one, firma terra's alpha gaming table, looks nice. Quality, I suspect, from what I can see (tell me if I'm wrong). Slight problem - it's been out of stock for some time, and won't be back in stock for over a month, I'm told, so early May ish. Pain.

I think I saw another 6x4 out there that is also out of stock.

So what is the best move here? Which table is of higher quality? They're quite expensive so I want to make the right choice, and I'm going to love with whatever I choose for a long time. Which table is better?

If you've got a sturdy smaller table handy it might be easier/cheaper to put 6'x4' of panels on top of another table rather than buying a whole extra table.

I just use 2 6ft x 2ft plastic folding tables

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01LXA5APM/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_apa_i_IqCDEbAJTBRCS

Supermarkets and garden stores will be full of folding picnic tables early summer. Finding a 6x4 is pretty rare but you can usually put 2 smaller ones together for a looot cheaper than what Urbanmatz charges.

I have two 6'x2.5' folding trestle tables. Put a 6x4 mat on that and you're fine.

Another folding table user here - wallpaper pasting tables cost next to nothing and pack away when not in use.

I have a set of 2'x4' mdf boards to put over the top to make the table surface, similarly inexpensive.

For $240 I'd approach a local handyman and ask if they can make you something similar or better.

Just get a 5x3" table, then buy 3 1'' thick flat boards, 2'x3', when someone comes over you can now save room and stack the wood on top of each other and have a smaller foldable table. All of this costs about $50 total.

Or go to garage sales or local thrift stores and buy a cheap table, then just put a 4x6' board on top.

You can get a folding table and a sheet of plywood for $50 at Home Depot or Lowe’s... have them cut the plywood in half for free. $240 for a folding table Is way to expensive

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lifetime-72-in-Almond-Plastic-Portable-Folding-Card-Table-80454/205825870

Another folding table user here. I put two 72x30 tables side by side. IIRC I got them at Lowe's, on sale for like $30.00 each. It's been working for me for 10+ years.

I'd like something nicer and a bit more permanent, but furniture piece game tables are crazy, stupid expensive. I had my eye on the Table of Ultimate Gaming since the Kickstarter ended, but there is an overwhelming amount of negative feedback surrounding the company and the people who run it.

I always keep my eyes open to new tables as they come out and I've looked into the Alpha table and the Urban Matz table and honestly, I think they're junk. The top surface is just thin sheets of plastic barely able to support the terrain and models.

At this point I believe the best answer for an economically priced table is either 1) use the folding tables or 2) build your own.

Absolutely agree with the 2x 6'x2.5' folding tables. Around $30-40 a piece for a "nicer" one, and gives you a 6x5 playing area, so you have a ledge for dice, cards, and junk. Also...you now have two folding tables for other use around the house (flea markets, etc.).

The nicer ones fold up and clip together with a carrying strap, and I can fit both of mine in my Golf...meaning I can take them anywhere. Sure they weigh more than a fancy folding aluminum table, but I cannot fathom paying so much for a simple folding gaming surface.

PS: Just want to add...if I told my friends that I spent $200+ on a folding aluminum table, I would expect...nay...demand...that they punch me with considerable force in and around my neck.

 Alex Kolodotschko wrote:
For $240 I'd approach a local handyman and ask if they can make you something similar or better.

If you have $240 burning a hole in your pocket that you "Must Have" a table for it, than I would go this route. As stated before, you can get similar for a lot cheaper at any hardware store. Get some plywood and have them cut to size, a 6' or 8' locking folding table, whatever you want to cover it with, and if is over $100 for all, than you are doing it wrong.

If you have $240 get the cheaper folding tables and guy some awesome terrain/mats.

For 240 you can probably buy a sheet of plywood, folding legs, and pine for supports. You'd get a much smoother surface. This is what I did but I made the table 7x4 for that extra bit of room

Even with my lack of carpentry skills, I think I could buy the handtools and materials needed to make my own gaming table for under $240 and have the tools left over for any future projects.

 Canadian 5th wrote:
Even with my lack of carpentry skills, I think I could buy the handtools and materials needed to make my own gaming table for under $240 and have the tools left over for any future projects.

And as we all get quarantined over the coming weeks/months you'll have little better to do than practice those carpentry skills.

I use these 2x4 aluminum camping tables from Amazon. They're around $40 each so for a 6x4 board you need three of them ($120), which is still a bit cheaper than the dedicated 6x4 folding table. Plus they're easier to store, easier to transport, and are generally more flexible and useful. Sometimes I'll set up 2 tables for a 4x4 board or just one table if I want to play Kill Team. They're also great compact hobby tables.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MBY4VST/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A867P1BBKCZM8&psc=1

ccs wrote:

 Canadian 5th wrote:
Even with my lack of carpentry skills, I think I could buy the handtools and materials needed to make my own gaming table for under $240 and have the tools left over for any future projects.

And as we all get quarantined over the coming weeks/months you'll have little better to do than practice those carpentry skills.

I work in a store that provides an essential service so unless myself or my roommate get sick I don't get the luxury of staying in. I do get an extra $2/hour and 40 hour weeks though so that helps a lot.

 H.B.M.C. wrote:
I have two 6'x2.5' folding trestle tables. Put a 6x4 mat on that and you're fine.

Exactly what I do which is great as it leaves half a foot on either side for each player to store dice, cards, models and books etc.

Bunnings (Australian Home Depot store) have these tables by the dozen.

I have one from gamemat.eu. Used the 10% voucher from miniwargaming and took a mat+table deal.

The table is quite ok and packs away nicely. I only need to buy something to soak up all the static, as rubber+aluminium don't go well together

 Netsurfer733 wrote:

https://firmerterra.com/.
Now this one, firma terra's alpha gaming table, looks nice. Quality, I suspect, from what I can see (tell me if I'm wrong). Slight problem - it's been out of stock for some time, and won't be back in stock for over a month, I'm told, so early May ish. Pain.

I think I saw another 6x4 out there that is also out of stock.

I saw Firmer Terra at last year's NOVA Open, met the founder. Were I in the market for a new gaming table, this is what I would choose.

When collapsed, the table occupies a very small amount of space. It would fit under my couch. We took it down while I was there, I was able to disassemble it and reassemble it in under 2 minutes.

My only concern was with the table strength. While it would definitely hold miniatures and stand up to some wear, I would be concerned about putting a large grocery order on top. The material is a lightweight alloy metal, I could see it getting some dings and dents.

For foldouts, getting simple folding serving tables, as mentioned in the first couple of posts, is the easiest. Two of them will support a 4x6 mat or a 4x6 piece of plywood, plus then terrain, etc.

If you have the space, building a simple 4x6 table is very easy using 2x4s and plywood. I built a super sturdy one for my basement with 4x6 shelf under it.

My friend asked for a game table and we did the same, but 6x12, for $150 in materials. The framing and such was larger, but fairly straightforward.

Storage, of course, is going to be the decider. But looking at the firmerterra table, while nice, that's a hunk of change for a folding table.