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Now that I'm getting a house again, I want to set up a gaming room w/table again. I used to have a 4' x 8' 1/2" plywood table in my basement supported by 2x4's.

The newer 'dude room' is going to be smaller (11' x 12' roughly). I'll want room to put shelves around the room and chairs and room for people to move around. I was thinking of doing the same thing as last time, but cutting 2' off the table to make it a 6' x 4' table. I also saw that there are 6' x 2.5' folding tables available at Target/Lowes/Etc. I could put 3 2' x 4' boards on it, but I worry about it being stable and also if the 30" would be wide enough to do normal gaming (As opposed to Warhammer).

Anyone have any other suggestions?

skyth wrote: I also saw that there are 6' x 2.5' folding tables available at Target/Lowes/Etc. I could put 3 2' x 4' boards on it, but I worry about it being stable and also if the 30" would be wide enough to do normal gaming (As opposed to Warhammer).

This is the setup I have now.

It's fine for normal gaming (i.e. enough room to play big board games on) and when it has the 6x4 overlay on it it's quite stable.

I used like 1" and 1/4" inch thick boards, very hefty and heavy boards so they don't move.

If you don't mind doing a little bit of carpentry, you can trace the outline of your folding card tables on the bottom of your game board. After you do that, you can buy some molding (whatever is cheep at home depot or whatever lumber yard happens to be near you). Cut the molding pieces to fit the outlines you traced and nail/staple/glue the molding on. This will provide a recess for the card table to fit into and keep your game board from sliding around on you. Hint: if you use nails, make sure you hammer them in from the "game side" of the table so that the nail heads will be showing on the surface you plan to play on rather than the points.

If you want to be really fancy you could try what I've got in mind for my house (when I eventually move in) and use a pool table as a base for a gaming table! You can get a 6x3 pool table (folding if you're short on room) then a couple of bits of MDF, put some battons on the bottom to slot just inside the pool table cushions and glue some fabric/felt to the bottom of the battons/MDF so you don't damage the table.

Why not just buy multiple tables? You could do either 5'X 6' (might be a stretch if you're not ape-armed like myself), or cut 6" off of each table and have a closer fit?

The molding idea sounds good too, though. Also not a bad idea would be installing clamps underneath the board to really secure things. If you have clumsy friends, it's a good idea.

2 4x4 3/4 in plywood, or build up a gaming table with shelves and drawers undernieth.
You have the area to do it, might as well put together something that is going to work for you, in stead of against you.
Depending on the size of it, you can use the partical board with the little holes in it every 2 in, add the shelving from the local buildingf stor, or you can use just reagular 3x6 to build the shelving undernieth a framework of 4X4s with the plywood on top.

4x4's on the corners with 2x4's holding the framework. add the shelving under it per choice, and the additional fixings for your choice.

errugh?

Here is the table I built for my basement (then had to move it): 4x6" (can slide a 4x8 piece of plywood over it in a pinch).

The framing is 2x4s, with 4x4 legs for stability (so bumping the table has zero effect. I also built a shelf under it, and could have fit another. With a 4x6 area underneath, it holds most of my terrain, boxes of models, etc. And what doesn't fit on the shelf goes into plastic storage bins 'under' the shelf.

And, on the plus side, its all held together with screws, so I can take it apart to move it (except for the top frame).

skyth wrote: I also saw that there are 6' x 2.5' folding tables available at Target/Lowes/Etc. I could put 3 2' x 4' boards on it, but I worry about it being stable and also if the 30" would be wide enough to do normal gaming (As opposed to Warhammer).

Anyone have any other suggestions?

I bought one of these 6' x 2.5' tables and it doubles as both a painting table and gaming table. I have a couple of 6' x 4' half inch thick boards covered with green felt that I just store in a closet and when I'm actually wanting to game on the table I just drag it out and set it on top. It works quite well and seems pretty sturdy. Also, if I need the space in my study for something else I can just fold the table up and stick it in a closet. It is quite compact folded up. The second 6' x 4' goes on the kitchen table (over a table cloth) if multiple people are wanting to get a game in.

Edit: To clarify, both the legs fold and the table itself folds down the middle. It is very compact when fully folded up.

<sniff sniff> Cruentus, that reminds me of my long, lost work tables I had when I lived in a four-car garage. Perfect size for gaming and modeling. Ah well, when you upgrade and downsize from a garage to an apartment, there are some things you have to give up.