“By Rick Barber — Founder, LMNTL Custom Game & Furniture Manufacturing”

An Easy Game with a Timeless Appeal

Shuffleboard is one of the simplest and most enjoyable games to bring into a home or commercial space. It requires almost no learning curve, can be played by anyone regardless of age or skill level, and turns any room into a social environment.

Unlike pool or poker tables, a shuffleboard table can be installed neatly along a wall, needing minimal clearance at each end. This makes it the perfect complement to larger centerpiece tables in a game room.

See how design meets function in our “Genesis Shuffleboard Table”

Why Quality Matters More Than Ever

While shuffleboard tables may look simple, their quality varies dramatically. The playfield is the core of the table and where craftsmanship truly shines.

A high-quality playfield is made from dense hardwood, usually hard maple, laminated into a butcher block. This strengthens the wood, stabilizes it, and allows a single, seamless surface that can extend up to 20 feet.

The smoothness, flatness, and consistency of the playfield are what make a shuffleboard table enjoyable for decades.

The Forgotten Weak Link: The Tray

Often, the playfield is not the problem. The tray or cradle that supports it is usually the weak point. Many manufacturers cut corners with lighter materials or weaker joinery, compromising durability.

A strong, well-braced tray is critical to ensure the playfield remains perfectly flat and stable over time.

The Fundamentals of a Quality Build

From years of experience, the following are non-negotiable for shuffleboards meant to last a lifetime:

1. Playfield Thickness

• Premium tables use a 3-inch thick playfield

• Supports weight distribution and ensures smooth puck glide

2. Wood Selection

• Hard maple is the benchmark

• Dense, straight-grained, and resistant to humidity changes

3. Construction of the Tray

• Must be rigid, stable, and properly braced

• LMNTL ensures tray longevity matches the playfield

4. Finish & Surface Protection

• Multi-layered, properly cured finish for smooth glide

• Protects against moisture, wear, and maintains play quality

Design That Becomes Art

Shuffleboards are highly customizable. LMNTL has built tables with:

• Multiple wood species for contrast and tone
• Embedded epoxy designs inspired by live-edge furniture
• Logos, crests, or unique patterns in the playfield

The end result is both functional and a visual centerpiece — a timeless addition that invites play and admiration.

Explore what’s possible with our “Custom Shuffleboard Designs,” blending fine art and play

Built to Last, Built to Enjoy

Shuffleboard is a game for all ages — children, parents, and grandparents can play together. Properly built tables last decades; LMNTL tables are designed to be heirlooms.

Quality materials, solid joinery, and meticulous attention to detail ensure the table remains both functional and beautiful for generations.