Homemade Game Tables

Homemade game tables offer an array of exciting entertainment because you can customize them to suit your family's needs. The benefit of making your own oversize game console is you can change the top for a different adventure every time.

Preparation

Select pieces of plywood and four planks of lumber for the table construction. Determine the size of the plywood by considering the number of people who play games in your home. If you and another individual play checkers often, construct a small table that fits two people on either side comfortably. If you play games that require four or more players, construct a larger table. Do not consider the physical size of the game to determine the table size because each game can be enlarged to fit the tabletop.

Choose half the amount of plywood for the total amount of games you play in your home. Each side of the wood will have a game board on it. This technique saves space by combining two games on one piece. Study the game board to paint the exact replica on the plywood in a larger version. Extend each side out to the side of the wood to make the board accessible for all players. Repeat this step for one side of each plywood top. When the paint dries, glaze over the entire board with a clear coat. After the glaze dries, flip the board over and paint the other games on the blank side and coat with the glaze when it dries.

Building the Table

Construct a basic table using a blank piece of plywood for the surface and wood planks for the legs. The size of the surface needs to be the same size or larger than the painted pieces of plywood because the large game boards will rest on top of the table during play. You may also want to paint a new game on the surface of the table top.

Additional Considerations

Consider constructing new, larger game pieces for the game tables. You can use the old pieces but they will look extremely small on the oversize board. If the game uses cards, copy the information onto large note cards. Note cards have the same thick consistency of game cards and can be purchased in a variety of sizes to suit the dimensions of the board.