Step #3: Covering the Playing Surface

Creating the playing surface is one of the easier parts of building a poker table.  Select the right foam surface and cloth according to your preference.

Lay the center insert section (the inner most section of the oak sheet of plywood) on top of the 1/4" high density closed cell foam (Volara was used on this table) and trace the outline.  Cut to fit the very top of the playing surface but not to wrap around the edges at all.  Any excess may make fitting the playing surface into the racetrack more difficult. Use pray adhesive t help secure the foam t the wood.

After the adhesive has had a few minutes to dry place the foam topped wood insert on top of the cloth being used to cover the playing surface.  Cut to fit.

Pull the cloth tight, and staple.  Be sure to watch for any creases or wrinkles and do your best to work those out.  The playing surface can sometimes be difficult to fit back inside the racetrack so you want the minimal amount of cloth with no seems, creases or wrinkles on the sides of the insert.

The finished playing surface - looks pretty good!