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The best shuffleboard wood is hard rock maple because it truly stands the test of time. Shuffleboards from the 1940s made of hard rock maple look as handsome as the day they were made. You can find less expensive woods, but they aren't as hard and won't last as long. Canada soft maple and Russian birch are less expensive, softer wood options. Watch out for woods such as rubber wood, China birch, or poplar. Sometimes a table will have a maple top over a poplar body. Choose a company that specializes in quality shuffleboards so you don't have to worry about cheap knockoffs.
Equally important as the shuffleboard table material is the finish. Ideally, choose one that has USA manufactured polymer with a lifetime warranty. You can also get spray finish, but this eventually wears off and will have to be replaced. Some sprays have a harder finish and can last for years.
Also important to the shuffle board is its glue design. The boards should be laminated together so that the boards are running up and down, vertical to the play surface. This way you still get an accurate bond but can adjust the board with the climate adjusters. Avoid plank-like construction of boards in stacks of three rows. This may be called butcher block, but it isn't true in technique and won't last as long.
Ideal construction for shuffleboards is the edge glued joint that uses a tongue and groove glue joint instead of simply gluing together the flat surface of the boards. It ends up using 20 percent more wood, so it is more expensive, but it is an integrally strong design. If you get a maple board, edge glued joints are essential. You'll have a strong shuffle board that will last for generations.
Ideally, shuffleboards should have a 20 inch wide surface at least 3 inches thick. Some economical tables come in 15 to 16 inches and just 2 ½ inches thick. If you want a professional board, you'll need 20 inches. It's the only way to play a quality game. If you do get a cheaper board, you should get smaller pucks to accommodate less surface play.
If you want to save on your shuffleboard, start with the cabinet. The best cabinets have solid hard woods and veneer panels. If you don't want to pay for hard wood, you can get a quality laminated cabinet much cheaper without sacrificing the quality of the game or table. Laminate is similar to most kitchen counter tops. It's cheap without looking cheap. A veneer is a layer of real wood placed over a plywood or particle board surface. Since it's not the actual board, neither will impact your enjoyment of the game.
Custom design your own shuffleboard, but don't skimp on the actual paying surface. If you are shopping on a budget, invest in the board but skimp on the cabinet. A shuffleboard table is a great way to get people together. Design your own board and be the center of the action.
About this Author
Andy West is a writer on many topics, including games, sports, and entertainment. Finding the perfect shuffleboard table can be an enjoyable and interesting experience when you take advantage of the variety of options available for custom design.
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