All About Outdoor Shuffleboard Table

Shuffleboard is a popular indoor table game in bars, recreation centers, and game rooms. While it’s mostly played inside, you can play shuffleboard outdoors (also known as ground shuffleboard). To play shuffleboard outside, you’ll need to mark a court using chalk, play in a particular court, or use a custom-built outdoor table.

Most games are played on a table designed for indoor use. However, you can buy a custom-built outdoor shuffleboard table or build your own that can withstand outside elements. Some indoor tables can also be redesigned to make them suitable for outdoor use year-round.

Keep reading to learn more about using an indoor and outdoor shuffleboard table.

What is Outside Shuffleboard Called?

Outdoor shuffleboard, commonly called ground shuffleboard, is when the game of skill is played outside on the ground, in an outdoor shuffleboard court, or via a painted/chalked court in an open area. Indoor shuffleboard is best known as table shuffleboard and involves playing the game on a specially designed table, usually constructed of wood and fabric.

Can You Have a Shuffleboard Table Outside?

Shuffleboard can be played indoors or outdoors, although it’s most commonly played in bars or homes via an indoor shuffleboard table. There are two types of games: ground shuffleboard and table shuffleboard. When playing the game outdoors, it’s known as ground shuffleboard; when playing indoors, it’s called table shuffleboard.

Originating as a game played on land, you can play shuffleboard outdoors. However, most modern tables are not designed to be kept outside unless treated with weatherproof protection. If building your outdoor shuffleboard table, use Marine Grade plywood or treat plywood with epoxy to ensure it can withstand rain, wind, heat, and morning dew.

If purchasing a prefabricated shuffleboard table, check the manufacturer’s guide to determine if the table can be kept outdoors during all weather. Tables with carpet or fabric on the interior cannot be used externally. If made entirely from wood, you can weatherproof a shuffleboard table to keep it outdoors year-round.

One of the reasons that shuffleboard tables are well-suited for outdoor use is that they are made from durable materials. For example, many outdoor tables are made from aluminum, which won’t rust or rot.

Additionally, the playing surface is usually coated with a UV-resistant material so it won’t fade in the sun. The best outdoor tables also have an integrated drainage system, allowing rainwater to run off efficiently without pooling on the surface.

What is the Regulation Size of an Outdoor Shuffleboard?

According to official regulations, an outdoor shuffleboard court must be 52 feet long and 6 feet wide. Indoor shuffleboard tables should be 22 feet long and 20 inches wide to be considered suitable for official gameplay. Other smaller shuffleboard table sizes are available for homes, bars, and game rooms.

Most bars and recreation centers generally host 14 feet or 16 feet shuffleboard, as these are easy to fit on most premises. The most miniature table available is 12 feet, which can still host the game but doesn’t offer the same effect. The smaller tables will naturally hinder gameplay, leading to a less competitive match.

Pucks should be 2 5/6 inches in diameter and made from hardened steel. To ensure the game can be played correctly without hindrance, pucks should be waxed on the underside routinely, depending on how frequently it’s used, to ensure you gain maximum control during gameplay.

Is a 12 Foot Shuffleboard Big Enough?

The smaller the table, the easier it is to play shuffleboard. While smaller-sized tables are available (with lengths between 8-12 feet), they are easier to play, leading to a less competitive game.

You can still play shuffleboard on a 12-foot table and smaller, but the game will be very different compared with playing on a larger table (between 16-22 feet) and not anywhere near as challenging. This is because the shorter and narrower design makes getting your pucks in a good position when playing easier.

Summary

Buying or building your outdoor shuffleboard table is an excellent way to make your yard a more entertaining space during summer. While they are best kept covered during wet and frosty conditions to protect the paintwork, most outdoor shuffleboard tables can be left outside year-round without trouble.

To build an outdoor shuffleboard table that can withstand the wet, wind, rain, and frost, use a strong type of plywood (like Marine Grade plywood) and seal the exterior with a weatherproof coating (like epoxy). This will ensure your table is durable and lasts a long time.