Convert an underutilized pool table into a digital game table
I considered buying an expensive game table or building one from scratch, but then where would I put the pool table in the basement? That pool table hadn’t been used for playing pool for years. Then it hit me! If you squint when you look at it, it almost looks like a game table.
I had an idea that was either genius or lame! Why not cut a hole in that pool table to convert it into a digital game table?! This article will show you how to make a game table from an inexpensive pool table, a TV, and $100 worth of supplies.
Recycled Pool Table – Game Table
Materials
- Pool table with top made of plywood not slate
- Large TV (52″ High Definition or smaller)
- 6 plastic marine cup holders
- Hot glue
- Scrap lumber and screws
- Trim molding (optional)
- Black paint
- 4 Headboard stoppers
Directions
Before you start this project, verify that the pool table has a plywood top on it and is not made of slate. Crawl around under the table and make sure that you can add appropriate bracing and support. Also make sure the TV can operate when laid down horizontally and can be connected to your computer, usually via an HDMI connection.
3. Here is the tricky part. Carefully peel up the felt that is glued to the plywood in the area where the TV will be. Ours came up in one piece so I could reuse it for the next step.
Because the cup holders were smaller than the pocket holes, I made felt flaps to fill in the gaps around each hole. Then I hot glued the flaps to the cup holders. I used more scrap felt to cover the vertical parts of the cup holders so that just the black round rim shows. Once dropped into place in the pocket holes, I screwed through the bottom of the cup holders into the wood supports. Your procedure will vary depending on how your pool table pockets are configured.
8. Screw headboard supports to the bottom pieces to support and level the TV.
10. (Optional) Make a rectangular frame out of wooden trim molding to cover the gap on top of the table around the installed TV. We stapled the corners of the frame and painted it black. We laid the frame loosely on the table over the TV’s frame to provide some protection to the screen from tossed dice.
11. Connect a computer to the TV and use Roll20 to display the player’s map on the TV. Place a monitor on the end that the DM can use for their more detailed map and controls.
This new setup is working great! In-person players can move their miniatures on the map. I echo those movements by moving their tokens in my version of Roll20 so remote players can see.
One in-person player is assigned the job of “Master of Minis” and their job is to move the remote player miniatures on the table when the remote players move their tokens in Roll20. Whenever new monsters come out, I reach under the table to access the new miniatures from my hidden shelves and then place them dramatically on the map.
This new hybrid setup give remote players a much better view of what is happening on the map, while letting in-person players interact with miniatures. For those times I play D&D with my traditional maps and props, I place a ping-pong conversion top over the digital table that I cover with a tablecloth and vinyl mat.
Please feel free to ask questions in the comments area below.
Bitzy the Bard
“Life is an adventure story and you are the star. Choose to play a hero!”
