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Time to read 5 min
If you are in the market for a home or business shuffleboard table, the size you select depends on more than just available space. However, for many looking to add a shuffleboard table to their home, size will remain a very important factor. Fortunately, with tables ranging in length from nine to twenty-two feet, you have many options to choose from. In addition, shorter tables are generally narrower as well, with widths of the playing surface ranging from eighteen to twenty inches. This means there is a shuffleboard table for any purpose, home or commercial, to meet your needs.
Unlike pool or billiards, a shuffleboard table does not require a significant amount of space beyond the table's dimensions for gameplay. With a pool table, you typically need at least four feet of space around the entire perimeter to accommodate players and their cue sticks. However, with shuffleboard, the only player space you need is at each end of the table, and only enough to allow standing space.
There is no optimum amount of space to leave open, but for most applications, a minimum of three feet should be allowed on each end. In addition, because one side of the length of the table can be butted against a wall, the total floor space footprint of the table is reduced significantly. The only other space required is along the remaining length of the table, needed only for players to change sides after alternate games. In a home or crowded bar environment, this space is again not significant. Finally, height is not a factor other than to accommodate the players. Once you have determined how large a table you can accommodate, you need to consider where you will place it to ensure the floor is stable and level. Correct leveling includes both the length and width of the table, and although a flat, level floor is ideal, many tables can be adjusted by raising and lowering the adjustable legs. If your game room is in the basement of your home, you might also want to consider the humidity level and dehumidify the space to keep your table in top condition. Not only will this benefit your table and playing experience, but it will also make the space more comfortable for players and typically increase the time you enjoy using your table. If you plan to use a shuffleboard table in your business, such as a sports bar or pub, you will want to apply the same space requirements, with a few additional considerations. In a public space, you will want to make sure your table and the play do not disrupt customer traffic, for example, by placing it along the back wall. Because of their narrow profile, a shuffleboard table can be used in spaces that are not open to other forms of gaming entertainment, and you can set them in spaces that would otherwise go unused. If you have the space, you can even run two tables side by side, doubling the play space without using much additional floor space. With many sizes available to fit your needs, shuffleboard tables require little space but can provide endless hours of entertainment.
Review our installation & access tips (two‑piece options for tight stairs), or browse our size categories:
Tip: Shuffleboard needs comfortable standing space at each end; side‑to‑side clearance can be minimal, and one long side may sit against a wall if desired.
| Table Length | Suggested Room Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9 ft | ≈ 12–13 ft | Compact footprint; authentic play in tight rooms. |
| 12 ft | ≈ 15–16 ft | Most popular home size with a more “tournament‑like” glide. |
| 14 ft | ≈ 18 ft | Enthusiast upgrade; heavier board & cabinet. |
| 16 ft | ≈ 19–20 ft | Serious home play; near‑regulation feel. |
| 18 ft | ≈ 21–22 ft | Space‑friendlier alternative to 20/22 ft. |
| 20 ft | ≈ 23–24 ft | Tournament‑class experience without full regulation length. |
| 22 ft (Regulation) | ≈ 25–26 ft | Official regulation length used in tournaments. |
Note: These are practical planning ranges for comfortable play and access. Always measure your delivery path (doors, stairs, turns). For tight access, we offer two‑piece cabinets and two‑piece playboards on many models.
Most shuffleboard tables need space at each end for players to stand and shoot. As a rule of thumb, plan for the table length plus 2–3 feet of clearance at each end.
A Shuffleboard Table can sit close to a wall; about 1 ft is usually fine. If you’re using an electronic scorer on a pole, allow extra space for the pole to clear.
Playfield vs. cabinet length: The playfield is typically ~16 inches shorter than the overall cabinet length (e.g., a 22′ table has a ~20′ 8″ playfield). When we talk about shuffleboard sizes, we are not referring to the plank or playboard; we mean the length from end to end of the cabinet.
Foul lines: 16′ and longer tables commonly include two foul lines (one at each end), positioned about 6′ from the end. 9-to 14-foot shuffleboard tables have only one foul line. This is the only difference. You can set house rules as a tournament director would if you are playing the long foul line (furthest line) or the short foul line (nearest line). The rules are that if a puck does not cross the foul line, it must be removed from the board.
Standard lengths are 9, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 feet. We also build custom sizes on request.
Most buyers choose the largest size their room and access path can comfortably accommodate. For the best experience, plan for at least 2 to 3 feet of standing space at each end of the table.
Our best sellers are typically 12-foot and 14-foot tables for home game rooms. Serious players and enthusiasts often step up to 16, 18, 20, or the 22-foot regulation length.
Use our room-length guidelines to match your space. Plan for standing space at each end; many owners place one long side against a wall to reduce the footprint. Ensure your floor is level and that you can control the humidity in the room for the best table performance.
Comments
thinking about adding a shuffleboard to my game room. Would prefer a smaller version if they are available. 8 ft would be maximum length but I do not want it to dominate the room
Thanks for your interest in McClure! We can definitely help out with a custom-size table for your game room. Give us a call at 616-662-5974 with the dimensions you need and the style of table you’re looking for, and we can get you some quotes on the price.
I’m not sure if this is the best place to leave this comment but here goes. We purchased two shuffleboard tables from Amazon.com to save money. Big mistake. We complained since their climate adjusters would not adjust to a concave pattern. So, the shipping company, Bluewave, told us to field destroy the first one and they’d send a second. It was no better. When we took the first one apart we saw why. The playing surface is glued down. And the adjusters themselves were a joke. Turns out it’s just a marketing gimmick. It was to say that they have climate adjusters…but they don’t work. We got a full refund from Amazon….yay. Then by searching the web, I found McClure Tables. Todd has become my hero. We purchased a 14’ Patriot and everything is EXACTLY the way a Shuffleboard Table should be. Quality is everything to me. I wish I’d started here and saved all that aggravation. Thanks Todd and McClure Tables…you’re the best!
