Table-topper for gaming

[Bloody Legionnaire]

I'd like to make a table-topper for me to game on at home. I have a very sturdy (it supports a 500lbs granite slab) dining room table that is 63" x 35", that'd I'd like to place something on top of that would allow me to used a standard size gaming mat. 

Anyone have any idea for what I can use or build for this? I know building gaming tables can be expensive but I haven't found much information on anyone that made just the topper portion instead of building an entire table. 

 

Would taping foam insulation together to lay on top be the easiest/most cost effective? 

[Cleon]

Personally I bought an 8 foot by 4 foot slab of half inch thick MDF from the local large hardware store and got them to cut it into 2 foot by 4 foot strips. I can place them over a table when needed or just lean them up somewhere dry when not in use (although they pretty much stay up these days). I'd suggest you probably only need three 2 by 4s based on the size of your table, there's be a little hang over and you'd need to remember not to lean on it at the edge, but it'd do the job.

[Warhead01]

Depending on what kind of surface you like to roll on, MDF sheets aren't bad,  Maybe some kind of foam matting I believe I have seen these as small as 10 inch squares on amazon. they are multi colored so you might paint them or put a mat over the top. Foam sheeting for insolation comes as thin as 1/4" as well, you might be able to use that under a mat. 
Not really sure what else to recommend.  The only other thing that comes to mind would be a, I think it's called, a motorcycle mat or something like that. I know those come in a wide selection of sized and thickness. 

[Marshal Valkenhayn]

The suggestion of 1/2 inch MDF is a good one, but if you've got the space to store it whole, I'd aim for that option over smaller pieces. If you have access to the tools and the ability to do a little extra work, you could take some leftover strips of wood and bolt them onto the underside to frame the table it's sitting on, so that bumping it won't cause any sliding and the overall structure is sturdier. From there you might think about covering it with some pool felt or one of the other options mentioned above just so it looks a little less improvised.

[Valkyrion]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wonderwall-Budget-Mounted-Noticeboard-Aluminium/dp/B0B5F5XC3P/ref=psdc_192414031_t4_B01C76VNOG

 

I use something similar to this that I place over a 5'x3' table, and I used carpet adhesive to stick on a gaming mat on each side.

As it only overhangs 6" all around you don't have to worry about snapping it by leaning on it (clumsy ogres aside), and its really light so lifting it on and off is only a one man job.

 

[Oxydo]

I second the 4'x2' MDF board suggestions, but I can attest that the 6 mm ones (the whole 8x4 should weigh like 12+kg for the proper density of 700-800+ kg/m3) are thick enough even with an overhang of 23cm(9") on each side since my table is 75cm(2' 6") wide.

Making one of them into a 4'x4' should work fine too, especially if your table is a bit too short, but it's harder to store.

Edited August 6, 2023 by Oxydo