How to Build a Craps Table

The craps table always draws a crowd at the casino, perhaps because there's usually so much whooping and hollering coming from the players. If you'd love to build your own craps table to spruce up your rec room or den, you're in luck. Once you know how to build a craps table, you'll discover that it's easier and less costly than you might have guessed.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Jigsaw (Saber saw)
• Various deck and wood screws
• Silicone adhesive
• Upholstery (optional)
• Billiard felt (billiard supply)
• Plywood
• Sander
• Rubber diamond (billiard supply)
• Wood glue
• Adobe Acrobat (PDF viewer)
• Plans

1. Get your plans to build a practice craps table (for free) from DiceSetter.com (see Resources below). Note that you will need Adobe Acrobat in order to view and download the plans.

2. Assemble all the tools and supplies you'll need to build your craps table according to the materials list provided in the plans. Note that you will need to purchase certain materials, such as the diamond rubber and table felt, from a billiard supply outlet. You can find these supplies at a website like Cue Sight (see Resources below).

3. Think about having the plywood cut for you at the lumber supply store when you purchase it. This can save you time and reduce the risk of making errors and wasting material.

4. Opt for a full-size professional grade craps table if that is your heart's desire. The craps table kit from Handyman Casino includes everything you need, from curved rail tops to the inner layout (see Resources below). All you supply is the plywood, screws and determination.

5. Consider making a variation to the plans for building the base of the craps table if you decide to go with a regulation-size table. For instance, you could construct the base to be a cabinet with shelves and doors. This would provide additional storage for your game room. Padding the base with upholstery is another idea.

Tips & Warnings

• While it's relatively easy to build a craps table, providing the finishing touches usually takes the most time.
• Be aware that there are kits available online to build a craps table yourself, but many of these can be quite expensive. Buying the plywood, felt and other miscellaneous materials yourself will save you a great deal of money.

Resources

• Download plans from Dice Setter
• Supplies from Cue Sight
• Craps table kit from Handyman Casino

[ddonuts7]

on 11/4/2008 I understand you use Volara as the padding underneath the felt. Anyone know what thickness is typically used?

[chadd]

on 5/1/2008 i would classify this as a bit more than 'Moderately Challenging'.

i built my own craps table. you can see the step by step here: http://www.landchark.com/the-adventures-of-chauncy-and-his-amazing-craps-table/

as you can see from my step by step, it's quite a big project. but once it's done, it's a lot of fun!