The idea is seductive: build your own board game table. You'll save money, get exactly what you want, and have the satisfaction of crafting something with your own hands. YouTube makes it look achievable. Reddit is full of success stories.
But before you start shopping for lumber, let's do the math honestly. The true cost of a DIY gaming table often surprises people—and not in a good way.
The Materials Cost Myth
Most DIY cost estimates focus on materials. "I can buy the wood for $400!" True, maybe. But materials are often the smallest part of the equation.
A Realistic Materials List
For a quality gaming table with a vault, rail system, and dining toppers, expect:
- Hardwood lumber: $400-800 depending on species and quality
- Plywood for vault bottom: $50-100
- Playing surface material: $50-150
- Hardware (screws, bolts, brackets): $50-100
- Finish (stain, oil, or lacquer): $50-150
- Sandpaper, glue, miscellaneous: $50-100
Materials subtotal: $650-1,400
Already higher than most estimates. And we haven't talked about tools.
The Tool Investment
Here's where DIY economics often fall apart. Building furniture requires tools—and quality tools aren't cheap.
Essential Tools
- Table saw: $300-800 (don't cheap out here—safety matters)
- Miter saw: $200-400
- Router + bits: $150-300
- Drill/driver: $100-200
- Random orbit sander: $50-150
- Clamps (you need many): $100-300
- Measuring/marking tools: $50-100
- Safety equipment: $50-100
Tools subtotal: $1,000-2,350
If you already own these tools, great—your calculation changes significantly. But if you're starting from scratch, the tool investment alone often exceeds the cost of buying a table.
The "I'll Use Them Again" Argument
Yes, tools are an investment. You can use them for future projects. But be honest: will you? Many DIY gaming tables are one-off projects. Those tools might sit in your garage for years.
If you genuinely plan to pursue woodworking as a hobby, the tool investment makes sense regardless of this project. If you're buying tools specifically for one table, factor the full cost.
The Time Investment
Time is money, even when we pretend it isn't.
Realistic Time Estimates
For a first-time builder creating a quality gaming table:
- Planning and design: 10-20 hours
- Material selection and purchasing: 5-10 hours
- Milling and preparation: 10-20 hours
- Joinery and assembly: 30-50 hours
- Finishing: 10-20 hours
- Mistakes and fixes: 10-30 hours
Total: 75-150 hours
At even a modest $20/hour valuation, that's $1,500-3,000 in time. At professional rates, far more.
Experienced woodworkers work faster. But experienced woodworkers also aren't reading articles about whether to DIY—they already know their answer.
The Hidden Costs
Mistakes
You will make mistakes. Everyone does. Some mistakes waste material (that $80 board you cut wrong). Some waste time (the joint that doesn't fit, requiring hours of adjustment). Some require starting over.
Budget an extra 20-30% on materials for mistakes. It's not pessimism; it's realism.
Workspace
Do you have space to build a large table? You need room to maneuver full sheets of plywood and long boards. You need space for assembly. You need somewhere for finish to cure.
If you need to rent garage or workshop space, add that cost.
Iteration
Your first design probably won't be perfect. You might build something, use it, and realize you want changes. Professional makers have iterated through dozens of designs. Your first attempt won't match their refinement.
What You Actually Get
DIY Advantages
Complete customization: Any size, any feature, any design. No compromises.
Learning experience: You'll develop real skills that transfer to other projects.
Pride of creation: There's genuine satisfaction in using something you built.
Potential cost savings: If you have tools and skills already, DIY can be significantly cheaper.
DIY Disadvantages
Quality uncertainty: Your first furniture piece won't match professional quality. It might be great; it might have issues that bug you forever.
No warranty: When something goes wrong, you fix it yourself.
Time cost: Those 100+ hours come from somewhere—evenings, weekends, family time.
Delayed gratification: Months of work before your first game night on the new table.
When DIY Makes Sense
DIY is the right choice if:
- You already own the necessary tools
- You have woodworking experience (or want to develop it)
- You genuinely enjoy the building process, not just the end result
- Your requirements are unusual enough that no commercial option fits
- You have the time and space to commit to a months-long project
- You're comfortable with the possibility of imperfect results
When Buying Makes Sense
Buying is the right choice if:
- You'd need to purchase most tools
- Your time is limited or highly valuable
- You want a guaranteed quality outcome
- You'd rather spend weekends gaming than building
- Commercial options meet your needs adequately
- You want something ready in weeks, not months
The Honest Calculation
Let's compare realistic scenarios:
DIY (starting from scratch):
- Materials: $1,000
- Tools: $1,500
- Time (100 hours × $25): $2,500
- Total: $5,000
DIY (with existing tools and experience):
- Materials: $800
- Tools: $0
- Time (60 hours × $25): $1,500
- Total: $2,300
Buying a quality gaming table:
- Table: $1,500-3,000
- Time: minimal
- Total: $1,500-3,000
For most people, buying is actually cheaper—especially when you value your time honestly.
The Middle Path
Consider hybrid approaches:
Buy a base, customize details: Purchase the table structure and add your own accessories, playing surface, or finish details.
Commission custom work: Have a local woodworker build to your specifications. More expensive than production tables but less than full DIY cost once you factor time.
Start smaller: Build a gaming topper for your existing dining table first. Lower cost, lower risk, and you'll learn whether you enjoy the process before committing to a full build.
The Bottom Line
DIY gaming tables can be wonderful projects for the right person. But they're rarely the money-saving choice they appear to be. Be honest about tool costs, time investment, and the value of guaranteed quality.
If you love woodworking and want to develop skills, build the table. If you want a gaming table and building is just the means to that end, buying almost always makes more sense.
The Arcadian table delivers professional quality, precision engineering, and years of refinement in a flat-pack design that assembles in 30 minutes. For most people, it's the better path to game night. See what thoughtful design looks like.