Creating a Gaming Table

[herigonz]

Apologies if this isn't the right forum. It is one of my new generic game projects

So I've been watching YouTube videos and other random stuff online that has me wanting to build a small gaming table for playing at home. Mostly for play with LOTR (if/when that happens), maybe Warmachine, and some Kill Team 40K. I'm pretty much set on just about all the aspects about it. I'm planning on building it with a plywood board and reinforce the underside. However I want to put polystyrene sheets (I think?) on the top layer for the actual models.

Therein lies my question. What kind/size of polystyrene should I look to get? About how thick? 1/4"? 3/8"? Honestly I'm not sure what sizes they come in. A second question, where is the best place to get it? I had been defaulting to maybe going to Michaels/Hobby Lobby but was thinking it might be cheaper at a hardware store (and also in bigger sizes).

So...does anybody have any suggestions? I assume it doesn't make sense to mail off for it either. I guess I don't mind using a bunch of smaller ones and attaching them to the plywood but I'd rather stick to larger sheets for sake of ease. I saw one particular guy from this forum (I think) make a YouTube post a few years ago that he and his brother made for LOTR which kinda got me inspired more than any other tables. Anyway, yeah.

[dwarfhold13]

if you go to a hardware store, they have insulation foam that might be exactly what you are looking for.. it's not compressed foam beads, and instead is that pink foam everyone uses for modeling. It's quite useful and even privateer press has some good tutorials on how to work with it.
good luck!

[Light of the Emperor]

Hi Herigonz. Welcome to Warseer!

I have a feeling you may be referring to my Log/ Video log on "How To Build A LotR Game Table"
LINK!!!

Polystyrene/ Insulation Foam is available at any major hardware store (Home Depot/ Lowes if you are in the US). They usually come in 8x2 ft sections. I've seen them range in thickness between .5 - 2 inches. An inch is about the standard. You can simply glue that onto some plywood to create a good gaming surface. This would let you add some features to the board by digging into the foam. It also helps dampen the sound of dice rolling across the table. If you want hills, you can buy the thicker foam so you don't have to stack up as much.
Hope that helps.

[herigonz]

Yes sir! That is the one. You did a great job. Just wasn't sure what kind of foam to ask for at the store. I want to start simple and build up. Wish I could have a gaming room like that.