8 Best Felt Options for Poker Table (2023 updated)

Despite the popularity of online poker sites, there are two things that players will always miss: the chips and the felt. However, when you’re playing live poker, the felt always seemed to look and feel different. So the question is, what felt option is perfect for your poker table?

The best felt option for a poker table is the Da Vinci 2-Sided Felt. It has the perfect balance between the slide, texture, functionality, and price. The other options that you can choose from are Brybelly 2-Tone Speed Cloth, Stalwart Suited Polo, Trademark Poker Felt, and YH 2-Tone Speed Cloth.

Choosing the best felt for a poker table is never an easy task, though. You need to consider many things, but we’ll cover all of them in great detail. We’ll go through the different types of felt that you can use, and a few recommendations that could go well with your poker table.

In a hurry? Here is the Amazon list of best-felt options for poker table:

7 Types of Felt for Poker Tables

Many people say that the wood you use for the poker table doesn’t really matter, as long as you have the best felt.

That’s arguable, but we can’t refute the need for you to have the best felt. Aside from the texture that many players miss when they’re off the table, an excellent table felt also makes it easier for cards to slide across.

If you have the right construction, you can take your poker games to a whole new level just by having a decent table felt. The problem is, it can be difficult for anyone to find the best type of felt. To help you find the best option, here are the seven types of table felt for your poker table:

Suited Speed Cloth

Suited speed cloth is the most popular type of table felt that you’d see in most poker tables. The main material for this cloth is polyester, but it has been treated with waterproofing agents to make it more durable. When you spill liquid on a suited speed cloth, it’ll bead up, and the fabric won’t absorb it. It’s easier to clean and lasts longer compared to most felt available.

If you ask professional dealers, they’ll tell you that suited speed cloth is their preferred table felt because the material makes it easy for them to slide the cards across. It’s functional, durable, easy to maintain, and relatively cheap. That’s why it’s the type of felt that cardrooms use for their poker tables.

3 examples of suited speed cloth

Casino-Style Poker Felt

The casino-style poker felt is the option for people who want to take their poker table to the next level. This cloth has the same look and texture that you’d typically see in casinos—professional and elegant. It has subtle graphics that add to the look and feel of the felt, and it doesn’t wear off like what you’d see in cheaper options. Manufacturers use the dye sublimation process to dye the graphics into the cloth, making sure that it lasts as long as the table felt would.

The fabric is water and stain-resistant, making it easier to maintain. However, new dealers may find it challenging to use because it’s slightly more resistant than suited speed cloth. It’s advisable for a cardroom with professional dealers, but it may not be that great for casual players dealing with the cards themselves.

Poker Table Cloth

A poker table cloth is the best option for people who are only trying to set up their poker tables for the first time. It’s the most cost-effective option you can get, and you don’t have to go through the hard decision of choosing what’s best for you. With this felt option, cards are easier to pick up and slide across the table.

However, if you’re going to use it for your table, you’ll have to replace it more often than other felt options. It’s not water and stain-resistant, and it’s not as durable. It only comes in green color, so the options that you have may be limited. It has decent functionality, but the biggest reason you’d buy it for your table is its price.

Padded Table Felt

A padded table felt is the perfect option for those who don’t want to go through the complexities of building their poker tables. It has an added layer of padding at the bottom of the cloth to minimize the steps that you need to take, and factors you need to consider during the installation. Even without experience, you can install it just by attaching the felt to the table and securing it on the sides.

The material isn’t water and stain-resistant, while the durability is only comparable to that of a poker table cloth. If you wouldn’t mind the compromises with its durability, functionality, and flexibility, a padded table felt is another cost-effective option for your first poker table. The easy installation process will even help you save more because you don’t have to look for a professional to help you install the felt.

Suited Poker Cloth

If you want something better than suited speed cloth but is cheaper than the casino style poker felt, the suited poker cloth is your best option. It has the same features as the suited speed cloth: water and stain-resistant, durable, and a smooth slide for the cards. The only difference is it has a more elegant and professional look.

If you want to spend a bit more for your poker table, but don’t want to veer into the luxurious casino-style poker felt, this felt option is the best for you. Most manufacturers can provide you with up to 10 colors, making it easier to match the poker table with the room’s aesthetics. It usually costs as much as ten times more than poker table cloth, but it’ll bring life to your poker games.

Velveteen

Velveteen is another premium felt option that you can get if you want to splurge on your poker table. It’s soft to touch, and the cards slide across the table with ease.

Velveteen, however, it’s not something that you’d want to have on your poker table if you’re looking for something that can last for years.

This felt option is an excellent choice if you want to add an elegant feel to your table. Unfortunately, it’s not water and stain-resistant, making it harder to maintain. If you’re after the experience that players will get while playing, and wouldn’t mind replacing the felt more often, velveteen is an option that you should consider.

Poker Felt Layout

If you’re not after the look and feel you’d get in a casino or cardroom, a poker felt layout is a cost-effective option that you should consider. This table felt is the cheapest that you can get, and you don’t have to go through the complexities of installation. All you need is a large table for a poker game. You can put this table felt on top of it or staple the edges to keep it in place.

It uses a standard felt with a printed layout at the center, so it’s passable for a game with family and friends. However, since it focuses on cost rather than functionality, there will be less application for it. Nonetheless, it gets the job done, and will allow you to have your poker table without going out of budget.

Why Do You Need Felt for Poker Tables?

Centuries ago, people played poker anywhere—even at the back of a wagon. Nowadays, we have the notion that there are two bare essentials for any poker game: chips and a poker table. If you’re only playing with friends, any table will do—I even experienced playing with friends on the floor! However, if you want to make your games a bit more professional, you need a large table covered with felt.

It’s hard to imagine a poker game without the felt, but have you ever wondered why you need it for a poker table? Here are three reasons why poker tables need felt:

• It’s easier to distribute cards on felt. When a dealer distributes the cards on an ordinary table, he needs to extend his arms across the table because the cards won’t slide. The felt is the most effective way to reduce friction, making it easier for anyone to distribute cards.
• It adds durability to the table. Professional poker tables can cost a fortune. A casino or cardroom will use the best wood option for its tables, and without a table felt, there’s no protection for water and stain. Aside from serving as an added layer of protection, it can also help maintain the table’s condition.
• It creates an experience that you only get when at the gaming table. It’s probably a personal reason, but when playing, I prefer to feel the softness of the felt at my fingertips. It doesn’t matter how good the other players are; poker always feels incomplete without the felt.

Combine all of these reasons, and you’ll know why almost any card game in casinos has a table felt. These are also the reasons why you never see a televised tournament that uses an ordinary table. Now that you know why you need a table felt, let’s go through the best options you can buy.

Our Top Pick: Da Vinci 2-Sided Felt Layout

Da Vinci 2-Sided Felt Layout is our top pick, not because it’s the best, but because we believe that you’re looking for the easiest way to have your poker table. If that’s the case, then nothing gets easier than using this option for your games.

It measures 36 x 72 inches (0.9 x 1.82 meters), so you only need a table where it fits, then put it on the surface, and you’re ready to play. You don’t have to go through the process of constructing your table, and there are no factors for you to consider. On top of all these, Da Vinci 2-Sided Felt Layout is cheaper and more durable than most felt options in the market.

Pros of Da Vinci 2-Sided Felt Layout

• Easy to use and no construction needed
• Cheap, durable, and functional
• Cards slide across with ease
• You can play poker on any table

Our assumption of why you’re looking for a felt option is why we have the Da Vinci 2-Sided Felt Layout on the top of our list. It lets you start playing within seconds, and you can even bring it anywhere. It’s an option that checks most of the boxes that a casual poker player may be looking for with their table. 

Splurge-Worthy Pick: PS Premium Casino-Style Felt

PS Premium is a casino-style felt that could provide you with the look and feel that is closest to what you’ll get in casinos. If you’re planning to have the best poker table for your games, this felt option is worth the splurge.

It measures 62 x 104 inches (1.57 x 2.64 meters), so you’ll need someone who has experience building poker tables to make the cuts and installation. If you’re going to use this for your poker table, you’re probably going to spend more than any setup that you can build. However, it creates the same level of experience that you’d only get from a casino, even without leaving your house.

Pros of PS Premium Casino-Style Felt

• Luxurious casino experience
• Water and stain-resistant surface
• Cards slide across with relative ease
• Durable and worth your investment

If you want to upgrade your poker games, which could be why you’re looking for felt options, you can never go wrong with PS Premium. It has everything that you need, but dealing cards may require a bit of experience. Overall, it’s something that you should check out and is definitely a splurge-worthy pick!

Budget-Friendly Pick: Poker Supplies Plain Felt Layout

Poker Supplies Plain Felt Layout is the best choice for those who want to build their poker tables without breaking the bank. It’s a basic table felt that you could use, and it’s the most cost-effective way for you to take your poker games to a whole new level.

It only measures 39 x 82 inches (1 x 2 meters), so the table you can build using it isn’t as big as you might expect. However, if you’re on a tight budget, it gives you an idea of the perfect size for your poker table. It has the same functionality as most felt options with the cards sliding across with relative ease. The only problem that you’ll deal with it is the look, feel, and durability.

Pros of Poker Supplies Plain Felt Layout

• Most cost-effective felt option in the market
• Cards slide across with relative ease
• Easy to install or replace
• Perfect for small-sized tables

A poker table will remain a pillar of all poker games, but it doesn’t mean that you need to spend a lot to recreate the experience that you’d get from a cardroom. With Poker Supplies Plain Felt Layout, it’ll be easier and cheaper for you to have your poker table.

Portable Felt Option: Trademark Poker Felt Layout

You can play poker with friends anywhere, as long as you have something that can serve as your table. Of course, bringing a poker table wherever you go is ridiculous, so the next best thing that you can have is a portable poker felt. Trademark Poker Felt Layout is our top pick for portability because it allows you to play casual poker anywhere.

It measures 36 x 72 inches (0.9 x 1.82 meters), and you can easily roll it up when not in use. The best thing about this felt option is you can convert almost any table or flat surface into an area where you can play poker. You don’t have to install anything, but it’ll still be as functional as most felt options in the market.

Pros of Trademark Poker Felt Layout

• High portability, allowing you to play games anywhere
• Inexpensive, functional, and durable
• You don’t have to go through complicated installation
• Printed layout to make playing games simpler

Sometimes, the best felt options aren’t the ones that can provide you with the best slide and feel. If you have the habit of starting a poker game anywhere, Trademark Poker Felt Layout is the option that you should definitely check out!

Best Speed Cloth: Brybelly 2-Tone Speed Cloth

Suited speed cloth is the most popular option for many players. In fact, it’s the same fabric that most cardrooms use for their tables. If you’re looking for the best speed cloth that you can use, nothing comes close to what you’ll get from the Brybelly 2-Tone Speed Cloth. It has the perfect balance of durability, functionality, price, and flexibility!

It measures 60 x 120 inches (1.5 x 3 meters), which allows you to create a professional poker table. Brybelly did a great job of keeping it water and stain-resistant. So you don’t have to worry about maintaining the condition of your table. Cleaning it is easy, and even if the other players spill their drinks on the table, it’ll just bead up on the surface.

Pros of Brybelly Two Tone Speed Cloth

• Even new dealers can distribute cards easily
• Water and stain-resistant
• Versatility in playing different card games
• The same look and feel as most cardrooms

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get the best poker table, especially if you’re using a suited speed cloth. Brybelly 2-Tone Speed Cloth checks all the boxes on what many people consider as an excellent felt option. However, the biggest reason you should check it out is that it doesn’t cost as much to install.

Durable Speed Cloth: Yuanhe 2-Tone Suited Speed Cloth

Durability is a common issue for people who are looking for poker felt. Most of what you’ll find in the market won’t last for years, and you’ll need to replace it regularly to keep its pristine condition. Yuanhe 2-Tone Suited Speed Cloth is the most durable speed cloth that we’ve tried on a poker table. Even with regular use, it still looks nice and doesn’t feel like it’s getting old.

It measures 60 x 108 inches (1.5 x 2.74 meters), which fits most pre-made poker tables. If you already have experience in installing poker felt, the process will be a breeze for you. There are no complicated cuts that you have to make because you only need to secure it on the sides. Maintenance won’t be a problem either because it’s water and stain-resistant, making it easier for you to keep your table clean after every game.

Pros of Yuanhe 2-Tone Suited Speed Cloth

• Durable fabric that can last for years
• Exceptional functionality and long-term value
• Even new dealers can distribute cards easily
• Adequate water and stain resistance for easy maintenance

You need to consider many things when looking for a suited speed cloth, but durability will always be on the top of the list. Since one of the reasons you’re using felt for your poker table is protection, it should have excellent durability without compromising the look and feel. Check it out and see what Yuanhe 2-Tone Suited Speed Cloth can do for your poker table.

Cost-Effective Speed Cloth: Stalwart Table Cloth Suited Polo 

If you’re looking for a suited speed cloth, but don’t want to veer into the high-end felt options, Stalwart Table Cloth Suited Polo is your perfect choice. It will provide you with the functionality and durability that you’re looking for in a speed cloth without the hefty price tag. Sure, it’s not as cheap as a poker felt layout, but it is the perfect option for first-time table builders.

If you’re going to use this for your poker table, you don’t have to worry about the size that you need. The felt has a width of 59 inches (1.5 meters), and you can buy it by yards. You’ll get better value from it because you only pay for what you need, and it’ll look great even after years. So in terms of long-term value, we can say that the Stalwart Table Cloth Suited Polo is one of the best options available.

Pros of Stalwart Table Cloth Suited Polo

• Exceptional functionality and long-term value
• Even new dealers can distribute cards easily
• You only pay for what you need, giving you better flexibility
• Adequate water and stain resistance for easy maintenance

If you’re familiar with the size of your poker table or if you had it custom-made, you’ll find better value by using Stalwart Table Cloth Suited Polo. It doesn’t cost as much as other felt options, and since you only pay for what you need, you don’t have to worry about having a small poker table.

Best Poker Table Cloth: Brybelly Casino Table Felt

If you’re looking for the most basic felt option, Brybelly Casino Table Felt is the best for you. It doesn’t have the fancy features that you might expect from more expensive options, but it can help you create the same experience as you’d get from average cardrooms. The best thing about it is that you can create your poker table without breaking the bank!

It measures 58 x 120 inches (1.47 x 3 meters), which is the size that fits most poker tables. If you’re going to get this, the only thing you’ll need is the side rail to secure the felt on the sides. Brybelly Casino Table Felt leans towards affordability, but using it for your poker table won’t make it look cheap. It’s one of the reasons why we recommend this felt option for anyone who’s building a poker table for the first time on a tight budget.

Pros of Brybelly Casino Table Felt

• Affordable felt without too many compromises
• Functional and more durable than other options in its price range
• Easy to install and fits most poker tables
• Perfect for first-time builders

Poker tables make the game look professional, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get the same feeling you’d get from casinos. In fact, with proper installation and if you’re only using it for casual games, the Brybelly Casino Table Felt could be the best option that you have for any poker table.

Conclusion

There are dozens of different felt options that you can choose from when building a poker table. Add that to the various types that you can choose from, all of which have their pros and cons. That’s why it is never easy to find the best felt options for a poker table.

However, you can make it less overwhelming by considering how you plan to use the poker table. If you’re only looking for something that can enhance your casual gaming experience, a poker felt layout would do just fine. If you’re after replicating the look and feel that you would get from casinos, you need a casino-grade felt cloth. If you’re not sure what type you should have for your poker table, you can never go wrong with a suited speed cloth.

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