Playing foosball is a great way to pass the time. This fast-paced game is challenging and involves using various tricks and strategies to defeat your opponents. However, you can’t play foosball without a foosball table and these units can be pretty expensive. This article explains how you can create a DIY foosball table.
When you first think about it, creating your own foosball table seems like a challenging task. However, it is very achievable. With some simple tools, the right materials and proper guidance, you can create a table that you can use to play foosball. This is a great idea for anyone looking to get creative or avoid the cost of a readymade game table.
This guide contains all the details you need to know about creating a DIY foosball table.
What You’ll Need
Before you can start building, you need to get all the materials ready. In this section, we’ll provide details on which tools are required for a DIY foosball table and on the purpose they’ll serve.
Wood
As expected, wood is the crucial material when building a foosball table. To make it durable, ensure that you select solid wood like oak or birch.
Felt
You also need some felt to cover the surface area of the game table.
Players And A Ball
A foosball table won’t be complete without the players and a ball, so ensure that you have them ready.
Poles
You need poles that you can attach the players to. If it’s a full-sized table, you’ll want eight poles, but four to six will do for smaller tables.
Saws
Get a miter or standard circular saw for cutting the wood parts.
Drill
When you’re done cutting the pieces, you need a power drill to put the parts together, as the table won’t have a high tolerance to a huge hit when you use nails and hammer to put the parts together. A drill press is great for this job.
Other Tools
Other basic tools you may need include a ruler, utility knife, clear tape and polish.
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The First Step – Start With A Plan
Once you have all the tools ready, start the building process by creating a plan for the game table.
Sides
The first part of the table you’ll be creating is the sides. Start by cutting the wood into sideboards 48 inches (1.2 m) in length. Drill a hole about 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter in the middle of the board. The hole should be 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) from the board’s top. Use the measuring tape to get accurate measurements for various sideboards.
After that, you’ll have to drill 1-inch (2.5 cm) diameter holes along the rest of the board. Ideally, the holes should be 5.5 inches (13.9 cm) apart. In total, you should have about eight smaller holes on the sideboards. Each hole should be 3 inches (7.6 cm) from the top of the board. If you’ve gotten this part right, repeat the same process with the opposite side of the board.
Ends
The end boards should be much shorter, so you can make them between 24 and 26 inches (60 and 66 cm) in length. Measure 10.5 inches (26 cm) on the board’s two sides. This is where the goalmouth will be. Cut a 5 by 2.5 inch (12.7 x 6 cm) rectangle in the center of the board to create the goal. Replicate cuts of these dimensions on the opposite side of the board.
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Playing Surface
Now, it’s time for the playing surface. This part should measure 48 inches (1.2 m) in length and 24 inches (60 cm) in width. Once you cut that part out, create the goals for the playing field. Measure 10 inches (25 cm) from the far end of the board’s all four corners. Create a rectangle 4 inches by 0.5 inches (10 x 1.2 cm) on both sides of the board.
Tip: To get better results, trim excess wood with a saw so that each end has a small rectangle sticking out.
The Specs
To get the foosball table design right, you need to measure the cuts for the boards. You have to be very precise when measuring the sides and playing surface of the table. Therefore, use a measuring tape.
Below are the basic dimensions of a Tornado table. You can replicate them when creating your own foosball table.
Saw The Sides
Once you’ve accurately measured various parts, it’s time to start cutting. Cut the pole and goal sides to the appropriate lengths. If you’re using a miter saw, you can even cut at an angle that allows the ends of the boards to meet perfectly. Set the saw to cut at a 45-degree angle so the two boards can add up to 90 degrees when joined. Without a miter saw, just cut the board straight across in the middle.
Make Holes For The Rods
Create 8 holes along the side of the board, starting from the center. These holes should be 1-inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, just large enough to accommodate the rods without obstructing rotation.
In addition to the eight holes for the rods, create another 2-inch (5 cm) diameter hole in the center where the ball can pass through. There should be a space of about 5.5 inches (13.9 cm) between one rod hole and the next.
Pro Tip: You can make your job easier by using a clamp to ensure that holes align perfectly. All you need to do is clamp both sides together before drilling through.
Cut The Goals Out
With everything done at the table’s sideboards, it’s time to cut out goals. To achieve this, measure out 10.5 inches (26 cm) from each side to create a rectangle. This rectangle should be 5 by 2.5 inches (12 x 6 cm) and you should cut it at the center of the board.
Tip: Use a circular saw to cut the rectangle to ensure accuracy.
The Playfield
The dimensions of the entire playing surface will be 48 by 24 inches (121 x 60 cm). At the end of the board, measure a distance of about 10 inches (25 cm) from each corner. The space left forms a rectangle 4 inches (10 cm) long and 0.5 inches (1 cm) wide. Once this part is cut out, you’ll have a small rectangle where you can set the goal.
The Legs
It’s now time for the legs of your foosball table. You have quite a few options in this case. You can simply order a metal stand and set the assembled game board on it. Since metal is very durable, this is a great option that could last a long time. Another fantastic idea is to buy wooden table legs. No matter the type of legs you select, ensure that you get a sturdy base for the game table.
Note: If you decide to use wooden table legs, ensure that you add some braces for support.
Polishing And Applying Lacquer
Once you have cut all the pieces of your foosball table, it’s time to make it more visually appealing. You can do this by polishing and coating them with lacquer. To start, use an abrasive to smooth out rough parts. A power sander is an excellent choice for this task as it allows you to to get a smooth finish on rough wood.
Next, use a cloth to wipe off the surface to remove wood dust. Now you can apply a coat of lacquer all round. Allow this coat to dry for about two hours, then sand the surface again to ensure a smooth finish. Apply another coat of lacquer and allow it to dry for a day. Add some polish and wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth or lint-free rag.
Tip: Keep the wooden surface glossy and gleaming by cleaning the surface with olive oil, vinegar or beeswax regularly.
Putting It All Together
Once the polished pieces have adequately dried, you can put the foosball table together. Start by assembling the sides. Use a drill to put in screws that will join the various parts together.
Next, you need to attach the assembled box to the playing surface. Put the box on the playing surface and drill them together. If drilling them together is too difficult, you can use strong glue. Finally, attach your new table to the legs using screws.
Read our blog post on foosball table set up to learn how to set up a new foosball table.
Get The Rods, Players And Other Small Accessories
Now that the table is complete, you can install the players and other small accessories. Start by doing the players and the rod. Put the rod through a hole and attach the players to it before sticking it out the other end. Repeat the same process to install all the rods with the players on them.
Before you can start playing table football, you need other accessories like handles and goals. You can purchase these items or make them out of wood if you’ve got more time on your hands. Also, don’t forget to get a ball. Ideally, the table soccer ball would be the same size as a ping pong ball but slightly heavier.
Tip: Use plastic spacers to hold the players in place so they don’t come off.
How To Make A Foosball Table Out Of A Shoebox
We’ve explained how you can make a standard foosball table using wood. However, if you’re looking to make a mini table for your kids, you can do so using a shoe box. Here are the materials required:
- Shoebox
- Wood dowels
- Clothespins
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Spray paint
For this mini foosball table, the clothespins will serve as the players and you can use the wood dowels as the rods. Start by marking the holes where you will insert the wood dowels. You’d want to ensure that the hole is high enough for the dowels to rotate without the clothespin hitting the bottom of the box.
Proceed by attaching the clothespins to the dowels and hot glue them together. Use a knife or scissors to cut out the goalposts at both ends of the table. Use a ruler or measuring tape to ensure that the posts are of equal size. You can go the extra mile by coloring the box and other components to make them more attractive.
Don’t have a shoebox? See how you can make a foosball table out of cardboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Make A Homemade Foosball Table?
You can make a homemade foosball table using wood. Cut the wood into appropriate sizes to create the frame and playing surface of the foosball table. Then put it together using glue or nails. You can also make a mini foosball table using a shoebox. Insert dowels into the box as the rods and use clothespins as makeshift players.
Can You Build A Foosball Table?
Yes, you can build a foosball table. Instead of buying a ready-made game table, you can put your creativity to the test and make a foosball table from wood. Use wood to make the sides and playing surface of the table before adding players and the ball. You can even make the foosball players from wood if you want.
How Do You Make A Tabletop For A Foosball Table?
You can make a tabletop for a foosball table using wood. Determine the dimension that you want for your foosball table. Ideally, the table should be between 48 and 56 inches (121 x 142 cm) in length and 29 to 31 inches (73 x 78 cm) in width. Measure these dimensions in the wood and cut them out. You can cover the tabletop with felt to make it more visually appealing.
How Do You Make A Foosball Player?
You can make a foosball player out of wood. However, you should note that this can be quite time-consuming. You need walnut stock, maple or cherry wood. You’ll need a drill to carve the wood into the appropriate shape and make a hole where the rod will be inserted. You can also make a foosball player out of your old clothespin.
Conclusion
Making a DIY foosball table is a challenging exercise. However, it is also gratifying, saving you some money and giving you bragging rights among friends and family. Ensure that you measure and cut parts into appropriate sizes to avoid problems when building the game table. You can also get creative ideas for construction based on your old foosball table, if you have one.
