👍👎MY CHEAP DIY GAMING TABLE - Review & How I Made It
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- Опубликовано: 7 окт 2018
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In this video I discuss the custom gaming table I built 2 years ago. I constructed it very cheaply, for under $70. I also review the things I like and dislike about it now that I've used it for quite a while and talk about what I am going to do differently when I build the next one.
I primarily use this table to play Dungeons & Dragons but it's design would work for numerous tabletop games.
#DIY #DnD #gamingtable
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Finally! And in depth look at how I constructed my cheap home made gaming table. What I like, what I don't like, and what I am going to do differently when I build the next one. Hope this helps any of you that have been wanting to build something similar.
It's actually already sold to someone when I eventually make a new one.
I use a full sheet of MDF for my table. I found sitting at the ens of it as the DM makes players not focus on the game. Sitting long side works way better.
Hey, here’s an idea. Make a Hexagon Table.
Seats 5 players + 1 DM
Maintains that “close intimate” space you like
Allows each player to have their own space
And add cup holders for each player.
You should put a fog machine in the table
I'm really curious as to the shape you'd make it to fit 4 players. I love the cut-out DM area.
Place steel as the table surface, and then cover that with felt. Then you can still use magnets and still have the nice feel of the felt top.
Felt like I sat down and had a conversation with you about your gaming space. I'm already in the process of starting my own table and you have answered the exact questions I wanted to ask someone who's "been there, done that". Cheers to you and this amazing show. Best part of my day.
"It's affordable, it's readily available..."
*Cries in 2021*
😄
Didn't get much betting in 2022.
let's stop keeping track it's all downhill from then@@ThePsycoScout
There's an instinct to put the DM at the head of the table. That does maximize how many people you can seat, but it puts the DM way over on one end of the map.
When you build your new one, consider having the DM occupy one entire long side, with players across from him. If you build a standard 6' table, three people can sit across from the DM, with two more at the ends. Then the DM has worlds of space for other cool stuff, and he can reach everything. Those two guys on the end are a little isolated from the battle map, but I've played that way and it's not hard to adapt.
You could also build a big square with one side for the DM and three sides that would seat two players each, but it starts to get uncomfortably wide, which makes it hard to fit in a room and makes it hard to reach the middle of the table.
I like this idea. Someone else mentioned a blackjack table. Those do the same thing by sticking the dealer right in the middle of everything instead of on the end.
I actually finished a 5'×6' table going off this as an example and it turned out pretty nice
The other option is go for either a round/pentagonal/octagonal table. More people can get around without increasing the table size massively. Gets harder for the actual build as more precise cuts are required, but looks good when done!
I like these ideas, I'll add another, you could make the table a bit larger and keep it square, lob off a corner and turn that into the DM zone and have 4 across from you.
My friends mother runs a daycare center, and for lunch for the very little kids she has a U shaped horseshoe table that is roughly a rounded square, and her side is actually pushed in about 10 inches so she can reach each kid. She can be arms width from any kid and feed them, wipe dirty faces... etc.
Every time I see that table I think it would make an awesome D&D or gaming table. It would kinda wrap the players round the DM, putting him closer to everyone and the game board.
I wonder if that could actually work or not, now that I'm seeing this small table.
Idk... I think it could be cool!
This is by far the best design I've seen for a cheap, simple table. Great for someone with limited access to tools.
Flameless candles! That's a perfect solution for my dark basement that should light up the table. I love these videos for small details like that. Keep at it!
"It's a boat time"
But that's a table, friend
I love this table! I’m excited to see the new table you build and document. The lowered playing surface is definitely my favorite feature. DM’s area comes in close second.
Some suggestions :
- Make the table an irregular hexagon, with one side being twice as long as the others. The long side for the DM obviously.
- I don't personnally like the "add-on" for the DM screen problem. I'd rather have a piece of wood on a piano hinge that flips up. That way it's even quicker to set it up or discard it.
- I'd add some USB outlets for the players and for the DM. Having the possibility to charge up your phone, or plug in a tablet to keep track of your character while gaming could be pretty handy.
- Having one solid piece of steel would add a lot of weight to the table, and it's also much colder to the touch, and not as nice as felt when you place terrain on. I'd go for a thin piece of steel (like 1/16th of an inch thick), covered in felt. That way you still have a nice felt texture, it's not too heavy, and with rare earth magnets, it will still grab to the steel. With direct contact, the magnets may stick to the steel a bit too much, which could lead to them being ripped off of the terrain base.
- For the LED lights, I'd go with one of these strips you can get on amazon, that have a remote control on them, or go with a raspberry pi zero to control it from a little control panel on the DM side.
- I would add small 2 Ohms speakers at each of the player stations to play some ambiant music/sounds.
- A piece of white fabric and a projector above the playing surface could be nice to display a map if you don't have the necessary terrain pieces, although it would be quite expensive.
- Making a skirt between the legs out of wood would be a good way to stabilize the table, and it could be a way to mount the aforementionned USB ports/speakers/control panel for the DM.
- If need be, some sliding trays could be added, with some cup holders for the beer/chips your players might munch on while you game, or a dice tray.
- Speaking of dice, I've never seen a gaming table with built-in dice towers, but it sure would be cool.
USB charging ports, speakers, cup holders.....I must have them.
Also, a top to go in that recess so I can also use it as a regular table. Houses in the UK agent big enough to have dedicated gaming rooms
Would definitely like to see a build video of a new table. Thanks for the review!
A couple of years ago I was getting back into gaming after 20 years and read a comment about so special gaming table so I googled gaming tables. I found the video where you were remodeling your room and showing off your new table and that's how I first found your site and the whole crafting community.
I have to say that this has been a long awaited video.
I'm planning on making my own table of similar design, this helped me see ways to make it look nicer than I probably would have done it. Thank you
I have been waiting for this for so very long! Thank you! I am finally going to build my table!!
Great ideas, thanks for sharing! The lower mid section + lights + magnets seems great!
I have no experience with carpentry whatsoever, but if I would ever build something like this, I would think of a "cover" for the mid section so that we could also play card games; and I would also think of a structure that could be easily disassembled and transported.
Awesome video!! Nice to get an in depth look from you. As a guy that rushed a gamer's table I enjoyed the evaluation of the needs the table must accomplish.
Looking forward to the next build!
For a second there I thought those were my DM notes :D I tend to make them extremely simiar to what you had there. Great job with the table, love the channel!
I love the this build. Thanks for sharing the good and the changes you would implement to improve it. Thanks again.
Thanks for the view of the table. I'm far from being able to do something like this since I move far too often but once I'm able to do so, your new plans would be helpful. Keep up the videos!
Thanks, your review just changed what we'll do for our upcoming table rebuild.
You talked about using hardwood on your next table, even though it costs more. If you are able to get hold of beech, it is as hard and durable as oak (and nicer looking imo) and costs about the same as poplar (at least in the midwestern United States). I used it as a tabletop for a steel desk that I made a couple years ago and it has stayed nearly perfect even with heavy daily use and two moves.
Sugestion; for the lighting, in addition to your continuous surround soft light I recommend a few key spot lights you can turn on or off to add dramatic lighting/shadow effects on the models when the mood calls for it. I think that would be awesome.
I just started doing research on tabletops and this provided me with a lot of ideas!
Your attitude here was outstanding. Humble and very explanatory on how to make it better.
I love your videos! Thank-you for posting this, I'm going to get to work on recreating your design but with an old 32 inch TV sunken into the middle of it with a removable frame
Great review and amazing job. I love the led screen with the slope - that is a great idea. I was considering building something similar but I was thinking about having the main section rest on top of one of those electric desks that can raise and lower with a push of a button. My concept was to be able to lower it down between games and put glass panels on top so that I could use the whole table for card games/other games without the need to put away miniature terrain set ups. If I ever build it, I will share pictures and videos.
Cool game table! Should add some cup holders on the next build and a little padded strip along the edges for comfort.
Looking forward to your build dude! Moving into a new place next year and I'm seriously thinking about making a table like this!
Thanks for the video! I am looking forward to seeing your next gaming table project. Someday I will have a custom gaming table of my own as well!
i used 2x3 sheets of galvanized sheet metal, for duct work from Lowes, contact cemented down ply wood to make magnetic play surface
that's a great idea
Dude I just a bought my first house here in Canada, I'm so happy to try to make a nice table as yours! Thanks for all great and inspiriting work!
Good thoughts. I'm planning on starting a similar project in a month or two and doing a gaming table with a removable top cover so it doubles as a dining table when needed. I do plan to add a screen to the bottom for digital battlemaps though.
Been waiting for this one brother! About to build our own and this was very helpful!
Im going to steal all the good ideas in the comments for my table, gonna be sweet
Love the idea of the sunken DM space. Whenever I can I play without the DM screen because it’s so hard to see/reach over, but sometimes my notes would easily spoil solutions to puzzles (etc). And it’s generally less fun when players have more information than characters
Great design philosophy and implementation. I do like the transfer of the strengths to the next table. If I could add a suggestion, you could add a shallow drawers to each side of you or cubbies to store more stuff. The angled DM screen ideas add the right amount of privacy and interaction to the game and is brilliant as I would of only have a 6" board running across.
Awesome, as usual. When you make the new table, you should raffle off the old one to a lucky fan or Patreon supporter.
Shipping it from Canada would be crazy expensive. It’s going to one of my friends to run D&D for his son and his friends.
@@BlackMagicCraftOfficial (That just reminded me, when my order with Geek Chic was pending, they were going to charge me $300 to ship it. I only lived 3 miles away from their workshop...)
Maybe donate it to a local comic store or community center or wherever tabletop RPG meetups are hosted? That seems like it'd be a really nice gesture. Definitely beats a cheap folding table.
@@hypersapien Were they planning on shipping it fully assembled? O.o
I’ve been going through other videos and looking at other peoples tables. This is one of my favorites.
Great stuff, I am currently working on a gaming table, I have used two sheets of tin etch primer Matt black and all my dungeon tiles and pieces have small magnets underneath, works so far really well. Dosen't matter if you knock the gaming surface or if you're a bit heavy handed with the minis.
Been waiting for this video for a while. Great info provided thanks for taking the time.
Experimental idea for the playing surface: using a roll-up window shade laid flat, with a crank or an electric motor that you can use to change to surface from black, to cobblestones, to woodlands, etc. Essentially having a swappable battle map integrated in the table. An alternate design would be to store the battlemap rolls in a side panel of the table, and just pull on the desired one to unroll it over the playing surface, until it clips onto a magnetized strip on the other side.
also, I think a black rubber board instead of felt is much more practical for cleaning, but also for noise reduction.
Rare earth magnets are pretty strong, I would suggest gluing the felt over the metal table, also keep the playing surface easily changeable in case the worst happens with a coke or any other sugar drink. The felt will also slow down the spread to help keep it from getting to places it should not go..
Great video. Love the DM shield thing you made for privacy. First time I've seen that.
Thanks for the info on what you think you did wrong. I’m getting ready to build one and I found that to me helpful.
We have waited so long for this video, I cannot wait to see what you come up with.
Great idea! You mention many things that I hadn't thought of, like the use of magnets. Consider using a dry erase board instead of steel for your surface on the next table. Many dry erase boards will work with magnets and may give you a nicer look. There may even be a use for the dry erase surface that I haven't thought of yet. Any way, nice table! I am jealous and now completely dissatisfied with my everyday, boring old normal table!
I’m making a wargaming table! But I’m hoping to add a top to it so I can get a group of nerds together for DnD! I’m so excited about it.
OMG we have the same last name
Tracy Waters I married into my last name. I don’t understand why I get asked “how is that spelled” all the time. 😂😂😂
I assume y'all know of Pink Floyd? If I had the last name of Waters I'm sure I'd get asked about Roger all the time
@@magnoliawaters4983 who did you marry
@@d36williams ya I'm ralated to him
Everyone got a to start somewhere and this is a pretty good start. My 1st game table was a ping pong table with 3 different felts I laid over it as terrain (green (Forrest), tan (deserts) and grey (caves and dungeons)).
A small table is a good starting point for anyone who plays or wants to play DnD. I love the table, nice simple design and good for small games. Right on my guy.
I have an idea for your next table. Perhaps a horseshoe shaped table would give you the room you need and the intimate feeling you are looking for. You can still, as the DM, have close access to the play surface, while the players are seated around you, sorta like a blackjack table with more depth. What do you think?
Been thinking about the same LED solution myself. Or well, I was thinking doing the bottom half or so in frosted acrylic, not glass. I imagine some more scattered light would look a lot better than the somewhat samey LED strips I see a lot of folks strapping to their tables. Also a higher angle doesn't hurt as long as it doesn't shine right into anyone's eyes. Thanks for the video :)
The other cool thing with a recess for the terrain/play area, is if you put a lip around it (like it looks like you did) you could then have a drop-in piece, to make it a flat surface for playing board games, or cards or whatever. I would even make the drop in have a grid on one side, so it can just be a battle mat or whatever I need it to be.
I would also make some kind of station, similar to your DM one, for players, so they have space for their sheets, books, whatever. Maybe even laptops (my group uses them sometimes, depending on what we are playing, or if we have someone playing with us remotely, etc).
When this quarantine is all over I think you should rethink this table and do an updated build. Maybe a two part video. One just planning and one with the actual build.
Have you considered a hexagon shaped table? My friend has one. Works really good. If you are four it feels like a smaller table than a rectangular one.
Oooh. I really like that Idea. Especially if you prefer using hex grids (which I personally do).
Have you considered altering the shape instead of the length? Meaning that you could cut two of the corners at 45 degrees. So the DM would have the full width and then you would have basically 5 player stations.
Also if you made a full "lid" for the DM section it would be able to be hinged to make the screen and could be let down to use the table for board gaming. The lip you have inside could support a cover so that the top would be flat and even.
If you decide to construct a new table soon you should put up a video Series on the building process, cost and whatnot. That would be very interesting to see and could inspire many people to follow in your footsteps to build their own tables
Quick question. First of all, thanks for the motivation to start building my own terrain! Second, I'm having a bit of a creative block. Other than dungeon tiles, what are some other useful builds to get the collection started?
Cant wait to see the new plans. This table was awesome, but your improvements you mention would make this table bad-ass.
I haven't read the comments to see if this has already been suggested, but if you do decide to use steel in the playing area, there's nothing that should stop you from covering the steel with felt. It'll still retain the magnetic qualities, they'll just be slightly reduced.
Very nice table. I'm thinking of building a coffee-table that can double as a casual gaming table, so having the playing area recessed will allow me to cover it when not in use.
Your photos and description are enough information to construct it, and other than not having a table saw to cut channels for lights totally doable with cheep tools... so thanks for that. I wish I had a place to put a dedicated table.. right now we set up a folding table in our living room, use the couch for 2 or 3 of the players and roll over a couple office chairs for the other side. If I could make a table like this that would have a similar footprint and fold up that would work, I'll have to have a long think about it. Or like someone else mentioned in these comments about a piece to fit on top of a folding table. Ours hinges in the middle so the topper would have to be two pieces also to realistically store happily against the wall when not in use.
Eh.. on second thought, the folding table is already almost too tall for the players on the couch, if I added a piece on top with a lowered center they wouldn't be able to see their dice on the higher area, much less the game mat. What I really need is a gaming coffee table that can stay there all the time.
What about adding "Boxes" under the player edges, so extra books or papers can be placed there as well. and or cup holders to avoid a big spill into the terrain.
Great advice. I'm going to make a gaming table here pretty soon, so I got a lot out of the video.
That's a good video, even without the building process. I'm currently planning to build a table myself, but 4*4 feet and portable to stow it away. Purpose is Infinity and Frostgrave mostly. For RPG i got another table. @danteelite mentioned a U-shaped table, certanly not a bad idea. For RPG i think a round table is awesome though, just needs to be big enough for the battlemaps and everyone. Makes a nice and cozy feeling.
I know it's a bit late, but I would think about doing a grid of magnets or steel posts sunk into the playing surface on a grid, then covering it with felt. The steel pins could be oversized so the magnetic pieces have a bit of wiggle room for minor size differences. If you want to add a bit of a challenge you could have some dice trays set into the players areas that can be covered with a piece of wood when not needed.
I dont know if anyone else has suggested this but you could find an old dining room table on something like offerup that has sliders so you can make the intimate small table but not limit your playing ability by sliding it open and dropping in a leaf you can also have a insert that covers the lowered playing area so it can be used as a table I love building things but I live in a very small space so I'm always looking at how to multi purpose things I build or own haveing a background in carpentry makes it so you don't want to woodwork as much but the next table you make you should time and energy into it because it's going to be in your home where you will spend a lot of time around it and when your done have the pride in the fact that you did that and it's better then one you could buy. Great channel love your vids and you do amazing work keep it up and keep enjoying it
Hey great video, but is there any chance you could make a video on how you take dm notes and etc. I just sore a glimpse of your notebook and was intrigued by how you take notes.
This was super helpful as I am designing a game room and table and want to make it the best I can
I would love to see you remake your table. Please do it soon!
That slope is so damn smart.
Also what about when you make your next table why not put yourself in the middle of the length of the rectangle?
That way you could still have access to the whole table and you can fit more people.
Id love to see you rebuild your game table. It would be awesome to see an improved design, maybe even a set of plans?
Great table. I'm thinking of building one, but it would need to be able to support 3x3 feet play area for x-wing plus space for pilot's upgrade cards.
And also support other board games like zombicide.
An ideal table would have hinged sides for players & DM when open with lower terrain area, and then flip & close all the hinged sides so it forms a solid table for general use.
Darn! I was just thinking of a raised table but since the last time I used a raised (and removable table (that can also allow drinks to slide UNDER the map with chips and whatever (yay))) table was before finding your channel and making some of the tiles and such. Now I have something to think about with the terrain being added. Perhaps I will cut the legs and "split the difference" I don't know. Patience will be key here. Thank you.
Fantastic! Look forward to the new build video.
Good table dude. You should think about some cover or some inlay desks to create a flat surface in case of not using it. And maybe a protective ledge or something like that (a cup holder) to keep off drinks that could be spilled by accident. There off you create your new table pool. Best regards, keep up the good work.
Finally finally finally. Been waiting for this forever
We used a fog machine for ambiance once (campaign took place in a swamp) but apparently we used the wrong fog liquid because everything ended covered with a very thin oily residue that took forever to clean. Since that fiasco our DM has taking up vaping so now we just use her as our fog machine.
That steel recess area is a very nice idea. I would stick felt over it though, I'm concerned about those scratches in the paint. Just use spray glue, Adam Savage uses it all the time. Another very nice idea would be to have this steel board powder coated, but I think it may be a little bit expensive. I Like To Make Stuff uploaded a video about a camera handle made from powder coated aluminium and it looks soooooo nice.
Also think about having the frosted glass for the LEDs at a 45 degree angle, not horizontal, so the light projects easily. Having it this way would create a little cavity that you can fill with aluminium foil to maximize the amount of light.
Also, I may suggest integrated electronics like a speaker system? I would love to see a video about that table
I’m thinking about making the top out of hardwood, and a lot of the skeleton work out of softer wood. I’m also thinking about a modified half circle, like a casino table, with the dm at the dealer seat.
If it helps, might I suggest a surface of thin gauge steel with felt on top. you might find the painted steel too easy to scratch and direct magnet contact to the steel might quickly become annoying at teardown /scene change. great video was hoping you do this review. great job!!!
Consider a casino like table with squared off sides.. 5 or 6 should be relatively doable.. also, maybe a tv in the depression for an easily changeable landscape instead of battle mats.. would look amazing with your 3d terrains.. could easily add a clear polycarbonate/plexiglass grid over the top of the tv for laying out your tiles/miniatures.. magnaclear paint for you magnetic needs.. love your design ideas...
Thanks for sharing. I serendipitously found a PVC trim board that has wood-grain texture to can make a great construction material. I bought some for a bookshelf project and found it easy for construction and painting. It is available in 3/4" planks of various widths at home improvement stores and {currently} US$7.70 / sq ft. While it is more expensive than lumber, some advantages might be worth considering. One such brand name is Royal Building Products (this is not intended to be any endorsement of this supplier).
It's a good table. Doubt I could do better. But a few ideas would be to place a sturdy leg directly opposite where you sit, and round the table's corner edges. That would allow a players to occupy each corner. You might need to add another leg on each side to avoid tipping, or wobbling, unless the center leg is thick, heavy, and has (what are they called?) "Toes" on all four sides for added stability.
Beyond that, the only thing I'd do differently is lower the player areas a little, similar to the dm area. Just in case a drink spills, it won't go into the lowered central area, with the nice terrain. 🍺💨
You might also include recessed cup holders for the players, and also a dedicated recessed area for dice rolling, ideas I have seen on another video and intend to implement myself when I build a table! I really like your lights and the angled screen you made to go with your DM space!
Cup holders are awful for most glasses and all drinking mugs. Everyone always thinks they are a great idea but they are really just a novelty.
Black Magic Craft duly noted, that makes sense. Maybe just built in coasters then when I make mine. Thanks!
If you did a sheet of steel, you could still use felt above it without compromising on the magnetic terrain assuming you used slightly stronger magnets (neodymium balls should still work maybe?)
I like the idea. I think I will go with an asymmetric hexagon so I can fit 5 players and me, and no one can see my lower platform. Which they would with a symmetric hexagon. The angles ledge is a good idea and I think I will put in some sort of drinks holder in each space so there is less spilling, and maybe a felt area for dice throwing.
This was really good, nice job. 👍🏻
Cool deal man, can't wait to see the new one. I dabbled in carpentry for awhile too buuuut... I'm also a cheapskate and will still be using pine when I get around to mine. I'll try to post a video also. I might be stealing your idea for the covered steel top.
All of the Aboot's in the beginning secure my knowledge of the fact that you are Canadian
A suggestion as someone who has built both desks, workbenches and is working on the idea of a gaming table Try getting two sheets of 3/4 inch thick plywood and mechanically fasten the two sheets together to make a thick tabletop, from there you can recess the steel by cutting pockets into the plywood and it stains and seals surprisingly well, For a base at the DM's area possibly some drawer banks for storage of constantly used items such as minis, dungeon/terrain tiles and other little things like dice and pens and pencils, For each player area I'd recess them a bit into the table, give them a little U shaped cut in to allow them to really get into the game, I noted also you use what looks to be folding chairs, actual comfortable chairs may also better your experience. Your lighting you made some great points on and if you don't use plywood my suggestion for hardwoods is actually poplar or cedar rather than the preferred oak which is often expensive and hard to purchase in large quantities for decent prices. Also as for your legs and things, don't stress about those being expensive hard woods, etc. that I'd use a similar method to what you did BUT I'd invest in a KREG pocket hole jig, this recesses screws and lets you more securely fasten items together without showing the holes as much, also pairing screws with wood glue helps as well.
Interesting idea about the steel base for magnets. Instead of paint (which will eventually scratch) get a thin sheet of steel (from any metal supply store) and pre-drill screw holes into it. Then glue it to the wood base (provides structural support) then glue the felt over the steel. Finally screw the whole assembly in place. This gives you a solid base, a metal surface for magnets, and the clean felt top for protection and looks. Make the table long enough for 3 on each side, 1 on each end. This gives you enough for a DM and 7 players (maximum for an Adventure League campaign if your so inclined). Set the DM in the middle of one side. Its less private, but you can easily reach every part of your play area to facilitate setups and movements of NPCs and monsters. Assuming your play dungeon has the room for a table that large (maybe 6-7'x5'). I also noticed your design leaves a lip around the edge of the "pit." You could cut out a piece of MDF/ply to fit that area so you can lay it in to create a flat table playing surface for other games.
I would powder coat the steel. It would never scratch.
I'd also add a lip between the players and the play surface... it would reduce how often pencils, pens, and dice roll onto the play surface, and offer some protection from spilled drinks. Even a quarter inch would be enough.
I remember when you built your current table ... I was impressed then but after I watched it I saw a couple of other videos that had a tv/monitor built in the game area! The only thing that seemed to be against doing that is drinks and electronics don’t always go together. I also think that if you incorporated the players areas the same as the DM areas dropped down and lit could be more aesthetically pleasing with perhaps cup holders, dice trays and book holders. I’ve rambled incoherently but I see it in my head 😂 ... my husband who is Canadian and is still in Alberta was the last person I got to game with so now I just watch you guys along with Wyloch, DM Scotty and the others. Happy belated Thanksgiving hope to see your wonderful builds soon.
I don’t like the trend of TVs as gaming surfaces, it’s not for me.
Drink holders seem like a good idea. But in practice they don’t work great. Especially when using beer mugs.
Another option to add in. You made the frame all the way round. if you include not a drop in space but a shelf for the players they can have thier manuals and spare dice on the shelf rather on the upper surface.
When making a rectangular table consider making it wide, not long, with three people across from you. that way you can make a much bigger playing area that you can completely cover with your arms without standing up. You also have a longer GM area.
Nice vid and table. Foe a table of that general design I would get a sheet if plastic or glass oveer the play area so you can use it as a table in between sessions.
Just an idea but have you thought about steel laminated to a chunk of chip board or plywood for your table top then putting felt on top of that? Or a rubber layer onto the steel. The magnets would still work and it would dampen the dice sounds on the table top.
Not sure if anyone else has made this suggestion but for the magnetic surface getting a car magnet printed up with the grid lines and the black magic craft logo in the middle would look great and quick
Love it, perfect size for my apartment and small group of friends