hey 2+2. I recently just modified a poker table I purchased on craigslist for $100. surprisingly, I found out after I purchased the table that it was custom built by the owner a couple years back. after getting it for $100, I nearly crapped my pants at the quality it was. despite that though, it was still lacking in what I would really like. had a maroon vinyl with green felt that was from joanne fabric (not velveteen or super fine or anything) it wasn't very bad, but it left fibers on the cards and was ugly. I replaced it with a neoprene cushion, and below that I put some thick plastic my dad had laying around at his house. I got it so if drinks spilled on the MDF, it wouldn't soak in and damage the wood as much.

on top of that I put some black suited speed cloth, but here is where I am having an issue..the arm rail. I am going to be buying 1" high density sponge/foam material for it, but what should I get for the arm rail material? I have seen other posts on here where people used suede, but in my opinion that is a rather poor choice, because the oils will absorb into it, and eventually give the tips a blackened color and get matted. I don't necessarily want vinyl, because I am suspicious of its durability (I transport this table in particular fairly often), and I don't want to get leather, have it tear somehow, then cry myself to sleep. are there other materials? whisper vinyl sucks.

I found this site: bbopokertables.com that has vinyl for $60/9ft that is advertised with a full money back guarantee, and they emphasize that it is thick and very durable. they say it is "tearproof" but I know that is marketing. you can't have tearproof vinyl, that I am aware of. what should I do?

I will post some pictures later. my house is very dark lit, and you can't really make any details out.

Search here for table posts. I suspect you'll find info you can use.

Is there still a link in the FAQ sticky on this?

I found a link in FAQ thread just now I didn't notice before. though everything is about specific products by specific manufacturers. i've seen some relatively useful stuff, but my question regards the durability of the material.

I am just having a hard time choosing what material to use for the arm rail, and was wondering what some people used on their own tables, in regards to durability because I transport the table frequently. kind of a personal experience question :S

Paging slidey (hopefully he will run a vanity search on his username and chime in)

I talked to a number of builders about real leather. They all did their best to talk me out of it. Vinyl is FAR easier to deal with for several reasons, so that explains their reluctance, but they also said it would stain and scuff and basically wear WORSE than vinyl.

If vinyl tears, you can replace it, or even patch a small rip. Replacing torn leather would be a much bigger project. The hides are expensive, you have to piece them together to fit a table, and it doesn't stretch or bend like vinyl, so it takes a lot more work to get a reasonably smooth rail. Amateurs with no experience stretch vinyl rails all the time, but you'll want a professional upholsterer to make a leather rail for you.

There are vinyls available that are very strong. I'm sitting on a vinyl couch right now that regularly passes for real leather. I've had it for years and it's holding up fine to being sat on, stood on, slept on...

Talk to www.yourautotrim.com, and get some vinyl samples.

yeah, that is what I am reluctant about with the leather. thanks for the info man!

Lolz... No searches but just a check for new stuff in HP every once in a while. My thoughts mirror gedanken's. The only problem you'd ever have with tears is if you're super clumsy and let it slide or snag on sharp edges. Go with a material called Arctic, they sell it in black at Joanns. It's a very durable dependable option that is a favorite option and very easy to work with, so as a first timer you'll have an easier time of it. Hope that helps.

i'll be sure to check it out. thanks man

Not a huge fan of Arctic. If you're going to go with something like that I would look at rogue vinyl. Same manufacturer as arctic, much nicer look to it. Especially of you're going with anything other than black.

^^^^^ in other words, get samples, as tastes and needs vary.

Indeed

Gotta show pics with a title like this. Let's see them...