The gaming table market has become increasingly competitive over the past five years, with many new options emerging annually, often through Kickstarter campaigns. Despite this, many affordable tables lack variety, especially for those who aren’t fans of wood. As a woodworker, I appreciate wood, but I knew how long it might take me to build the perfect gaming table myself. So, when I stumbled upon the “Project Ironside” Kickstarter by Cloud Puncher Games, I was intrigued by their unique approach of using solid steel construction. It was a leap of faith, but here’s how it turned out.
Assembly
The table arrived in three boxes: one for the frame, one for the topper, and one for the play surface base and mat. Each box was under 60 lbs, making it manageable. Even though the boxes had some dents and tears, the contents were well-protected thanks to excellent packaging.
Assembling the Ironside Table was straightforward. We opted for the standard 3′ x 5′ play area model, which is designed for easy future expansion. While the company claims a 5-minute assembly time, it realistically took longer without a specialized drill extension. The table’s design ensures ease of assembly, with alignment pegs and pre-drilled holes for all hardware. I did face some challenges fitting the bolts due to the size of my hands, but once tightened, the frame was rock solid.
The middle support system, initially a concern due to its use of circular tubes and foam spacers, proved effective and stable upon full assembly.
Play Area and Frame
The play area is a standard 3′ x 5′ with a foam rubber base and a smooth cloth cover. The mat is easy to roll out and replace, with various designs available. We chose a simple blue mat that complements the table well. It has a nice spring, making card games easy to play and pick up cards from the surface. This size accommodates most games except the largest ones.
The frame is powder-coated steel, available in various colors. We chose black to match our chairs, and the slightly glossy finish looks great. The legs have rubber feet with screws for easy leveling. The hardwood toppers connect via a tongue and groove system, though they aren’t waterproof, they look nice for the price point.
Accessories
We purchased the base table, a wood topper, and a few accessories: six cup holders, extension legs for the toppers, and a set of components holders. Cloud Puncher Games offers a range of accessories including card holders, bag hooks, rail cushions, and more. Their attachment system uses holes in the table rails, which limits flexibility compared to competitors’ groove rail systems. The accessories are easy to clip in and remove, though I’m concerned about the long-term durability of the plastic cup holder bases.
The cup holders are standard-sized, suitable for regular drink cups but not larger bottles. The metal inserts are dishwasher safe. The component holders are functional but small for those with larger fingers. They are adjustable and can be configured in various shapes.
We also got extra metal legs for the toppers, allowing them to be used as elevated surfaces or short tables. They come with cardboard disks to protect surfaces, though I might add rubber feet for extra protection.
Affordability
Post-Kickstarter, the table is available at https://ironsidegametable.com. The base table retails for around $700 but was on sale for $599 at the time of writing. While not cheap, it’s affordable compared to high-end wooden tables that can cost over $10,000. With a bundle, including toppers and accessories, you can keep the total under $1500.
Customization options include various table sizes, colors, and playmat designs. If you’re budget-conscious or looking for an alternative to traditional wood tables, the Ironside Game Table is worth considering.
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