Overview of Poker Table Shipping Costs
Shipping a poker table is not as straightforward as mailing a small package. Poker tables are large, heavy, oddly shaped, and often made of delicate materials like felt, hardwood, and padded armrests. Whether you have sold a poker table online, purchased one from an out-of-state seller, or are moving to a new home, understanding the costs and logistics of shipping a poker table is essential to ensuring it arrives safely and at a reasonable price.
The cost to ship a poker table in the United States typically ranges from $150 to $600 for domestic shipping, depending on the size, weight, distance, and shipping method. Smaller, foldable poker table tops (which sit on top of an existing table) are much cheaper to ship — often $30 to $75 — because they are lighter and can be packaged in standard boxes. Full-size, custom-built poker tables with heavy wooden frames and integrated chip trays can cost $400 to $800 or more to ship, especially over long distances.
Factors That Affect Poker Table Shipping Costs
Several key variables determine how much you will pay to ship a poker table. Understanding these factors will help you estimate costs and find the best deal.
Size and Dimensions: Poker tables come in a wide range of sizes. A standard 8-player oval poker table is approximately 84 inches long, 42 inches wide, and 30 inches tall. A 10-player table can be 96 inches or longer. Folding poker tables are shorter and can be collapsed for easier transport. Shipping companies calculate their rates based on the dimensions of the item — larger items cost more to ship because they take up more space on the truck.
Weight: The weight of a poker table varies from about 25 pounds for a simple folding table top to 200 pounds or more for a full-size hardwood table with built-in features. Heavier items cost more to ship, and very heavy tables may require freight shipping rather than standard parcel delivery.
Shipping Distance: Distance is one of the most significant cost factors. Shipping a poker table across town might cost $50 to $100 using a local courier or pickup truck, while shipping cross-country (e.g., from New York to California) could cost $300 to $600 or more via freight.
Shipping Method: You have several options for shipping a poker table, each with different costs and trade-offs. Standard ground shipping through carriers like FedEx or UPS is available for smaller, lighter poker table tops that fit within their size and weight limits. For full-size tables, you will need to use a freight carrier (LTL — Less Than Truckload) or a specialized furniture shipping service. White-glove delivery, which includes indoor pickup, professional packing, and delivery to the room of your choice, is the most expensive option but provides the best protection.
Packaging: How your poker table is packaged significantly affects both the shipping cost and the risk of damage. Professionally crated tables are the safest option but add $50 to $200 to the total cost. Alternatively, you can wrap and pad the table yourself to save money, but this increases the risk of damage during transit.
Shipping Methods Compared
Let's compare the most common methods for shipping a poker table.
LTL Freight Shipping: LTL (Less Than Truckload) freight is the most common method for shipping large, heavy items like poker tables. Your table shares truck space with other shipments, keeping costs lower than hiring a full truck. LTL freight rates for a poker table typically range from $150 to $400 depending on distance and weight. Transit times are usually 3 to 10 business days. Popular LTL carriers include FedEx Freight, XPO Logistics, Old Dominion, and ABF Freight. The downside is that LTL freight is a dock-to-dock or curbside service — the driver will not bring the table inside your home unless you pay for liftgate and inside delivery services (add $50 to $150).
Specialty Furniture Shipping Services: Companies like uShip, GoShip, and FreightCenter specialize in connecting shippers with carriers for large items. These platforms allow you to enter your shipment details and receive competitive quotes from multiple carriers. Rates are often lower than going directly to a major freight carrier, with typical costs of $100 to $350 for domestic shipping. These services are particularly useful for one-time shipments where you do not have an existing relationship with a freight carrier.
White-Glove Delivery: For valuable or fragile poker tables, white-glove delivery is the premium option. A team of professionals will pick up the table from the seller's location, professionally pack and crate it, transport it to the destination, and deliver it inside your home to the room of your choice. Some white-glove services even include assembly. Prices for white-glove poker table delivery range from $300 to $800, but the peace of mind may be worth the premium for high-end custom tables.
DIY Transport: If the shipping distance is short (under 50 miles), renting a pickup truck or cargo van and transporting the table yourself is often the most affordable option. Truck rental costs typically range from $20 to $50 per day (plus mileage) from companies like U-Haul, Home Depot, or Enterprise. You will need at least one other person to help load and unload the table, along with moving blankets, straps, and potentially a hand dolly.
How to Pack a Poker Table for Shipping
Proper packing is critical to preventing damage during shipping. Poker tables are vulnerable to scratches, dents, tears in the felt surface, and broken legs or chip trays. Follow these steps to pack your poker table safely.
Start by removing the legs if they are detachable. Most poker tables have legs that can be unscrewed or folded, which makes the table easier to pack and reduces the risk of leg damage during transit. Wrap each leg individually in bubble wrap and secure with packing tape.
Cover the felt surface with a clean, soft cloth or sheet to prevent scratches and stains. Then wrap the entire table top in several layers of bubble wrap, paying special attention to the corners and edges, which are the most vulnerable areas. Secure the bubble wrap with packing tape, but be careful not to let tape touch the felt surface directly, as it can leave residue or damage the material.
Place the wrapped table in a cardboard box or wooden crate that is slightly larger than the table. Fill any gaps with packing peanuts, foam sheets, or crumpled packing paper to prevent the table from shifting during transport. For high-value tables, consider having a professional crating company build a custom wooden crate for maximum protection.
Label the package clearly with "FRAGILE," "THIS SIDE UP," and "DO NOT STACK" warnings. Include your contact information and the recipient's address on both the outside of the package and on a slip inside the package, in case the external label is damaged.
Tips for Saving Money on Poker Table Shipping
Shipping a poker table does not have to break the bank. Here are some strategies for reducing costs.
Compare quotes from multiple carriers using freight comparison platforms like uShip, GoShip, or FreightCenter. Prices can vary by 30 to 50 percent between carriers for the same shipment. If you are flexible with timing, ask about discounted rates for off-peak shipping days (typically mid-week) or consolidated shipping, where your table is combined with other shipments heading in the same direction.
Consider terminal-to-terminal shipping instead of door-to-door delivery. With terminal shipping, you drop off the table at the carrier's local terminal and the recipient picks it up at the destination terminal. This eliminates the cost of residential pickup and delivery surcharges, which can save $50 to $150.
Pack the table yourself instead of paying for professional packing services. While this requires some effort and materials, it can save $50 to $200 compared to professional packing. Just be sure to pack the table securely to avoid damage.
If you are buying or selling a poker table online, negotiate with the buyer or seller to share shipping costs. Many online marketplaces for poker equipment expect the buyer to pay shipping, but splitting the cost can make the deal more attractive to both parties.
Conclusion
Shipping a poker table costs anywhere from $30 for a simple table top to $800 for white-glove delivery of a custom hardwood table across the country. The key to getting the best price is understanding the factors that drive costs — size, weight, distance, and shipping method — and comparing quotes from multiple carriers. With proper packing and a reliable shipping service, your poker table can arrive at its destination in perfect condition, ready for your next game night.
