MD Sports 12-In-1 Multi Game Room Table, 48-Inch

Whether you have a small space or you just like to keep things simple, a combination gaming table is the toy for you. You will find endless combinations to appease the gamer in your life.

“Combination tables provide the ability to have one large table in less space than it would take to have several, making them a smart option for smaller homes and apartments,” says our resident home expert Vicki Liston, the writer, producer and narrator of “On The Fly…DIY.”

To start your shopping, you want to consider the games that matter the most to you and your crowd. The combinations are endless, anywhere from two games in one set to 12 games in one set. You can keep it as simple or as diverse as you’d like.

For adults, a poker table or billiard table can be fun. Look for a table that features a card table, bumper pool and a dining table cover so you can just enjoy drinks and chat when not in play. Some models even have claw feet and four rolling chairs. Another great option for adults is the Hathaway Black Spartan Pool Table. With both a billiard top and a ping pong table, the competition is on.

If your house is full of youngsters, you might want games like foosball or air hockey. These games are commonly found in combination sets and will keep the kids in your life occupied for hours. The Best Choice Products 4-In-1 Combination Gaming Table is packed with the best games from pool and table tennis to air hockey and foosball. It is sturdy and comes with all the accessories you’ll need for all the games. Another fabulous choice with even more options is the Sunnydaze Décor 10 Combination Multi Game Table. You’ll find countless options from the popular ping pong and foosball to backgammon and checkers. Everyone will love family game night at your house with these kid-friendly combination tables.

There are three main ways that combination tables are designed. Some have conversion tops that lift up and off or flip over when changing the game. Others are swivel tops that flip around for quick game changes. And then you’ll find a combination of the two if you get a table with many game choices. Manufacturers will utilize every surface area in these combination tables to give you another game.

When you find a combination you like, it is important to check the construction. Game tables can take a beating so it’s best to find sturdy and solid materials and accessories.

“Look for a combination table that levels easily or locks its game top into place,” says Liston. “There’s nothing worse than starting a game of pool, only to find that the top is leaning slightly to one side and you’ve got to stop, reset, and start over. The table should have reinforced, wide-set legs and non-slip feet to ensure it is as stable as possible. Kids can be especially merciless to combination tables when they are immersed in the heat of the moment, so reinforced, wide-set legs can minimize the risk of tipping over and causing potential injury.”

Most combination tables are made from a variety of materials. Some are made from PVC, wood and/or metal. In an attempt to keep your table from expanding and contracting, the tables should be kept in a humidity-controlled space. Places like a porch or a garage (that isn’t temperature controlled) are not ideal for your table and will shorten the life of the materials. Also finding a designated space such as a game room or bonus room will keep the competition out of the other designated spaces in the home.

• For the best quality, solid wood and metal frames are what you want to look for.
• If budget is your concern, conversion top tables are usually your best bet.
• If quality is your priority, choose a swivel top.
• When looking into reviews of a product, pay close attention to what consumers say about the air hockey feature if your table includes that. It is usually the game that malfunctions the most. You’ll want to see if you can find the measurement of airflow or CFM that should be as close to 400 as you can get.