This is the first of several posts about Shuffleboard Table sizes. One of the most common questions about Shuffleboard Tables is “what is the standard size of a regulation size shuffleboard?” Shuffleboard Table sizes range from 9′ to 22′. The wide variety of Shuffleboard Table sizes means that there’s a size for every home or business. Some of the most popular residential Shuffleboard Table Sizes are 12′ Shuffleboards and 16′ Tables. Regulation size Shuffleboard Tables are 22′, with a playing surfaces that are 20′ 8″ long. That is fairly common knowledge, but “how did that become regulation size” is a more interesting.
Shuffleboard Table History Lesson: Back in the 1920’s through the early 1940’s, shuffleboards were commonly available in 28′, 30′ to 32′ lengths. Now, as someone who has setup many 22′ shuffleboards over the past 40 years, I can’t even imagine trying to move one that is 30% to 50% longer, and heavier!
By the 1940’s demand for Shuffleboard Tables was rapidly increasing, with much of the new interest coming from the West Coast. Back then, the largest trucks had an interior space of 21′ long. So, 21′ was the longest item that could be shipped, which lead shuffleboard manufacturers like American Shuffleboard, National Shuffleboard and others to build playing surfaces that were 20′ 8″ long. Once those were in a crate with a 2 x 4 at each end, the length of the crate was 21′. So, had the trucks back then been another foot longer, regulation size for Shuffleboard Tables might have been what seems like an odd size of 23′!
This fascinating information came right from the mouth of Sol Lipkin, aka “The Father of Table Shuffleboard” Sol was involved in the shuffleboard business for nearly 80 years, right up until the time of his death at the ripe old age of 103 years old! His career including Sales Manager positions at Modern Art Shuffleboard, National Shuffleboard and American Shuffleboard. In his later years, he was a consultant to Champion Shuffleboard and a goodwill ambassador for Dave & Buster’s.
Enjoyed reading this article about table shuffleboard. Sol Lipkin was unsurpassed as a shuffleboard historian. In someone’s remaining days, I hope that a complete history of the game of shuffleboard is written and published. Hint for John!