When it comes to customizing your board game table, if you opt for a custom playmat, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right size for your personalized game mat. Whether you play board games, card games, or miniatures, the surface you play on can have a big impact on your overall experience. Below are some tips to help you select the perfect custom-sized game mat for your gaming table.
1. Measure Your Board Game Table
The first step is to properly measure your gaming table. Gaming tables come in various sizes, so it's essential to know the exact dimensions. A custom-sized game mat should fit the surface of your table without leaving exposed edges or being too tight. It’s recommended to measure both the length and width of your table, making sure to account for any extensions or special features.
If your board game table has a pool (a recessed playing area), the most important thing is to know the exact internal measurements of that space. Don’t rely solely on the dimensions provided by the manufacturer. The best approach is to use a measuring tape and measure the interior of the pool yourself to ensure that the playmat fits perfectly in your gaming zone. This small step can make a big difference in fit and overall gaming experience.
Be sure to measure with millimetric precision, as the cutting process of the playmat may include a tolerance margin of approximately 0.5 mm. This margin is always negative, meaning it will result in a slight reduction from your intended design size. The maximum size should never be exceeded despite this margin, as it could cause the mat to stick out and not fit properly into your pool.
2. Consider the Type of Game
The type of game you play also plays a key role in determining the right size for your custom playmat. That’s why it’s important to assess the specific needs of both your game and your table’s surface. In some cases—especially with wargames—the pool area of your board game table might be too small to comfortably fit the full gameplay experience.
Some games are simply better suited to a mat placed on top of a closed pool, while others work best within the pool itself. For that reason, it can be helpful to have different playmats tailored to each type of game and play style.
3. Material and Texture
In addition to size, the material is crucial. Look for a material that offers durability and a comfortable surface for moving pieces. Popular materials include neoprene and rubber, which are not only durable but also provide excellent traction to prevent pieces from sliding. Ensure that the material of your custom size gamemat is easy to clean and has a pleasant texture for a more comfortable gaming experience.
4. Customization and Design
One of the advantages is the ability to customize it according to your preferences. Whether you want a specific design, a particular color, or even your personal logo, customization allows you to create a unique surface. Custom designs not only enhance the aesthetics of your gaming table but can also reflect your personality or the theme of your favorite games, making your sessions more immersive and epic.
5. Why Choose a Custom Size Gamemat?
A custom-sized playmat offers a whole new level of experience when it fits your table just right. As mentioned earlier, some sizes may not be ideal for your play style. That’s why choosing an option that perfectly matches your gaming surface can make all the difference—unlike other playmats that leave gaps uncovered or hang over the edges.
6. Are Stitched Edges a Good Choice for my Board Game Table?
Stitched edges are the first feature you should consider when choosing a playmat. If you're deciding which playmat to go for, never forget this principle. A playmat without stitched edges could end up being a waste of money, as the edges will eventually wear out over time.
But is this always the best option if you have a gaming table with a recessed area (pool)? The answer is no. In this case, the first thing you should look for is whether the manufacturer can offer precise cutting. When choosing a playmat for use inside a pool, stitching can actually be a disadvantage, as the stitching takes up extra space beyond the cut and may affect the expected result.
This means that if you request a specific size and also want the playmat to have stitched edges, that stitching could negatively impact the fit, preventing the mat from properly fitting inside the pool. For this reason, if your playmat is meant to be placed in a recessed gaming area, it should not have stitched edges.
9. Conclusion
Choosing the right custom size gamemat for your board game table involves more than just picking a design it’s about finding the perfect balance between fit, function, and style. Accurate measurements, especially for tables with a recessed pool, are crucial to ensure the mat fits as intended. Depending on the type of game you play, you might need different sizes or even multiple playmats to match various setups.
Materials like neoprene or rubber enhance durability and usability, while customization allows you to express your personality and elevate the visual experience of your gaming space. However, while stitched edges are generally a mark of quality, they’re not always suitable—particularly when your mat needs to fit precisely within a recessed area, where stitching can interfere with the fit.
In the end, a custom-sized playmat tailored to your table and play style not only improves gameplay but also brings a level of comfort, immersion, and satisfaction that standard options can’t match.