Guide to Choosing the Perfect American Mahjong Table

Mahjong is a timeless game that brings together friends and family for hours of strategic fun. To elevate your Mahjong playing experience, having the right table is essential. Whether you're an occasional player or a dedicated enthusiast, this guide will help you choose the perfect American Mahjong table, ensuring every game is a pleasure to play. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about selecting the ideal table for your needs, with a focus on key features and considerations. Let's dive in!

Understanding Your Needs

Before you start shopping for a Mahjong table, it's crucial to understand your specific needs:

• Assessing Space: Measure the area where you plan to place the table. Ensure there's enough room for players to sit comfortably and move around.
• Frequency of Use: Consider how often you'll be using the table. For frequent use, investing in a more durable and feature-rich table is worthwhile.
• Number of Players: Standard Mahjong tables are designed for four players, but some are larger to accommodate more. Determine your typical group size to find the best fit.

Types of Mahjong Tables

Mahjong tables come in various styles, each with its own advantages:

Traditional Wooden Tables

• Features and Benefits: These tables are often crafted with exquisite detail and sturdy construction.
• Aesthetic Appeal: They add a classic touch to your game room and can be a beautiful piece of furniture.

Automatic Mahjong Tables

• How They Work: These tables shuffle and set up the tiles automatically, speeding up gameplay.
• Advantages: Ideal for serious players who appreciate the efficiency and precision of automatic setups.

Foldable and Portable Tables

• Convenience: These tables are easy to store and transport, making them perfect for small spaces or on-the-go play.
• Ideal Use: Great for casual players and those who enjoy playing in different locations.

Standard Tables That Can Be Used for Mahjong

• Square Dining Tables: These tables offer ample space and can easily accommodate a Mahjong game setup. They are often sturdy and can double as dining or work tables.
• Round Dining Tables: These tables are great for creating a more social atmosphere as they allow all players to face each other. They are versatile and can also be used for other purposes when not playing Mahjong.

Key Features to Consider when Choosing a Mahjong Game Table

When choosing a Mahjong table, keep these features in mind:

Size and Dimensions

• Standard Sizes: Ensure the table fits comfortably in your designated space. An ideal table size for playing Mahjong is around a 36” square table, although you can get away with slightly smaller and a little larger. 
• Customizable Options: Some tables offer adjustable heights or sizes to suit different needs.

Material and Build Quality

• Durability: Look for tables made from high-quality materials like solid wood.
• Types of Materials: Consider the longevity and maintenance needs of different materials.

Surface and Playing Area

• Smoothness: A smooth surface allows tiles to move easily.
• Cushioning and Noise Reduction: Some tables have padded surfaces to minimize noise during gameplay.

Storage Options

• Built-In Drawers: Convenient for storing tiles and accessories.
• Foldable Designs: Consider tables that fold for easy storage when not in use.

Aesthetic Considerations

A Mahjong table should be functional and stylish:

Design and Style

• Matching Home Décor: Choose a table that complements your existing decor.
• Traditional vs. Modern Designs: Decide whether you prefer a classic look or a contemporary style.

Color and Finish

• Popular Colors: Traditional green felt is common, but other colors are available. We prefer to stray from tradition (especially if you’re setting up an entire, dedicated Mahjong room in your house), and instead choose the color and finish for your table based on the overall design aesthetic of your home.
  
  When playing mahjong, you’ll likely use a mat and/or atableclothh, so it’ll be nice to choose a table you find aesthetically pleasing while it’s not set up for a game of Mahjong. 
• Maintenance: Some finishes are easier to clean and maintain than others. Lacquered tables can be stunning, but run the risk of chipping. Stained wood would be one of the more durable materials for you to choose if maintenance is a top consideration.

Budget and Value

Your budget will guide your choice, but it's important to balance cost with quality:

Price Range Overview

• Budget-Friendly Options: We love scouring Facebook Marketplace for second-hand square or round dining or game tables that would work for a Mahjong game. As a bonus, you can often find these tables with a set of 4 chairs as well!
  
  If you’re in a pinch, you can also consider buying a square folding table and dress it up with a beautiful table cloth like one of these (traditional option 1, traditional option 2, simple option 3, or a lux, made-for-mahjong tablecloth like this option).
• Mid-Range Tables: Offer additional features, such as built in drawers and adjustable legs, and better build quality.
• Premium and Luxury Tables: High-end options with superior materials and craftsmanship.

Evaluating Value for Money

• Balancing Cost and Features: Ensure you're getting the features you need at a price you can afford.
• Long-Term Investment: A more expensive table might be cost-effective in the long run due to its durability.

Where to Buy Your Mahjong Table

Budget-Friendly American Mahjong Tables

Folding Game Table with Cup Holders
Price: $110 at the time of posting
Notable Features:

• There is no need for a mahjong mat with this game table, as it has a durable PVC playing surface.
• It folds up for easy storage.

Cons:

• The playing area is only 26”x26”, which is not an ideal size. 
• Due to the design of the table top, you wouldn’t be able to play with a mat or a tablecloth if you wanted to add personality or change the style of the table to match your room.

Vinyl Top Folding Card Table
Price: $44 at the time of posting
Notable Features:

• There is no need for a mahjong mat with this game table, as it has a padded vinyl playing surface.
• It folds up for easy storage, and doesn’t have angled brackets on the corners that can be knee-knockers like many other folding tables have.
• Standard size, so it fits a 60”x60” tablecloth nicely for decorating the table to match your tile set.

Cons:

• Since this is a folding table, it was designed to be lightweight. This is great for portability, but can be bad for playing. Any slight movement from your mahjong players will shake the table and could knock down tiles. 

Mid-Range American Mahjong Game Tables

Billy Cotton Simple Dining Table
Price: $699
Notable Features: 

• This is a contract-grade table, which means it was made to be durable enough for commercial use (like in restaurants and offices). Furniture in these spaces gets the most wear-and-tear, so if it can withstand that, it can withstand your daily/weekly/monthly mahj sessions for years to come!
• Made from cement, so it will be durable and heavy. You won’t have to worry about anyone flipping the table over ;)
• We love having a round table for mahjong so you have a bit of extra table room for your NMJL playing card, snacks, and drinks. 

Cons:

• This is a round table, not a square. That said, this can also be considered a positive, as the table is 44” compared to the average mahjong mat size of 32.5” (our Miss Quirky Cowgirl mat is 34” inches). This means you’ll have to reach a little farther for a discarded tile (we suggest a tile taker - these look amazing with our Miss Quirky Cowgirl set), but will have more room on your table for snacks and drinks (Cheers to Bird Bam!)
  

• Perth Bistro Table
  Price: $1,299
  Notable Features: 
• The top is onyx marble and the legs are iron, so it will be durable and heavy. Like the Billy Cotton, you won’t have to worry about anyone flipping the table over ;)
• The 36x36” square size is ideal for a game of mahjong.
• We love the soft corners.

Cons:

• Marble is a very soft and porous stone that is prone to scratches and etching. While Mahjong isn’t a game that would be generally thought to cause damage to the table, you’ll want to be careful about the products you use to clean the table (acids will cause etching to the finish), and be diligent about using coasters to prevent cup rings.
  
  That said, choosing a marble table for your mahjong game table is choosing a “living finish”. This means you can think of any etches or scratches that happen as a storybook of all the fun times you’ve had, games you’ve won, and conversations you’ve shared at the table.
  

• Claire Square Dining Table
  Price: $969
  Notable Features: 
• Like the Billy Cotton, this is a contract-grade table, which means it was made to be durable enough for commercial use (like in restaurants and cafes). Furniture in these spaces gets the most wear-and-tear, so if it can withstand that, it can withstand your daily/weekly/monthly mahj sessions for years to come!
• The 36x36” square size is ideal for a game of mahjong.
• Walnut wood with a stainless steel base in a blackened brass finish. Perfect for mid-century modern design styles.

Cons:

• The wood is only a veneer, so there is not much room for repair if the table were to get damaged. When a wood is a veneer, you have little to no room to sand down any imperfections and refinish. 

Premium American Mahjong Tables

Madre Burl Wood Mahjong Table
Price: $3,150
Notable Features: 

• The 36x36” square size is ideal for a game of mahjong.
• We love the soft corners.
• You have a choice of 6 different stain colors for the burl wood.
• The burl wood is timeless, and will seamlessly fit into any room decor and style.

Cons:

• There isn’t much information about this table, so we’re unsure how it will hold up. At the time of posting, the website does not include any information about whether this is a wood veneer or solid wood table, what type of protective treatment is on it, and the durability (if it is commercial grade). That’s quite a few unknowns for the price, although we do love the look.
  

• Bespoke Mahjong Automatic Tables
  Price: $1,750-9,850
  Notable Features: 
• This table automatically shuffles and racks the tiles for you. 
• The cost of the table includes the table itself, racks, automatic tiles (you must have a certain type of tile for the automatic table to work), and a holder for your NMJL card. 
• There is no need for a mahjong mat with these automatic tables. 
• Automatic table options online can tend to look very tech-y and not particularly focused on aesthetics, but not this one! These tables have artistic table top patterns to choose from, as well as a variety of table styles to pair them with. 

Cons:

• You need a specific type of mahjong tile set to use the automated features of these tables.
• The tables only shuffle and rack your tiles, you still have to deal, choose your discards during the Charleston, select your hand on the NMJL card, and strategize appropriately in order to win. ;) 

• Isla Table Natural Peeled Rattan with Glass Top
  Price: $3,700
  Notable Features: 
• This natural rattan table is a timeless style that would fit into rooms with many different design styles. 
• The 36x36” square size is ideal for a game of mahjong.

• Cons: 
• This table has a glass top, so you’ll need to use a neoprene mat like this one in order to protect it. 
• While the Made Goods brand has a great reputation, we don’t personally have this table and can’t speak to the quality.

Additional Accessories

Enhance your Mahjong experience with these accessories:

Essential Accessories

• Tile Sets: Choose high-quality tiles that complement your table.
• Racks with Pushers: Keep your tiles neat and accessible.
• Acrylic Display Cases: Why keep your tiles out of sight in a basic tile storage bag? Display your tiles as art even when they’re not in use.

Enhancing Your Playing Experience

• Lighting: Good lighting is crucial for gameplay. Consider a dedicated, battery powered table lamp.
• Decorative Add-Ons: Personalize your table with custom mats or themed accessories. If you’re using basic folding tables, you can add personality to your set up with a patterned tablecloth. 

Choosing the perfect American Mahjong table involves considering your space, usage, and personal style. Whether you opt for a traditional wooden table, a high-tech automatic model, or a portable option, investing in a quality table will enhance your Mahjong games for years to come. Remember to balance features with your budget and prioritize durability and aesthetic appeal.