a friend and I are planning on building a table for X-wing and battletech......we were thinking 5' x 5' to be able to accomodate the larger ships when they come, we were looking for some direction as to what size some of the folks here use

I would probably suggest 4'x6' it's a far more regualar size for gaming.. But also far easier to make as MDF normally comes in 2x4 sheets... Also I've found it gives you a bit of different play as you can spread out your force more playing widthways.. or play lengthways, and have a longer period before forces engage...

I'm guessing they are going to suggest us using a 4x6 table for the big ship fights. That's what flames of war uses and many other tabletop games, so finding a game store with those table dimensions won't be too difficult. As for building a table for something we don't know much about? Just be patient and wait for them to tell us. I would build a table at 4x4 and mark off the 3x3 area if you really want to build something. This way you have the edges to put your pilot cards/upgrades on your side and the dice/templates/damage decks on the sides.

If you yuse a 4x6 then you can have 2 3x3 mats next to each other. Get a 3x6" yoga mat and hack it in half for two very good 3x3 play mats for X-Wing.

I have a 3x3 board with black felt and around the edges is a wood border we spray painted with simulated speckled black granite paint. Looks awesome.

I use a table consisting of two 3'x4' pieces. For 100p battles I use one piece - it has aditional place for cards etc. For larger battles I use both pieces to create play area od 4' x 6'.

I built a tabletop using four 2'x2' sections held together with magnets. Each section has 1/4 of the standard 3'x3' play area, with a 6" border that gives plenty of room for cards.

The nice thing about it is that its expandable. All I have to do is add additional segments in between to make a larger play area.

I play mostly at the local games shop. The black-painted table isn't always available, so I use a 3'x3' square of hemmed black felt. It looks good, it doesn't crease and it keeps the ships from skitterering across the table if you're clumsy!

We usually play on a 4x6 surface. However if you are building a game table I would instead suggest 4x8. That way it will accommodate other games or when less space is needed it allows for table space for the extras, cards, tokens, ships, etc...

I think we are gonna go with 4 x 6 and then spray it down with black rubberizing spray. then lay tinfoil with alot of holes in it and spray white ( for the star effect). probably gonna go with just partical board cut into two pieces.....we'll make sure to post pics when we are done.