Baizewick guide
Air hockey tables: sizes and what to look for
Home air hockey tables are commonly 5ft to 8ft long, and most of the extra room you need is at the two ends. Measure the cabinet, the player space and the delivery route before you choose.
Sizes and the room they need
Home air hockey tables are commonly sold as 5ft to 8ft models, with tabletop versions for children.
Players stand at the ends, so that’s where most of the space goes. Leave enough at the sides to walk round and fetch the puck.
| Table | Table size (planning) | Clearance used | Room needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6ft air hockey table | 1.83 m × 0.91 m | 0.90 m | 3.63 m (11ft 11in) × 2.71 m (8ft 11in) |
| 7ft air hockey table | 2.13 m × 1.07 m | 0.90 m | 3.93 m (12ft 11in) × 2.87 m (9ft 5in) |
These are planning values based on nominal table sizes. A real table’s playing area is usually a little smaller, so check the maker’s specification before you order.
Shown for a 6ft table with the 0.9 m planning clearance our room checker uses. Players stand at the ends; plan the socket before the table.
What makes a good air hockey table
- Blower: strong, even airflow lets the puck float freely over the whole surface. Weak spots slow the game.
- Playing surface: smooth and level, with plenty of evenly spaced air holes.
- Rails and goals: solid rails give a lively, consistent rebound.
- Levelling: adjustable feet. On an unlevel table the puck drifts to one side.
- Spares: pucks and strikers wear out, so check you can easily get replacements in the right size.
Scoring and extras
Electronic scorers count goals for you. They usually run from the same power supply as the blower. Manual sliding scorers have nothing to go wrong.
Lights and sound effects are fun for children, but they don’t change how the table plays.
Power and noise
Powered tables need a socket within reach of the lead. Plan the table’s position around the socket, so you don’t run an extension lead across a walkway. Use a qualified electrician if you need a new outlet.
Blowers are noticeable in a shared room. Think about where the noise will carry, especially in flats or open-plan homes.
Delivery and assembly
Larger tables are bulky and heavy, though nowhere near the weight of a slate pool table. Check the boxed dimensions against your route in. Also check whether delivery includes carrying it to the room and assembling it.
Air hockey on a multi-game table
Many multi-game tables include an air hockey top. They’re convenient, but the airflow and playing surface usually work less well than on a dedicated table. See our multi-game tables guide.