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Jigsaw puzzles experienced a surge in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their appeal doesn’t seem to be waning. Completing a puzzle without a dedicated puzzle table, however, can create clutter and make it hard to use furniture meant for other activities, such as dining or coffee tables.
Still, buying a puzzle table online can be a bit intimidating since they come in so many styles, shapes, and price points. This quick guide breaks down the two main types, common sizes and materials, and extra features to consider when choosing the best puzzle table for your space.
- Table vs. Board: Puzzle boards sit on an existing table, either lying totally flat or adjusting to one or two angles for comfort. Puzzle tables have legs for freestanding use, allowing you to assemble your puzzle from your bed, a couch or chair, or even the floor. The legs on many puzzle tables are foldable or removable, making them easy to store or use as separate puzzle boards.
- Size: Most puzzle boards and tables are designed to fit either 1,000-piece or 1,500-piece puzzles, with surfaces measuring about 30 to 35 inches long by 22 to 27 inches wide. Some also come with additional side panels you can use for sorting pieces, allowing them to expand during use while remaining compact for easy storage.
- Materials: The best tables for puzzles are built to be both lightweight and durable. Frames are usually made from solid or engineered wood, with some budget-friendly models made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Most are covered with nonslip material, such as flannel, to keep the puzzle pieces in place.
- Additional Features: Extra features include covers to protect puzzles, drawers for organizing pieces, raised edges to keep the pieces contained, adjustable angles for comfort, and lazy-Susan designs that allow them to rotate for easier access.
With those basics in mind, it’s time to start shopping for a puzzle companion, be it a collapsible puzzle table, an adjustable puzzle table, or even a large puzzle table with storage. Here are our top picks for the best puzzle boards and tables for your home.
Folding Puzzle Table
Photo: Amazon
The Bits and Pieces Fold-and-Go wooden jigsaw puzzle table is a standalone puzzle table with legs that includes side sorting panels that angle up for a more ergonomic setup. Finished with an elegant rosewood stain, this attractive, well-designed folding table is covered in rich green felt that keeps puzzle pieces in place. The assembly area measures 34 inches long by 25 inches wide, accommodating puzzles up to 1,500 pieces, and there’s a magnetic bar at the top that holds the box lid while you work. The entire folding puzzle table weighs a sturdy yet portable 10 pounds, features 30-inch-tall legs that fold flat for compact storage, and includes a built-in metal handle for easy carrying.
Get the Bits and Pieces puzzle board at Amazon, Walmart, or Bits and Pieces.
Adjustable Puzzle Board
Photo: Amazon
Becko’s puzzle board uses a simple, functional design that lets you work flat or at 20- or 30-degree angles for comfortable horizontal or vertical puzzling. The MDF board is covered in flannelette to keep pieces from sliding, and the supporting brackets are made from durable pine. The usable surface area measures 30.3 inches long by 22.36 inches wide—making it an ideal 1,000-piece puzzle table. When you’re done for the day, the brackets fold flat for quick storage under a couch, bed, or coffee table, keeping the clutter of an in-progress puzzle out of sight.
Get the Becko puzzle board at Amazon or Becko Puzzle Solutions.
Folding Puzzle Table
Photo: Amazon
A puzzle board with drawers simplifies sorting pieces by color or shape, and this Jumbl model takes that convenience a step further with magnetic closures that keep all six of its removable drawers securely in place when not in use. Its stabilized 13-inch legs fold up neatly for storage and allow the table to sit comfortably on hard or soft surfaces. The assembly area is generously sized at 34.9 inches long by 27 inches wide, giving you plenty of room to work on puzzles with up to 1,500 pieces. This puzzle table with a cover allows you to protect your work between puzzling sessions, and once your masterpiece is complete, you can simply slide it off the center tray and prepare it for display using an appropriate glue for cardboard.
Get the Jumbl puzzle table at Amazon or Wayfair.
Puzzle Bag
Photo: Amazon
Even portable puzzle tables and boards are still relatively heavy, making them hard to bring along when camping or visiting friends or family. This unique portable model solves that problem, consisting of a waterproof carrying case that opens on all sides to reveal two removable side panels and a removable central working space. The complete setup weighs just over 7 pounds and measures 35.6 inches long by 25.6 inches wide in the bag. At 35.4 inches long by 25 inches wide, the assembly area is large enough for a 1,500-piece puzzle, and each side panel is 17.2 inches long by 24.2 inches wide. For anyone who likes moving in-progress puzzles from their lap to a table—or even outdoors—this puzzle bag will be hard to beat.
Get the All4Jig puzzle table at Amazon or All4Jig.
Spinning Puzzle Table
Photo: Amazon
Putting together a puzzle often means shifting around the table to get a better look at your progress from different angles. This rotating puzzle table from Bits and Pieces eliminates that need with a built-in lazy Susan that spins the board smoothly on ball bearings, letting you view and reach every piece with ease. The board is made from high-quality composite wood and solid hardwood, and the fabric-covered working area is designed to keep pieces in place. This 34-inch by 34-inch square is perfect for gaming rooms, accommodating puzzles up to 1,500 pieces, as well as crafts, cards, and board games.
Get the Bits and Pieces puzzle table at Amazon or Bits and Pieces.
Wheeled Puzzle Table
BuilderButler 1500 Piece Puzzle Table
See ItThis versatile puzzle table offers adjustable height settings and a 45-degree tilting surface for ergonomic puzzling. The 34.25″ x 25.2″ workspace accommodates puzzles up to 1500 pieces, with four drawers for piece organization. Lockable wheels provide easy mobility around your home, while the protective cover keeps dust and pets away from your work. The brown wood finish complements most home decor.
Puzzle Table with Storage Pocket
RAGOZONERY Puzzle Table with Storage Pocket
See ItThis adjustable puzzle table features a unique side storage pocket for keeping puzzle boxes, instructions, and loose pieces within easy reach. The 1500-piece capacity work surface tilts to multiple angles and adjusts in height to suit different seating positions. Four felt-lined drawers prevent pieces from sliding around, while the included wheels make repositioning easy. The coffee-colored finish adds a warm touch to any room.
Tall Puzzle Table
TEAKMAMA 27.6" Tall Puzzle Table
See ItStanding at 27.6 inches tall, this folding puzzle table is designed for comfort while working on 1500-piece puzzles. The 34.3″ x 26.5″ natural wood surface includes four storage drawers with felt lining to protect puzzle pieces. The foldable legs make storage convenient when not in use, and the protective cover keeps your puzzle secure between sessions. The elevated height works well with standard chairs or can be used while standing.
Or, DIY Your Own Puzzle Table
Rather than buying a commercially designed product, those with some woodworking experience can also make their own version with a few simple supplies. In fact, a basic puzzle board can be made with an appropriately sized piece of plywood. For a slightly more functional version, consider adding edges to the board to keep the pieces in place. To turn the board into a puzzle table, simply add four legs. More advanced woodworkers can consider making a rotating puzzle board or even an adjustable, angled puzzle board.
How We Chose the Best Puzzle Tables
Years of experience covering home and hobby supplies as well as extensive product research went into creating this guide. We explored more than 25 puzzle-table options and weighed several practical considerations before making our recommendations.
- Type: In an effort to provide a suitable range of options for different shoppers, we aimed to include puzzle tables of varying types in this guide.
- Reviews: We relied on reviews to ensure that the products we recommend receive positive feedback from users.
- Value: Puzzle tables range in price depending on their size, type, and the materials from which they’re constructed. We ensured that all the puzzle tables we recommend offer excellent value regardless of price.
FAQs
Though you now know more about puzzle tables, you may still have questions about choosing and installing them. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about puzzle tables.
Q. Are puzzle tables better than puzzle boards?
Puzzle tables and puzzle boards both offer unique advantages. Puzzle boards are ideal for use on top of an existing table, whereas puzzle tables are a great choice for those who have room for a freestanding piece of furniture.
Q. What should I look for in a puzzle table?
Look for a puzzle table or board that is the right size for the puzzles you use and has additional features that suit your needs.
Q. Can I make my own puzzle table at home?
Yes, amateur woodworkers can easily make a puzzle table at home by following the instructions listed above.
Q. How does a puzzle table work?
A puzzle table provides a dedicated surface for completing jigsaw puzzles that can be easily moved when it’s not in use.
