Measure the table and the playing area before choosing a mat, then decide how much exposed edge you want for hands, cards or drinks. Compare the mat's surface and thickness, edge stitching, backing and storage case. Allplay and Big Viking Mats publish different sizes and construction details, so check the exact product and measure your own table.
A playmat adds a removable playing surface to a dining table, card table or game room. Choose its size from the table and game you actually use, then compare the top surface, backing, edge, thickness and storage.
Compare the details
| What matters | Buyer check |
|---|---|
| Table fit | Measure the usable table surface and the game area. Decide how much exposed edge you want before selecting the mat size. |
| Surface and thickness | Compare the maker’s top material and thickness. Allplay lists a 5 mm neoprene mat; Big Viking Mats lists a 5 mm neoprene mat with a nylon play surface and rubber back. |
| Edge and backing | Check whether the edge is stitched and whether the backing is intended to grip the table. Allplay describes inset stitching and a no-slip backing on its model. |
| Storage | Check whether the mat rolls, how large it is when packed and whether the maker includes a carry case. |
Allplay lists small, medium and large mats, plus round sizes, and says each playmat includes a carrying case. Big Viking Mats recommends measuring the actual table and deciding how much border to leave exposed; its standard sizes are based on common table dimensions and it also offers custom-cut sizes. These are maker examples, not a universal size chart.
Match the mat to the room
If the table serves meals as well as games, check how quickly the mat can be rolled and stored and where its case will go. If the mat stays on the table, compare the edge border with the space people use for hands, drinks or cards. For dedicated furniture and usable play-area dimensions, see our board game table buying guide.
Related: board game table buying guide, board game transport bag buying guide, and how to host a game night. Browse game accessories.
Sources
Common questions
What size playmat do I need for board games?
Measure the table's usable surface, then compare it with the mat dimensions and the space your game needs. Leave the edge border you want instead of assuming a standard mat will fit.
What should a board game mat be made of?
Compare the maker's listed top material, backing and thickness. Allplay and Big Viking Mats both describe neoprene mats, but their sizes and construction details vary by product.
Should a game mat cover the whole table?
It depends on how you use the edge. Big Viking Mats suggests measuring and planning an exposed border for elbows, drinks or cards before selecting a size.
How do you store a board game playmat?
Check whether it rolls or folds and whether a case or strap is included. Allplay says its playmats come with a carrying case; other makers may package them differently.