Sanded glass, glossy glass or laminate

Most people choosing a table football table look at the cabinet, the legs and the colour of the players. The playfield gets less attention, yet it is where every ball rolls. Its surface changes how fast the game is, how much control you have, and how the table looks under your living room lights.

There are three surfaces you will meet: sanded glass, glossy glass and laminate.

Why the surface matters

The ball is light and fast. On a smooth surface it rolls further and quicker; on a surface with more grip it slows down and stays where you put it. That decides whether a game feels calm and tactical or quick and wild. Neither is wrong. It depends on who plays and what kind of evening you want.

Sanded glass

Sanded glass has a fine matte texture. Garlando describes it as non-reflective and says it gives a controlled game.

What you get:

• Control. The ball responds well to the players, so you can stop it, pass and set up a shot.
• No glare. A matte surface does not mirror the lamp above the table, so you see the ball clearly in the evening.
• The feel of serious play. Players who like to build a move rather than just hit the ball will enjoy it.

Glossy glass

Glossy glass is smooth and shiny. According to Garlando, it gives a faster game.

What you get:

• Speed. The ball travels quickly, rallies are short and loud, and goals come fast.
• A bright look. A glossy playfield catches the light and looks striking in a modern interior.
• One thing to plan for: reflections. Place the light so it falls evenly over the playfield, and you avoid bright spots in the players’ eyes.

Laminate

Laminate is a hard-wearing surface that is common on home tables. In general terms:

• Durable. It handles everyday play, family games and the odd spilled drink.
• Slower than glass. The ball rolls more calmly, which many beginners and children find easier.
• Easy to live with. A quick wipe keeps it clean.

For a family table that will see daily games with kids, laminate is a sensible, relaxed choice.

Which one suits your evenings?

• Friends who play hard and want a real game: glass. Sanded if you like control, glossy if you like speed.
• Family play with children: laminate is calm and forgiving.
• A table that is also an interior piece: think about your lighting. Matte glass stays calm under any lamp, glossy glass makes a statement.

Flat matters as much as the surface

Any surface plays well only when it is level. A ball that drifts towards one goal on its own ruins the fun. Leg levelers solve this: they give a perfectly flat playfield even on a floor that is not perfect. In our catalog the Garlando G-2000 Evolution and the Garlando Pro Champion have leg levelers.

Size plays a part too. The ITSF official Leonhart Tournament and the Garlando World Champion 2.0 both have a playfield of 120 x 70.5 cm.

Caring for the playfield

• Wipe glass with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners on any surface.
• Keep drinks off the playfield and use the cabinet edge or a side table.
• Keep the balls clean: a dirty ball leaves marks and plays unevenly.

Ask before you buy

Playfield surfaces differ from model to model and sometimes between versions of the same table. Ask us which surface a specific model has, and we will tell you how it plays. If you want to feel the difference yourself, ask us where you can try one.

To narrow down your options, take the table finder quiz or browse the catalog, and write to SKF with any question.