Skittles Table Game

Bring a piece of pub history into your home with this step-by-step woodworking plan for building a classic hood skittles game table. This traditional English pub game combines the challenge of bowling with the charm of vintage indoor recreation—and building it is just as fun as playing.

Skittles, believed to date back to medieval England, is the ancestor of modern bowling and has taken on many forms over the centuries—from lawn skittles to Irish skittles to tabletop games. This version, known as hood skittles, features a protective “hood” to catch stray throws, making it perfect for indoor play with family or friends.

Constructing the skittles game table is a rewarding woodworking project that calls on a wide range of skills. The sturdy base is built with solid hardwood joinery, while the top features shaped plywood panels and a laminated hardwood playing surface. You'll also turn your own pins and routed "cheeses" (the round throwing pieces), making this project a full-spectrum woodworking challenge.

Whether you’re looking to create a showstopping game for your home bar, rec room, or man cave, or just want a creative way to sharpen your joinery, turning, and finishing techniques, this skittles table offers both craftsmanship and fun in equal measure.

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