Beer pong tables can be difficult to make.
Builders have to choose the colors, designs, length and buying the materials to actually build one.
Neil Hardcastle decided to get involved in this niche market. Hardcastle’s business, Beer Pong Classics, creates custom beer pong tables.
“I’ve made about 15 tables so far,” the Brooklyn junior said. “I made my own table and people really liked it, so I started making them for friends.”
His business is completely self-ran and sells tables that are bare wood, custom painted or with added lights and accessories. He said he started building about a year-and-a-half ago.
“It’s an interesting experience to have someone say they want me to build a table because it’s used a lot,” he said. “It’s not like a desk or dresser and is the focus of a party.”
(Neil Blake/Staff Photographer)
Hardcastle said he has gotten faster with the process of building a table as he is built more and more.
“I can usually build about two tables an hour,” Hardcastle said. “I’ve built a lot of tables so I’ve gotten it down and can make them quickly.”
He said it does take more to add paint and other accessories.
Hardcastle said he does look forward to building tables.
“It’s a rush, I love building things,” he said. “When I was a kid I liked to play with Legos, to sit and see progress made is a thrill.”
He said the time spent is the best part.
“It’s satisfying to see the table make progress and turn out better than I can imagine, I feel like I’ve accomplished something,” Hardcastle said.
Customer Perspective
Jackson Community College sophomore Nate Russler received a custom beer pong table from Hardcastle as a high school graduation gift.
“He’s a very artistic kid and he’s very talented with wood,” Russler said. “I saw a table that he made that I really liked so I asked him to make one for me.”
Hardcastle said it was the second table he ever made.
Russler’s table features a neon-lit letter “M,” standing for the University of Michigan, in the middle of the table with trim outlining it. There also are places on each end of the table for people to sign their names.
Hardcastle said what sets his tables apart from others is a 1-inch lip around the edge that prevents spills from ruining the carpet.
“They are sturdy tables,” Hardcastle said.
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Luke Dimick
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i want a table
The quality is superb. They are elegantly built and moderately sturdy. That one inch lip is a real carpet saver. It has saved me numerous dollars on carpet. I would really recommend Mr. Hardcastle if an exquisite, colorful table is wanted. Thanks Neil for the awesome job you did on my table. Five Stars all the way!!! You da man. And by the way, come over later, Kurt wants to see you
Wait until CMU sues you now after this article (or at least gives you a cease and desist letter). You are selling materials with the CMU logo, and you more than likely have not purchased the rights to do so. I hope you have a good attorney!
I like how all the comments are from his friend. Except the last one obviously.
These tables look like they are full of mediocre workmanship and rushed details. Probably because he can make two an hour.
My roommates and I used to build quality, lacquered, laser engraved tables at CMU, that sold for more than $500, though admittedly, we’d spend 10+ days in a professional workshop perfecting each piece.
I give these guys credit for making a regular student business out of it though.
what college kid would buy a $500 dollar table? haha joke
hey…these tables are awesome..I saw the swoosh one he did and it was legit. Provide nice wood and I recomend to get the LED lights under because they light up pretty sweet. Go over there and see it, because he was happy to show me his products. They fold up to with the legs so its actually cool and convienent.
DetroitAlum said it. People don’t understand quality anymore.
I used to carve tables from solid rock with my teeth. They would sell for tens of thousands of dollars because I had to keep buying new teeth.
Stupid students are just trying to make money doing something they enjoy and have an aptitude for. Let’s break their spirit quick.
The Collegiate Licensing Commission should know about this. In fact I will let them know about this. By adding a college logo onto the table, it adds a significant amount of value, thus the schools should get their cut. These are some BS quality too (judging from the pictures).
Judging from the pictures he is still working on the table and its not finished.so how is that “BS quality”? Unless you have seen a finished product don’t judge and if you don’t know the amount of time he puts into each table don’t judge. Let the guy do something productive and something he likes.