I am not sure how I feel about this project. I was browsing Facebook and was shown an ad for an RPG TV stand. The idea is that you can lay a TV flat on a gaming table and use it for RPG games like Dungeons & Dragons to show maps, reveal enemies, or add a bit of interactivity. When I saw the ad, I realized that I could make a riser out of PVC for cheap. I went straight to Home Depot, bought some parts, and assembled a riser. I will explain more about how I did this, but after I had it all working, I started to second-guess this new feature of my gaming table.
Material and Tools
I designed everything around 1/2″ PVC piping. It is sturdy and easy to cut. Speaking of cutting, use a ratcheting PVC pipe cutter (not a saw). This is a handy tool that does its job well.
- 1/2″ PVC Schedule 40 Pipe (5 sections of 1/2″ x 24″)
- 1/2″ PVC Side Outlet 90-Degree S x S x S Elbow Fitting (x4)
- 1/2″ PVC Schedule 40 Socket Cap
- Tape Measure
- Marker
- PVC Pipe Cutter
Size the TV
The idea is that you are going to frame the backside of a TV so it sits off the table. This allows access to the buttons, power connecting, and HDMI. Each TV will have a different back, so adjust the sizing accordingly. My TV is 32″ on the screen side, but on the back, it had a bump out that I can frame in PVC. This turned out to be 22″ x 16″. Use the marker to mark the cuts. The fittings allow for about 1″ of the pipe so you need to account for that. But I would not worry about everything being exact. There is a lot of play. Oversize now and trim later.
Frame the TV
Take one of the 1/2″ PVC Side Outlet Elbow Fittings and place it in the corner of the TV. Put the pipe into the side that does not face down. Repeat this around the TV.
Use the marker to decide where you want to make some cuts. I personally like the Milwaukee Inkzall Point Markers. They write on any material that I make stuff with.
Use the ratcheting PVC pipe cutter to cut each pipe segment.
Put each segment together. Do not glue it together. There is enough friction to lock everything in place. Plus, you might want to make adjustments in the future or switch out the TV.
Add Height as Needed
With the remaining pieces of PVC, you can make some legs for the PVC frame. This depends on how much clearance you need for the back of the TV and what the best viewing angle for people sitting around the table is. Put on the caps on the end of the PVC for a finished look.
Maps and Software
People have been using TVs for RPG gaming quite a bit. There’s a whole ecosystem of software, tools, and maps available to you.
- Arkenforge: It has everything that you would want for a low price tag: tools, pre-made assets, and a strong community. You can make maps, animate, and add audio for in-person only play. Arkenforge comes with a 30-day trial. Give it a try.
- MapTool: Free, open-source tool. This software also supports network collaboration.
Next Steps
If I keep this going, I am imagining some next steps and where to take this. I would paint the PVC black to help blend into the table and not look so DIY. I would create different sizes of the legs to adjust the height for other types of games. The biggest upgrade I would make is reconfiguring the riser for a much better TV. I used an old TV that only looked “good” from one angle. So, if I end up using this TV for gaming, I might make some upgrades.
What would you do?