Yeah if you remember the table you started on at my last game, that was one I built years ago. The design was available online and it's pretty easy to make.
I opted to go 3.5'x7' and it sits 8-9 comfortably. For 10 players, go the full 4x8. MDF was all the rage at the time but I went for 3/4" plywood instead - it's been at least 10 years and it is still holding up great.
Get the good foam (closed cell it is called) for underneath the felt - worth it to spend the extra on this part as you feel it under the cards. I ordered that foam as well as the vinyl for the rails online. The foam for the rails I found at a foam store in downtown Hamilton.
For felt, I have been through a bunch of different kinds over the years (one good feature of the design is that it's very simple to change the felt), and if I had to pick a favorite, I think I liked the burgundy "velveteen" fabric the best. I agree with what you said about the speed cloth being a little too firm under the cards - I noticed the same thing when I put it on. The velveteen on the other hand lets you take full advantage of the foam underneath. Think I got it on ebay.
It's obviously been a long time since I ordered all that stuff, but a good place to start would be
straight poker supplies in Toronto. They seem to have all the ingredients, free shipping, not sure how their prices compare to what else might be out there.