The Ultimate Pool Table Buying Guide: Everything You Need To Know
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Are you thinking about buying a pool table? You’re in the right place. Whether you're a casual player or a serious pool player, choosing the right pool table is crucial for enjoying the game of pool.
The popularity of pool has made it a favorite game for homes, pool halls, and game rooms. Owning a high-quality pool table allows you to practice anytime and entertain friends and family. However, purchasing a pool table requires careful consideration.
This pool table buying guide will walk you through all the key factors you should consider before buying a pool table for your home. From slate quality to pool table felt, we’ll ensure you find the perfect pool table for your needs.
Billiards, Pool, and Snooker: Know the Difference
Knowing the type of game of pool or billiards you love will help you choose the right pool table. But before buying a pool table, it’s important to understand the different types of cue sports. While many people use the terms interchangeably, there are differences:
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Billiards typically refers to carom billiards, played on a table without pockets.
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Pool is the most popular, with various games like 8-ball and 9-ball played on a pocketed table.
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Snooker involves a larger table, smaller pockets, and different balls and rules.
Types of Pool Tables: Which One is Right for You?
When it comes to pool tables and billiard tables, variety is everything. Here are common types to explore:
1. Slate Pool Tables
The best billiard tables feature slate playing surfaces. Slate tables provide a perfectly flat and durable surface for accurate gameplay. Most quality pool tables use 3-piece slate on tables, typically ¾” to 1” thick.
2. Non-Slate (MDF or Wood) Tables
These are more affordable but lack the precision of slate tables. They’re suitable for casual play but may warp over time.
3. Traditional vs. Modern Pool Tables
Traditional pool tables often feature ornate woodwork and classic designs, while modern pool tables may have sleek finishes and contemporary styling.
4. Outdoor Pool Tables
Made with weather-resistant materials, these are great for patios but may not offer the same gameplay as indoor slate tables.
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Key Components to Consider When Buying a Pool Table
A pool table has several components that make up its overall build. You should take a look at the following before settling for a table:
1. Felt/Cloth
The pool table felt, also known as cloth, affects gameplay more than you might expect. Whether you’re a casual player or setting up a pool hall, choosing the right material is essential when buying a pool table. There are two types of pool table cloth:
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Napped: It features small fibers that lay in one direction. However, it’s softer and slower, making it ideal for beginners or traditional play.
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Worsted: It’s tightly woven and fast, usually made of wool, and can last for a long time. Professional players and tournaments often prefer this due to its speed and durability.
Here are some examples of the best pool table felt you can find online:
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Simonis 760: This is a combed worsted wool cloth that won’t shed or fluff up during gameplay, ensuring a longer-lasting use. It offers high speed when playing one-pocket, bank pool, or straight pool.
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Tournament Blue 988 Andy Cloth: It’s the perfect choice for professional players, designed with a blend of 80% wool and 20% nylon. The fabric provides tournament-level speed, making it the official World Games 2017 cloth.
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2. Slate
The slate is the gold standard for pool tables and billiard tables, as it provides a smooth, level playing surface. However, you may find other alternatives like plywood, honeycomb, fiberboard, slatine, and slatex.
3. Table Rails and Cushions
The table rails and cushions are responsible for the bounce of the pool ball. Cheap rubber cushions can result in dead rebounds and uneven play. When buying a pool table, check that the rails:
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Are made of solid wood or hardwood.
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Use natural gum rubber cushions for consistent rebounds.
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Are securely fastened to the side of the table.
Look for standard rubber that comes in K-55, K-66, and U-23. The K66 and K55 are 47” long, while the U23 is 43” long, which is enough for an 8-foot-long table.
4. Pool Table Cabinet/Frame
The pool table cabinet or table frame is the main body supporting the slate. It should be sturdy, and typically made of hardwood for durability, ensuring that your pool playing experience is consistent every time you break. Some key features to consider in the table frame include:
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Solid Wood Construction: Avoid particle board or pressboard.
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Crossbeam Support: Supports the slate evenly across the rest of the table.
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Weight and Balance: Heavier tables are typically more stable and durable.
5. Table Legs
Your pool table legs support the weight of the slate and pool table cabinet. They don’t just hold the table but also affect balance, durability, and aesthetics. Some common styles are:
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Post Legs: Solid wood extending from the frame down, offering maximum support.
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Tapered or Queen Anne Legs: More decorative and found on traditional pool tables.
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Pedestal Base: Often found in modern pool tables, offering sleek support.
6. Size of the Table
The pool table comes in different sizes. But the type of table you choose depends on how high the pool table should be and the space available in your home. Smaller tables are about 6’ and can fit into a 13.5’ x 10.5’ space. However, the 8’ table is commonly used, requiring a room size of 16’ x 12’.
When determining how much space you need for a pool table, you need to consider factors like the length of your cue stick and playing clearance. You should have enough room for players to move around the table freely. The recommended clearance is a minimum of 5’ around the table corners.
7. Equipment and Accessories
When buying a pool table, consider these pool accessories:
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Pool cues or billiard cues
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Pool balls (resin or phenolic resin for durability)
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Table cover (protects the pool table cloth)
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Chalk, racks, and brushes
You’d need a bit of experience and testing to find the perfect pool cues, as they’re an extension of your arm when playing the game. However, you can get help from a pool table professional or experienced players.
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Indoor vs. Outdoor Pool Tables: Making the Right Choice
Outdoor pool tables are becoming more popular due to their versatility and durability. But when purchasing a table, you should think about your home’s space and whether you want to move the table seasonally. Let’s consider the benefits of an indoor vs outdoor pool table:
| Indoor Table | Outdoor Table |
| Controlled environment | Weather-resistant materials |
| Traditional style options |
Great for patios or backyards |
| Better felt and rails | Usually lighter and more portable |
Buying New Pool Table vs. Used Pool Table
There’s no shame in buying a used table if you're budget-conscious, but you should be aware of what to look for.
| New Table | Used Table |
| Comes with warranty and delivery/setup | Lower cost |
| Customization options | Classic or antique options |
| Latest designs and materials | Often available locally |
If you're considering used pool tables, inspect the slate, felt, and table frame. Also, check for damage at the end of the table and along the sides of the pool table.
Placement and Setup: Where Should You Put Your Pool Table?
Once you've made your table purchase, you need to place it correctly. Here’s what to keep in mind:
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Allow at least 5 feet of clearance on each side of the table.
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Make sure the lighting is directly over the center of the table.
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Avoid areas with sloping floors or poor ventilation.
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Use a professional table installer to ensure a level surface.
A poorly placed or uneven table can ruin even the best pool table experience.
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Pool Table Manufacturers to Consider
Not all pool table manufacturers are created equal. Look for brands known for their quality and customer support:
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Olhausen
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Imperial
These companies specialize in quality pool tables that cater to both experienced pool table players and beginners.
FAQ
What to Look at When Buying a Pool Table?
When buying a pool table, consider the slate thickness (¾” or 1” for best play), sturdy table frame, high-quality pool table felt, and durable table rails. Also, check the size (7’, 8’, or 9’) and ensure proper room clearance (5+ feet around all sides). Purchasing from a reputable pool table manufacturer ensures better craftsmanship.
How Can You Tell a Quality Pool Table?
A high-quality pool table has a thick slate bed, solid hardwood cabinet, tight-fitting pool table cloth, and responsive cushions (K-66 or Artemis rubber). Avoid MDF surfaces and particleboard frames. Look for reputable pool table manufacturers and read reviews before purchasing.
Should I Buy a 7 or 8-foot Pool Table?
An 8’ table is ideal for most homes, offering a balance between space and professional play. A 7’ table fits smaller rooms but feels more like a bar box. If you have space, the 8’ table provides a better playing experience for pool players of all levels.
Which Is Better: a 6 ft or 7 ft Pool Table?
A 7 ft pool table is better than a 6 ft for realistic gameplay. A 6-foot table is too small for proper cueing and ball movement, making it more of a novelty. If space is tight, a 7’ table is the smallest recommended size for decent play.
How can you tell if a pool table is 1 or 3-piece slate?
To check if a pool table has a 1-piece or 3-piece slate, lift the felt at the table’s center. If you see seams, it’s a 3-piece slate. A 1-piece slate is rare, found mostly in high-end tables, and shows no seams. Most home tables use a 3-piece slate for easier transport and installation. Ask the seller if unsure.
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Shop for Your Pool Table Today
Buying a pool table is more than choosing something that looks good. It’s about selecting a table that fits your lifestyle, space, and love for the game of pool. From slate and cloth to legs and placement, this ultimate guide has walked you through everything you need to know.
Whether you're drawn to traditional pool tables, planning a fun rec room with an outdoor pool table, or simply upgrading your current setup, take your time and use this buyer's guide to make the smartest decision.
Ready to shop for a pool table or accessories for the game? Visit Seybert’s for a premium collection of pool tables and anything related to billiards, from cues and tips to apparel and premium cases.
