What Is a Pool Table Made Of? A Pro's Guide to Quality Construction

A quality pool table is primarily made of a heavy slate playing surface supported by a sturdy wood or MDF frame and legs, topped with tightly stretched billiard cloth (often mistakenly called felt), and surrounded by rubber cushions attached to the rails. 

Let's break down each part, piece by piece, so you know what to look for, whether you're curious, buying your first table, or maybe even looking to upgrade components from a trusted source like Seyberts.com.

The Heart of the Table: Slate

This is the MVP, the absolute foundation of a quality playing experience. That perfectly flat, smooth surface you play on? That's slate.

Why Slate?

It's incredibly dense, heavy, and naturally resistant to warping due to temperature or humidity changes. 

This stability is exactly what you need for balls to roll. Think of it like a high-end kitchen countertop—solid, level, and built to last. Wood or particleboard alternatives just can't compete; they'll warp and create an uneven playing field over time.

Thickness Matters

Pool table slate typically comes in 3/4-inch, 1-inch, or even 1.5-inch thickness. Generally, thicker slate (1 inch is the most common standard for quality home and tournament tables) provides better stability and a quieter, more solid feel during play.

One Piece vs. Three Piece

While some very small or older tables might use a single slate piece, almost all modern, full-size quality tables use three pieces of slate. 

Why? It's much easier to transport and install three manageable pieces. More importantly, it allows for incredibly precise leveling during setup. 

Each piece can be shimmed individually to create a perfectly flat surface across the entire table—something that's much harder with one giant slab. You'll find that quality tables, like those recommended or carried by reputable dealers, almost exclusively use a 3-piece slate system.

The Support System: Frame and Cabinet

Holding up hundreds of pounds of slate requires a robust structure. The pool table's frame and cabinet provide this essential support and contribute to the table's overall look.

The Skeleton

The frame directly supports the slate, keeping it stable. The cabinet forms the outer "box" of the table, including the sides and legs.

Material Choices

Here, you’ve got two options: solid wood or MDF (medium-density fiberboard) and veneers.

Hardwoods like oak, maple, or cherry offer excellent durability, longevity, and classic beauty. They provide superior strength and stability but come at a higher price point.

But many good tables use MDF for parts of the cabinet construction, often covered with attractive wood veneers. Quality MDF is strong and stable, offering a more budget-friendly option than solid wood throughout. Lower-end tables might use particleboard, which is less durable and more susceptible to damage and moisture.

Leg Design

Legs need to be strong enough to support the immense weight without wobbling. Designs vary widely, from simple straight legs to ornate carved styles, contributing significantly to the table's aesthetics. Stability is paramount.

The Playing Field: Billiard Cloth (Not Felt!)

This is probably the most misunderstood component. While everyone calls it "felt," true billiard cloth is a precisely woven fabric quite different from the fuzzy stuff used in crafts.

What It Is Really Made Of

Billiard cloth is typically a blend of wool and nylon (sometimes polyester). The quality of the wool and the tightness of the weave determine its performance and durability.

Types

There are two main types. The first type is worsted wool cloth (e.g., Simonis), which is the professional standard. The wool fibers are combed before spinning, creating a smooth, non-directional weave. This results in a fast playing surface where balls roll farther, faster, and more consistently. 

It's also incredibly durable and resistant to pilling ("fuzzing up"). At Seyberts, we strongly recommend and sell Simonis cloth because it offers the best performance and longevity for serious players and anyone wanting a tournament-like experience.

The second type is napped or woolen cloth. This type has a noticeable "nap," or fuzzy direction, like traditional felt. It plays slower than woolen cloth, and the nap can influence the ball's roll slightly. It's generally less durable and more common on older tables or lower-priced recreational models.

Weight Matters Too

Cloth comes in different weights (ounces per yard). Heavier cloths tend to be more durable but might play slightly slower. Simonis, for example, offers different grades like 760 (fastest, often used in tournaments), 860 (standard, excellent balance of speed/durability), and 860HR (highly durable).

The Bounce Factor: Cushions (Rails)

Those angled bumpers lining the table are crucial for predictable rebounds. They're attached to the wooden rails that form the top perimeter of the table.

The Magic Material: Rubber

Quality cushions are made primarily from natural gum rubber. This provides the lively, consistent bounce needed for accurate banking and position play. 

Lower-quality tables might use synthetic rubber or clay-filled materials, which harden over time, lose their bounce, and lead to unpredictable "thuds" instead of crisp rebounds.

Profile Is Key: K-66 vs. K-55

The shape or "profile" of the cushion matters. The K-66 profile is the industry standard for most home and tournament tables in the US. 

It's designed to contact the ball slightly below its equator, providing optimal rebound and preventing balls from bouncing off the table easily. K-55 is a slightly different profile sometimes found on older or non-standard tables. 

Consistent, quality cushions matching the standard profile are essential for good play. You'll find quality replacement cushions and rails available through specialists like Seyberts.

The Finishing Touches: Pockets and Sights

These smaller details complete the table.

• Pockets: These catch the balls. They can be made of durable leather (often webbed inside), hard plastic, or sometimes soft rubber. They need to be securely attached to the table frame. Styles range from simple drop pockets (where balls stay) to internal ball return systems (common on coin-op tables).

• Sights (Markers): Usually round or diamond-shaped inlays on the top of the rails. Often made of mother-of-pearl, plastic, or other decorative materials, they serve as reference points for aiming bank shots and kick shots.

Why the Materials Matter So Much

As you can see, a pool table isn't just a simple box. Each component, and the quality of the material used for it, plays a specific role:

• Slate: Guarantees flatness for accurate rolls.

• Frame: Provides essential support and longevity.

• Cloth: Dictates the speed and consistency of play.

• Cushions: Ensure predictable and lively rebounds.

Choosing a table made with high-quality materials means you get better gameplay, a table that lasts longer, and, ultimately, better value for your investment. Trying to save money with inferior materials often leads to frustration with how the table plays and the need for earlier replacements.

Find Quality Components and Advice at Seyberts.com

Understanding what goes into a pool table helps you appreciate the craftsmanship involved and choose the right pool table materials. Whether you're maintaining your current table or considering a new one, using quality components is key.

At Seyberts.com, we focus on providing players with the best gear, including essential table components like high-performance Simonis cloth, quality Aramith balls, replacement cushions, and table care accessories. We believe that playing on good equipment makes the game more fun and rewarding.

Have questions about table materials or maintenance? Don't hesitate to reach out or browse our selection. Investing in quality means investing in years of enjoyable play.