Billiards Articles

Buying a billiard or pool table is no different from buying a car or a major piece of furniture or appliance. You have to know what you really want and what the market out there offers.

For starters, do you have enough space in your home for one? Bear in mind that apart from the pool table dimension, you must allow enough space on all sides for the player to maneuver his shot. At least about 5 feet of space is needed on each side of the pool table.

A more reasonable estimate would be to assume that the ball is right smack on the billiard rails and you have a cue that is 57 inches. You would need at least another foot to maneuver that cue to hit the ball on the rail edge or else you’d be hitting the wall behind you.

Here’s what to consider in choosing the right size of the pool table to fit your room.

If the room is palatial, size should be no object. Otherwise, you can be guided by the fact that there are 7feet, 8feet and 9feet pool tables (measured at their longest side). So just do a little math. But remember that these sizes only indicate the usable or playable area. They don’t consider the rail width on each side which varies between designs and makers. So if the brand you are considering has 6” rails, that effectively add another foot to a 7feet pool table.

Solid or veneer finish.

Pool tables are made of hardwood. Those made of solid hardwood are heavier and more expensive. They can sport intricate carvings around and thus add to the price tag.

On the other hand, veneered pool tables uses a thin exterior layer of real or synthetic hardwood glued to a wood base, similar to most furniture construction out there. They take on the look of solid wood but without the high price tag.
Slate support.

Well-built pool tables have support beams running the entire length of the table and locked with cross beam members to support and stabilize the slate as well as the cabinet. The cheaper pool tables often have beams that are cosmetic that provides no support whatsoever.

Construction and Craftsmanship.

You definitely would need to know how a pool table is constructed to be able to discern what to look for. You may have to stoop and crawl under the table. Are there cross beams? Is the slate supported adequately? Expensive pool tables use slate backed with 3/4″ engineered wood. It provides better slate protection and sound absorption.

Is the felt cloth just stapled and glued together, or is it glued and screwed for a firmer hold? Does the table have minimal structural support? Just like any wood furniture, pool tables that last are built to withstand the stress of play over the years.

On some modern pool tables, the use of metal part in the rail corner is common. Even on the legs and cabinet. Hard plastic used in the pockets can crack over time. Find one that use soft rubberized plastic instead.

Rails and cushions

The rails often define the look of the pool table. Hard Oak or Maple rails are preferred as they limit the side vibrations. Rails using softer wood may not be so good in damping that.

The current technology used in the cushion has become an industry standard of sorts. Called K66, the cushion should have canvass backing as it makes the rubber adhere the cushion to the wood rail more durably and accurately.

Installation

All new billiard tables come in parts and must be assembled where they will be installed. See if the price tag comes with the service. Otherwise, get the services of a professional installer. Dealers would normally do that once you purchase a table from them.

Warranty or guarantee

Pool tables are often built to last a lifetime or two. It’s therefore common to see them offered with some extended lifetime warranties.