Pool Table Buyers Guide

Buying a new pool table is a big decision. It is a purchase that you will have to live with for a long time. Buyers remorse is is not as strong when you research your options and make an informed decision. The size of the room you are going to put the pool table in is very important in choosing a pool table, because you don't want to get the table set up and realize that there is no room to swing the pool cue. The next issue is price. Generally the more you pay the more you get, but not everyone cares if they play on top of the line tournament pool tables. The other major decision to make when buying a pool table is the playing surface material. The material used for the playbed determines the performance of the pool table. The rest of the options are mainly for looks and personal preference, they don't make a huge difference to recreational pool players. We also offer Outdoor Pool Tables, which are engineered with waterproof and extra durable materials to withstand the elements. Some pool tables come with all the items needed to start playing (pool cues, triangle, chalk, balls), but usually you will have to get your Pool Table Accessories separately. We have multi use pool tables or Pockey tables, that can flip over to play air hockey when you get bored of playing pool.

Pool Table Buying Tips:

Billiard Room Size Dimensions

• Use the chart below to help choose a pool table that fit into your house
• The size of the pool cue you use has a large impact on the size that the billiard room needs to be
• If you have a small space for the pool table, decide whether you prefer a long pool cue or a full size table
• These are recommendations should give plenty of room to get a shot from every angle

Pool Table Playing Surface

• Slate is the best material for your table, the thicker it is the better
• 1" Slate is approved for tournament pool tables
• Slatron is a comparable playing surface to Slate quality, but is made of compressed wood and can warp if stored in a humid room or has drinks spilled on it
• Slatron pool tables are a good choice for recreational pool players and those with a tight budget
• MDF is also made by compressing wood but does not have the same playing performance as Slatron and also warps over time

Pool Table Cloth

• Wool/Nylon blends are used on tournament pool tables
• Synthetic Nylon is used on recreational pool tables
• The difference in performance is small

Pool Table Rails

• Solid wood rails offer the best performance
• Rails made of MDF or compressed wood won't hold their shape over time
• Rails come in different widths, wider rails give you more room to place your have on shots
• Some rails have sights on them to help with your aim
• The cushion on the rail should be made of rubber, the more Live Gum Rubber the better quality rubber cushion

Pool Table Pockets

• Drop Pockets are the most common residential pocket, the ball falls into the pocket and can be pulled out of the pocket
• Pockets with a Ball Return are what every commercial pool tables have, the table has tunnels that gather all the balls into one place
• Enclosed Drop Pockets are covered and give the pool table a more professional look