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Choosing a Pool Table

Get help choosing a pool table or get pool table recommendations and billiard table reviews.

Choosing a Pool Table

Buying a pool table can be a stressful process if you are unsure of what to look for when choosing a pool table.

A well-made, well-maintained pool table can last you a lifetime. A good pool table can support a range of cue sport games for all skill levels.

Here's a quick guide of what to keep in mind and what to consider when buying a new pool table.

  1. Measure out your total available space to determine the size of your table. Pool tables generally range from 7 to 10 feet and are half as wide as they are long.
  2. Take into consideration the fact that you need more than just room for the pool table itself. Ideally, you'll have a 5 3/4-foot clearance all around the pool table's perimeter.
  3. Determine your budget for a pool table.
  4. Do some research on pool tables. Generally, it's not all that much more expensive to buy a new table than to buy a used one. Keep in mind that moving a pool table can put a lot of wear and tear on it, and can cost upward of $500.
  5. Research the construction features of the most expensive pool tables. The best pool tables typically have a three-piece, 1-inch-thick slate; solid hardwood frames rather than wood laminates; rails bolted through the slate with the nuts inside the rails; and K-66 contoured cushions (or similar).

Decide which features you value and can afford.

Also note that many pool table designs feature slanted sides. Slanted sides usually result in a stronger overall pool table.

Focus your attention on the most essential element of the pool table - the playing surface, which consists of the cloth, rails, and cushions.

If you need help deciding what brand of pool table to buy, post a detailed question below.

Choosing a Pool Table - Forum Topics

What is the best pool table to buy? It depends on a number of factors. These questions about which pool tables to choose should help you get a feel for the important things to look at and what to watch out for when buying a new pool table.

  • Title: Choosing a Pool Table
  • Author: (Billiards Forum)
  • Published: 2/13/2006
  • Last Updated: 12/1/2020 1:47:29 AM
  • Last Updated By: billiardsforum