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How to Choose the Perfect Pool Table for Your Home: The Best Buying Guide

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The following article will guide you through the basic knowledge of choosing the perfect pool table for your home. From knowing the different types, the difference in home vs. commercial, what materials are best for different situations, and more!

Choosing The Correct Pool Table


best Pool Table

What’s the Difference Between Home and Commercial Pool Tables?

If you’re new to buying pool tables, you may be wondering what the difference is between commercial vs. home pool tables.


For those looking for recreational pool tables, a “home” pool table is often desired because they cost less, and offer various styles to give a furniture-style appearance. Additionally, they are oftened built of wood and sized to be ideal for in-home use. Although, they can sometimes be customized with other features, such as a dining table top, or other conversion tops to fit your needs.


Commercial tables are more commonly used in game rooms, bars, professional billiards events or pool halls. The price tag is higher, and they are often made of composite materials to improve durability for the extensive use they get. Finally, a commercial pool table also has more complex leveling and tuning features to ensure regulation playing specs are maintained.


  • Home pool tables are more recreational and budget-friendly for novice and experienced play.

  • Commercial pool tables are for competitive players and tournament standards, but they are more expensive and recommended for experienced players only.


Best Pool Table Components

If you’re not familiar with the construction of a pool table, there are a few components to know about. Remember, the pool table build is only as good as the factors put into it. Below is an overview of these different areas to consider when choosing the best-quality pool table.


  1. Pool Table Bed: Slate is considered the highest quality material for the table bed. It is the most durable, accurate and used by professionals. The Billiard Congress of America suggests at least 1-inch thick slate for best results.

  2. Frame: You will want a frame designed to hold the table bed. If you opt for slate, remember it will be much heavier and requires a higher-quality frame design. The stronger and more stable the frame, the more accurate and level the playing surface will be.

  3. Rails and Cushions: The rails are the outside area of the table. These help support the cushion, also known as the inner wall. For higher quality play, you want a rail system that’s built from a solid hardwood, and cushions made with gum rubber.

  4. Legs: There are various leg styles available, but you will want to ensure it will support the weight and use of your pool table. Style often comes down to budget, from basic pedestals to detailed luxury, the main factor to remember is they offer solid support.

  5. Table Cloth: Billiard table surfaces are covered with a cloth. These range from cheap to high dollar materials. Not only are they impacting the overall look and feel of the table, the material choice will impact playability and durability. A higher thread count will provide higher-quality cloth.



Types of Pool Tables


Types of pool

There are various pool tables to choose from, and it all starts with the first choice - knowing what type of pool table fits your needs the closest. The following are a few of the more common choices:


Standard Pool Tables

Being the most common type of billiard table, there are many sizes, materials, and styles to choose from. A standard pool table commonly has six pockets and is available in sizes for two players to tournament size.


Snooker Billards Tables

A Snooker table is a variation of the standard billiard table. It’s a larger table that uses smaller balls, and is often only found in places like a pool hall due to their larger size. If you have the space for a large 8-foot or 9-foot billiards table, then this is a great choice.


Conversion Pool Tables

This type of billiard table allows you to maximize the space in your home by converting the pool table into a useful piece of furniture when not in play, such as a dining table. Generally, this type has a wood surface and billiard cloth that can be removed to expose a smooth surface for using as a table. Conversion pool tables are great when space is limited.


Pool Table Sizes and Styles

Once you know what type of pool table best fits your needs, next is considering the size and style you prefer. If you have a large, spacious area, size can come down to necessity over limitations. Then, you must decide how you want it to look, does the room you’re placing it in have a theme?


How Much Space Do You Have?

They make pool tables in various sizes, from 7ft to 9ft. Each type has a purpose.


7-Foot Pool Tables

The seven-foot tables are the most common pool table sizes for home use. This is a perfect size for new and experienced players alike. Being the smallest, they are great for smaller rooms, and usually more budget friendly.


8-Foot Pool Tables

If you have the space, then eight-foot pool tables are an option. These are a little longer than the common seven-foot tables, but the extra room allows for better shooting range. An eight-foot table is better for those who play competitively. Professional tournaments often use this table size.


9-Foot Pool Tables

The largest nine-foot tables are best for experienced players who need or want that additional space to maneuver their shots. This table size is not recommended for the novice or hobby player. It will also require a much larger space to install.

 

Pool Table Materials


best pool table materials

Once you decide which table size would be best for your needs, you can choose the table material that best fits your environment.


Wood Pool Tables

Being the most common material, when people think of a pool table, they often imagine a wood pool table made from oak or maple. Wood billiard tables are more budget-friendly, durable, and look great in any game room setting.

Slate Pool Tables

When it comes to quality, slate pool tables are considered top-of-the-line billiard tables. Because they are often much more level, down to the millimeter, they offer better ball roll. However, slate billiard tables are much heavier, more expensive, and require professional installation.

Composite Pool Tables

If you’re looking for a compromise, a composite pool table balances wood and slate pool tables. Built from materials such as particle board or fiberglass, they are lighter and easier to install than slate. Composite tables can still give a very level surface and great ball roll compared to wood tables.


Choosing a Pool Table Style

What is the perfect style for you? Are you adding a pool table to your cabin, looking to expand your outdoor activities? Are you limited on space and need to think multifunctional?


Regardless what your looking for, there’s sure to be a style that fits!

  • Modern: If you prefer a more minimalist look, the modern pool table style might be more aligned with what you would like. They also have clean lines, very neat look.

  • Mid-century Modern: This style gives pool tables a classic aesthetic, combining rounded corners with hardwood.

  • Rustic/Farmhouse: Pool tables with this style are perfect for more rustic environments. These rustic pool tables are made using natural wood to complement your game room.

  • Industrial: If you want a more modern but edgy look then you’ll want to check out industrial-style pool tables.

  • Conversion Table: A convertible pool table is designed to be multipurpose, such as acting as a dining table when not being used as a pool table. Others can serve as a multi-billards table, or other multifunctional concepts.

  • Outdoor: Lack space inside or want to entertain outside? An outdoor pool table may be the way to go. They are designed using high-quality materials that can take the elements.


Pool Table Accessories


pool table accessories

Now that you have decided on all the key elements of your home pool table, the next step is to consider all the accessories you need, or may want to add in case of accidental loss or damage.


  • Pool Balls: A standard billiard set comes with 15 numbered balls, plus a white cue ball. Generally made from polyester blends, phenolic resin, or acrylic material. If you’re a new player or have young ones learning, you may want an extra set on hand in case a ball goes airborn and breaks or vanishes.

  • Pool Cue Sticks: The type and length of cue stick preferred can vary by player. However, for occasional recreational play, a standard house cue is usually suitable.

  • Chalk: There are different types of cue chalk and different colors available. The basic purpose is to help add friction to each shot, making them more accurate.

  • Cue Rack: You will need a cue rack to store cue sticks away when not playing. You can choose between floor racks or mounted wall racks, and they come in a variety of finishes and size options depending on how many cue sticks you’ll have.

  • Table Lights: Proper lighting helps you see the table, and an overhead lamp is one of the best ways to ensure your billiards table is well-lit.

  • Cue stick bridge: Having a retractable billiard cue stick bridge can assist in making gameplay easier.

  • Ball polish: You can extend the life of your ball set by using pool ball polish.

  • Cut tip Repair Kits: Occasionally, you may find the tip of your cue is damaged or worn. Having a repair kit handy can allow you to get them back into optimal condition quickly.

  • Scoreboard: If you plan to be competitive among friends or family members, consider a scoreboard to keep track of things.

  • Table covers: When not in use, a pool table cover is a great way to ensure the surface stays in great shape.




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