Buying a pool table: why you should bother to do your research A pool table is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase and will usually stay in the family for generations. So before you go ahead with a purchase, it is absolutely imperative to take the time to educate yourself on the key elements that distinguish a quality table from a cheaper alternative. If you do your research now, you will have a satisfying experience every time you play in the future.
Quality pool tables – the key factor is the playing surface For centuries, experts have concluded that the best material for table bed construction is slate, a very hard rock consisting of a few hundred naturally flat layers. Slate can easily be processed to a perfectly flat surface, making it ideal for billiard table manufacturing. The best slate comes from Italy, which is why most quality billiards use Italian slate. Other major exporters of slate are Brazil, China and India. Slate is very heavy, so to prevent it from breaking during transportation, it is usually divided into 3 slabs. Consequently, a 3-piece slate pool table is superior to a table based on a single piece of slate.
Slate-free surfaces: inexpensive alternatives Slate is very expensive and adds to the cost of pool tables. For this reason, a variety of slate substitutes have been developed for billiard construction, reducing the overall cost. The main alternative materials in use are Slatron, Permaslate, plastic-based Honeycomb, and MDF, which is made from compressed wood particles. The main disadvantages of non-whiteboard surfaces are that they can be easily deformed and do not keep a perfectly flat playing surface for long.
Pool table felt and its color The fabric that covers the bed from the table, commonly known as felt, is actually made from woven wool or a wool and nylon blend. Billiard balls can roll faster on thinner no-nap felt, but thicker felt would be preferable if the table is used more frequently, for example in a pool club or bar. The traditional color of felt is green or dark green, but many billiards come in red, blue, and a range of other colors to suit all tastes and allow you to match your room décor.
Pool table size In the United States, pool tables are available primarily in three standard sizes: 7, 8, and 9 feet. The 9 foot offers the ideal playing experience as it is the regulation size for the pool table, but depending on your budget and experience level you may prefer a smaller table. Before buying a pool table, make sure it suits your room, making sure to leave enough space around the table so that you can comfortably use your cue.
Pool table pockets You will find that billiards come with loose pockets, which allow the balls to roll easily, or professional fitted pockets, which make the game a bit more difficult. Don’t make the mistake of overlooking the pocket size as you may find that it affects how much you enjoy playing the game far more than you might expect.
Installation – warranty Many billiard retailers have an installation service and some offer it for free. Before making a purchase, make sure the room that will house the pool table is level, and then make sure the installers level the table. You also need to know the length of your standard warranty. Some pool tables come with only a 1-year manufacturer or retailer warranty, and others come with a limited or full lifetime warranty. And don’t forget the terms and conditions of the warranty. Make sure you know the terms before you commit to buy to avoid any surprises.
