Perhaps the classic cornerstone of any games room is the billiards table. A centuries-old sport, pool is a game for all ages and skill levels, and it’s a great way to spend time with family and friends. Buying a billiards table is a significant investment, though, so you’ll want to do your homework ahead of time to make sure you’re happy with the end result.
Step 1: Measure your space
Not only do you need enough space to house the table in your games room, but you also must be able to comfortably play around it. Check out this link for an estimate of how much space you need for the various sizes of billiards tables available.
Step 2: Assess your needs
Don’t necessarily opt for the largest table you can fit, and remember that ideally you’ll want a five- to six-foot clearance around the actual table to accommodate play. Consider the other uses you want your games room to have and incorporate those into your plan.
Step 3: Educate yourself
Visit more than one billiards dealer before making your purchase. Reputable dealers will offer a wealth of information regarding the construction of quality tables. If you’re budget-conscious, shop the classifieds once you’re familiar with the features you want. Remember that wherever you buy, you’ll want an experienced mover to deliver your table, and a professional installer—it’s worth the cost to have it set up and aligned properly, and given its 500 to 1,000 pound weight, you probably don’t want to try handling it yourself, anyway.
Step 4: Buy the best you can afford
A well-built billiards table can easily last a lifetime, so make your investment—which could be anywhere from $1,500 to as high as $10,000 but typically falls somewhere in the middle—accordingly. That doesn’t mean that the most expensive table is the best one, however. Intricate details or carvings may up the cost of a table but are purely window dressing when it comes to playing the game. The features you’ll want to invest in:
Solid construction: Some dealers will say that hardwood is superior to veneer, but most users report the same lifespan for both building materials, assuming that the veneer is solid and the table is well put together. A well-built frame will have center beams running down the length of the table and connecting with cross beams, to support the slate playing surface. Joints should be securely and cleanly connected, bearing in mind that more securing bolts will improve the table’s stability.
Slate: Italian slate is the gold standard for pool tournaments, and Brazilian slate is also commonly used. In either case it should be at least 7/8 inch thick. Good tables support slate with a wood backing (but beware of manufacturers who skimp on slate and use the wood to increase the overall tabletop thickness). Slate should also be securely screwed to the table bed to provide a stable playing surface.
Felt: The “felt” isn’t actually felt, but a woven fabric that is primarily wool, often with a small amount of nylon (the higher the percentage of nylon, the faster balls will move on the table). Look for a heavy fabric, which will increase durability. Pool cloths will have to be replaced every few years depending on wear and tear.
Cushions: Ask about the cushion technology on the table’s pockets. The industry standard is known as a K66 full-profile cushion, and it should have a canvas backing to help it adhere to the wood rail. Cushions have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
Lifetime warranty: Most quality tables come with lifetime warranties on most or all of their components.
Step 5: Make it a place you’ll want to play in
While having a pool table in your unfinished garage basement certainly works (and who among us hasn’t shot a round or two of stick standing amongst the laundry and boxes on the concrete floor?), it does leave a lot to be desired in terms of atmosphere. (This probably explains why, sooner or later, said basement pool table often becomes a great folding table for said laundry.) It’s also important to remember that a pool table won’t last nearly as long in an overly damp or dry environment.
Ideally, you’ll want to create a proper games room, or at least area, for your billiards games. Think about the comfort of players in between shots, and include some stools or chairs (watch chair height if they’re close to the table – players may end up being eye-level with a pool cue). If you’ll be serving refreshments around your table, be sure to include pub tables or ledges where players can safely set down their drinks without risk of having them toppled over. You don’t want, under any circumstances, to have food or drinks placed on or close to the table top.
The main source of light should come from a fixture hanging centered over the table (small lamps placed elsewhere in the space are fine). Remember that direct sunlight will fade your tabletop and possibly your wood finish over time.
Step 6: Start playing!
You might want to post the rules of the game for all players. Then sharpen your cues, invite a few friends over—or just invite the family to join you in the games room—and rack ‘em up!
The fine art of chalking
Need pointers on how to care for your pool cue? Check out these expert tips.