What are the types of pool tables?

What's the difference between a billiard table and a pool table?

Billiards is played on a table without pockets. The game only has three balls, which are red, white (with a spot), and another white one (without a spot). Pool involves a table with six pockets. You need 15 balls, but some people play with just nine.

How can you tell if a pool table is slate or wood?

Move your finger to the left of the center pocket, centering it between the two diamonds/ markers. Look underneath your table in the area where you were pointing. If you see a gap or a seam, then it is a 3-piece slate pool table.

What is the difference between a slate pool table and a regular pool table?

Slate provides a superior quality material than wood. Slate provides a higher quality playing surface. Slate pool tables retain their value, and some even increase in value over time. Most people prefer to play on slate pool tables.

What is the difference between a 1 piece and 3 piece pool table?

Three-piece slates tend to be at least 1/4″ thicker than their one-piece cousins. Thicker slates have fewer imperfections and are usually permanently framed with pieces of wood to further support them when atop the pool table cabinet.

The Ultimate Pool Table Buyer's Guide

What is the most popular pool table size for home?

The most popular standard size home pool table is a regulation 8-foot table, followed by the 9-foot regulation pool table.

What to look for when buying a pool table?

Is it OK to stand on a slate pool table?

The key part to understanding why a pool table shouldn't be stood upon is its slate. The slate is a piece of flat stone that is often milled to precision, then covered in a cloth for pool. The slate is very fragile, and most importantly a very brittle material that doesn't offer much in the way of structural support.

What color pool tables are best?

Many people have asked me, “what's the best felt color to put on my pool table?” From the point of view of a serious pool or billiards player, green billiard cloth has been the best choice to play on. The reason is, that the color green is supposedly the easiest on the players' eyes.

Is a non slate pool table worth it?

The answer depends. Frequent pool players claim that they can readily tell the difference between playing on slate versus on an MDF table. Generally, slate tables allow for smooth, fast play. However, first-time pool players or those who only occasionally play may not notice this difference.

Can you move a slate pool table without taking it apart?

Before you move your pool table, it's strongly recommended to take it apart. Pool tables are not designed to be moved in one piece. You will need to disassemble the legs, felt, rails and slate and then reassemble them in your pool table's new location.

How much does it cost to Refelt a pool table?

It costs $300 on average to refelt a pool table, with a typical price range of $250 to $300. You may pay as little as $150 or as much as $500. Pool tables come in three sizes, and size affects the price. The cost of pool table refelting is fairly evenly split between materials and labor.

Does color of pool table matter?

Reflectivity. The colour of a billiard table changes its sheen. Dark colours tend to downplay shadows, but they also reduce visibility and affect our ability to visualize angles. Light colours promise the best balance—soft, even lighting.

How much should you pay for a good pool table?

Pool tables typically range in price from $1,200 to $3,500, with certain tables costing more or less. Basic entry-level pool tables range in price from $1,200 to $2,000, while a full-state table built of solid hardwood can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $3,500.

What type of pool table do professionals use?

For professionals, the most recommended type is the nine-foot table, which is considered the large pool table. Its size makes it a little demanding for beginners. It is why it is best suited for those with experience in playing pool.

What pool table do professionals use?

The Bed Type – Professional players want a table with a slate bed. The slate can be a single piece or a single piece that was professionally cut into three smaller pieces. Slate is preferred because it does not warp like wood beds and can last a lifetime.

Which is better 6ft or 7ft pool table?

This is because 7ft tables are the ones used in official tournaments and by professional players. With a larger playfield, a higher skill level is needed to play successfully, and games might continue for longer. In a busy bar, this might not earn the operator as much in game credits as a 6ft table.

Is 7 foot or 8 foot pool table better?

Generally speaking, eight-foot tables are considered 'professional' size, whereas seven-foot tables are considered 'bar' size. If you have the space, we recommend the larger size, it generally provides a better playing experience. However, a seven-foot table can be a great addition to a smaller room.

Are used pool tables worth it?

Cheap & Negotiable. If you have a limited budget, you definitely want to go for a used pool table. You can spend anywhere from $300 to $800 and still get a great high-quality table. Most of the time, you can negotiate the price of the table with the owner.

Should pool table be covered when not in use?

Unlike other kinds of tables, a pool table needs to be covered when not in use. This prevents dust and other particles from settling on the felt surface and messing up the playing area. Don't cover your pool table with just anything, however. A sizable tarpaulin mat should do well enough.

Which is better slate or non slate pool table?

Slate bed tables offer the absolute pinnacle in game performance. But this performance comes at a price; not only in the purchase cost, but also in their inflexibility. If you have the space for a permanent table and you really do want the best tournament-standard gameplay, then only a slate bed will do.

What is the best substitute for slate on a pool table?

Slate Alternatives – The most common alternatives to slate pool tables are those made of wood, mostly fiberboard and plywood, but plastics are occasionally used as well. These tables are considered toys and will never play level and will not last long.

What is decent size pool table?

To recap, common pool table sizes range from six to nine feet long. Standard pool tables should have a 2:1 ratio to be deemed regulation sized. The pool tables should be 9ft long and 4.5ft wide for tournament size.

How long should a pool table last?

Generally, 20-25 years, although some cushion rubber lasts longer. If the pool table has seen direct sunlight, cushion life will be greatly reduced. We have also seen pool tables less than five years old that have “dead” cushions. It is unusual but it happens.