HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT POOL TABLE | POOL TABLE BUYING GUIDE

Choosing the right size pool table is crucial to getting the best experience from your game while ensuring there's enough space to move around the table. When selecting a pool table, it’s also important to consider the length of your pool cues, as you’ll need enough cueing room without hitting nearby walls. Depending on the space available and your skill level, there are various pool table sizes to fit both your room and gameplay preferences.

Before purchasing, measure the length and width of the room where you plan to place your pool table. As a general guideline, allow at least 5 feet of extra space around the table for movement. Standard pool cues are typically 57" - 58" in length, so 5 feet of clearance ensures sufficient room for comfortable play. "Regulation size" refers to a table's playing area being twice as long as it is wide (i.e. 88" x 44" on an 8-foot table). Standard pool tables sizes are the 7-foot, 8-foot and 9-foot, covered in more detail for you below. Other sizes are available such as the "pro 8" or "oversized 8-foot" pool table, with snooker tables measuring a whopping 12 feet.

The best playing surface for your home depends on your priorities including the level of gameplay you're seeking, desired table durability and longevity, any weight constraints where you plan to place the table and your budget considerations. When it comes to quality and performance, slate is considered the "gold standard". In this guide, we’ll explore the differences between slate and non-slate playing surfaces, highlighting key features and benefits to help you make an informed decision.

The frame and legs support the table’s weight, particularly in models with slate playing surfaces. Solid wood or strong metal frames offer better support and stability compared to particleboard or MDF (medium-density fiberboard). The best frames and legs are made from hardwoods such as oak, maple, or mahogany given their dense grain structures, which provide exceptional support and resistance to humidity and temperature fluctuations. These characteristics mean they're less prone to warping and are key to preserving the flatness of the playing area, a necessity for maintaining consistent ball roll and accuracy across the table.

Choosing the right pool table cloth (sometimes referred to as "felt") is an important consideration as it impacts ball speed, control and durability. Pool table cloth is typically made from a combination of wool and nylon, or wool and polyester and creates an ideal surface for the balls to roll smoothly and accurately. It is the way the cloth is woven, the quality of the wool, and the manufacturing process that separates different styles and brands of pool table cloth. Typically, the higher the wool content the better the quality. Pool table cloth comes in a variety of colors, allowing you to customize the look of your table to match your space.

Pool table cloth is generally referred to as either woolen or worsted cloth. These are two common types of wool yarn and both have specific characteristics that make them distinct. Worsted is the only cloth permitted on tables used in World Poker Association tournaments, and must be composed of between 80% and 85% combed worsted wool, and between 15% to 20% nylon, with 100% combed worsted wool fabric preferred. Ultimately, choosing the right cloth for your pool table should be dictated by the playing experience you're seeking and your budget. Let us help you make the right cloth decision for your unique circumstances.

When it comes to installation of your pool table, we highly recommend professional installation by a certified billiard technician. Many of our pool tables come with complimentary white glove delivery and installation, ensuring a professionally installed and level pool table and that you're all set and ready to play.

Pool tables that feature non-slate playing surfaces (being tables used in recreational settings, for those on a tight budget or just looking for casual play) often come with do-it-yourself setup instructions, so you can do avoid the cost associated with professional installation.

There are many accessories available to accompany your pool table, with the below what we consider the "essentials". Many pool table purchases will come with a variety of inclusions, so be sure to check "what's in the box" before you add additional items to your purchase to avoid duplicated items.

Other accessories such as matching dining tops that convert your pool table into a dining table, ping pong conversion tops that transform your pool table into a ping pong table, and benches with hidden storage for cues, balls etc. that match your table are also available from certain manufacturers.