How to Choose the Right OneEvery pool table is a little different, which is why you need to look over our list of the things to look for in a pool table to make sure you bring home the best one. Commercial Design vs. Home DesignA commercial table will usually have a locking system that locks the balls and a panel on the front that requires you put in some money to play.
The pool room size needed then is the length of the pool table plus 2 times the length of the cue and the width of the pool table plus 2 times the length of the cue. Lets look at an example. You have a room with an available area measuring 16 feet 8 inches by 14 feet.
Home designs lack those features and are better for those who just want to play. Furniture models are usually a little smaller too. Combo ModelsIf you want to save as much space as possible, look for a combo model.
Some models function as both a kitchen or dining room table and a pool table. Other models come with built-in features that let you play other games like table hockey and poker. DimensionsDimensions are especially important for those who have limited space. Commercial models are usually around nine-feet long and give you a larger playing area.
Models designed for home use can range between seven-feet and eight-feet long, though some tables are even smaller. Slate TablesWhile you may find some inexpensive models that come with felt laid directly on top of wood or medal, you generally want a table that has slate underneath the surface. This creates a smoother and more level surface that makes balls roll and move faster. The top tables come with at least one piece of slate under the felt. Felt ColorMost pool tables come with a layer of felt on top in a rich and brilliant shade of green. If you want something a little different for your home, you can look for tables with felt in shades of blue, red and even purple. Some manufacturers also make tables with professional and college sports team logos in the center of the felt.
Felt StrengthRepairing the felt on a pool table can be expensive, which is why you should look for tables that have a durable layer of felt on top. The thicker the felt is, the longer it will last. You should also look at any materials mixed with the felt to ensure the thicker felts won’t interfere with where your ball goes.
Top RailsThe top rails are the rails that wrap around the top of the table and keep your balls from jumping over the side. Some tables come with rails made from two pieces that will last longer than other rails will. While laminated rails are less expensive, these rails usually do not offer the support that you need. Leg DesignLooking at the overall design of the table’s legs will give you a good idea of how much those legs will actually support the table. Thinner and more ornate legs might look great but usually do not do a very good job of supporting both the table and the weight of anyone leaning or sitting on it. For homes with a lot of action, shorter and more squat legs are usually better. Pool CuesAlthough not directly a part of the pool table, you will still have to consider finding the right pool cues.
Here’s an in-depth review that you might find useful. Buying a pool table is a serious investment in terms of both money and time because you need to spend quite a bit on the table and spend even more time setting it up. Hathaway offers a convenient model for those who want to save money and space. The Fairmont has a low retail price and a folding design.When you buy a standard table, you might pick the right location in your home for it because moving it later is quite hard. At just six-feet long, this model is much smaller in size and will take up less of your valuable space. If you need to move it for any reason, two adults can easily pick it up and transport it.You’ll also find that you can fold down this table too. It has two legs located on each end with a large metal panel between the two that functions as a cross beam.
This adds more stability to the table and will keep it from falling down or tipping over.The Fairmont also has a somewhat funky design that incorporates a blue cloth material on the top and some silver accents. Though the table itself has a black finish, inlays on the rails use the same silver material to help you figure out where to put your cue based on your shot. The manufacturer used the same material on the corners two, which have drop down pockets that keep the balls safely stored as you play.Thanks to a 180-day warranty, you can return the table for a full refund and get your money back. The warranty covers the table itself and all the included accessories. Hathaway gives you a full set of a full set of colored and striped balls, table brush, ball rack, cue sticks and chalk. Harvil lets you bring a touch of the great outdoors into your home with this Beachcomber pool table. From the pale wood used in the cabinet to the blue covering on the top, this table will remind you of a day on the beach.
It has all the top features that you want in a pool table too.Made from a fiber wood material, the cabinet on this table features a soft finish that uses lighter shades of white and gray to recreate the look of driftwood. The tetolon cloth used on the playing surface features a bright blue color designed to look like the water.
This cloth works with the wood beneath to create a surface that is completely flat and won’t warp over time.Many of the accents on the Beachcomber have a shiny chrome finish that adds to the look of the table. You’ll find bumpers around the pockets that keep stray balls in check and levelers in the same finish on each leg. With those levelers, you can safely set up the table and play on uneven floors.Harvil gives you loads of accessories that work with this table too such as two pool cues that will last for years.
You also get two chalk cubes that let you create the smooth surface that you want on your cues. This set features a table brush, a ball rack and a full set of balls too.Each of the pockets on this table has a drop design that lets you sink a shot without worrying about where the balls go. Those pockets are deep enough to accommodate two or more balls. You don’t need to remove them until you rack up the set for your next game.If you want a pool table with a funky and unique look, this is the one for you. You can add a touch of class and elegance to your home and have fun with loved ones with this Masterton billiards table, which lets you play all your favorite games.
Unlike other models that use a green material, EastPoint Sports chose a softer cream material for this table. That color helps tone down the darker wood used in other parts of the table.The classic design of the Masterton applies to both the legs and all other parts of the table. Those legs feature a traditional design that shows an animal paw holding onto a small ball. The manufacturer also chose darker woods for the table that add to its expensive and luxurious look.Located around the top of the Masterton is a rail system that features inlays designed to help you decide where to place your cue and how to line up a hit. Each rail also has a coating that is resistant to scratches and other damage that can occur as the cues rub against the surface.In between each piece in the rail system is a pocket with a leather holder beneath.
Those dark leather pockets ensure that the balls go inside and not over the side of the table. Each one is large enough for larger hands to slip inside and retrieve those balls too.Another top feature of the Masterton is the built-in levelers. You’ll find one on each leg that you can adjust in seconds to make sure the top is completely flat.
This keeps balls from rolling across the table before you play.EastPoint Sports includes all the accessories that you need with this table too such as a brush for wiping down the cloth before you play. You also get two pool sticks with blue chalk and a set of balls that fits inside the included rack. With this Dynamo pool table, you can turn your home into a diner or your favorite pub. As a commercial model, it comes with a panel on the front that accepts dollar bills and other forms of paper money. Buttons next to this panel let players select a new game and tell the table when to dispense the balls.Thanks to a coin slot on the front, you can relive all those games you played in a pool hall or bowling alley in the past. This simple slot accepts change like quarters and dimes. You even have the option of deciding how much you want to charge for a single game.New rails designed by Dynamo add an interesting level of play to this table.
Those rails are strong enough to support anyone leaning over the side without breaking and keep your balls from flying off too. The rails push those balls back towards the center of the table for longer games.Also included are fasteners that keep the rubber pockets attached to the table. Even if you send a ball flying into the corner pocket, those fasteners will keep the pockets from snapping or breaking. Recreate the excitement of playing in a pool hall without worrying about carrying around extra cash with this Great American Monarch pool table, which also functions as a billiards table. It comes with the classic green felt that so many players love as well as a softer wood finish and bold black legs. The angled design of those legs add more support to the table.A single piece of slate added beneath the felt adds to the stability of the table too.
This slate piece ensures that the table stays flat and lets your balls move smoothly across the surface. A piece of clear plastic material added to the front lets you see all the balls that you hit inside the table and allows you to keep track of those balls too.As this is a home model, it doesn’t lock your balls inside.
Each time you hit a ball, it drops from the corner to the side and runs down an internal rail to reach the storage area. The next time you want to play, simply tuck your hand inside to pull out those balls, add the balls to your rack and use the cue ball to send those balls flying across the table. Create a bold statement in your home with this Minnesota Falls Fullerton table.
Minnesota Fats ranks among the top pool players in history, and this table comes with everything he loved about playing. It even has red felt on top, which sets it apart from other models and works nicely with the fake leather covers over the pockets.Also setting this model apart is its overall design.
Made from a type of deep and dark wood, it will catch the eye of anyone who enters your rec room or game room. Uniquely designed pockets hang over each corner and along the sides of the table to catch your balls, making it easy to see where all your balls are the next time that you play.This set comes with some great accessories that make it easy for you to play too. You’ll get two pool cues that you can use for hitting the included balls, which come in both solids and stripes to help you play against an opponent. You also get your own rack for setting up the balls, chalk for keeping score as you play and a brush that you can easily use for wiping away crumbs or removing other debris from the top. Measuring nearly eight-feet long, the Black Cat from Valley is a great table for those who like the look of professional tables but can’t spare the space in their own homes. This model also has a unique combination of colors that will add a little fun to your game room.
The darker color of felt, which is almost burgundy in color, pairs nicely with the black finish of the table and the silver accents along the top and sides.Unlike some of the home models that require you grab the balls from the pockets each time you play, the Black Cat has its own ball return system. Rails placed near the pockets allow the balls to drop from each pocket to one of the rails, which will then push the ball into the return system. All those balls keep dropping and rolling until reaching the ball storage area, which you can access on the front of the table.Valley added some great features to this pool table like a type of Teflon cloth that is resistant to stains. You can play with your klutziest of friends without worrying that they might stain the felt. Players will also like the durable slanted legs used in each corner, which come with levelers that you can easily use to adjust the height of the table based on who plays. While most of the tables on our list are suitable for use inside, what happens if you want to play outside?
With this Playcraft mode, you can now enjoy all the fun of billiards while outside. Though it comes in pieces, the manufacturer gives you easy to follow instructions that help you get the table assembled and ready in a few hours or less.Made from aluminum, this table is light enough that you can actually pick it up and move it to a new spot on your lawn or patio.
That aluminum is extremely durable though and can stand up to most environmental dangers. Even if you keep it stored outside during the rainy season or the winter, it should still be ready to go the next time that you want to play.The Polytech cloth used on the top mimics the look and feel of traditional felt but is a little more durable. This material is actually resistant to UV rays and won’t fade, which means it will retain its bright blue color for years to come.To ensure that you love this table, Playcraft includes some accessories like pool cues, balls and a rack. You’ll also like the included black cover, which you can drape over the top to protect the fabric and surface of the table.
As much as you love the idea of having a pool table, you probably wonder if you really have enough space. Fusion designed this pool table and dining table for those with limited space.While it comes with everything you need to play a game of pool, the lid actually snaps right back into place for using this as a dining room or kitchen table.Its patented design includes a small void that sits between the felt and the lid.
That void is just large enough for storing your cues, balls and even rack. Once you put the lid back on though, no one will ever guess that this is a pool table.Nylon pockets on each corner sit flush with the table and won’t poke out when it’s in dining mode. The nylon pockets expand slightly to keep your balls from flying off the table and then move right back into place after you remove those balls.With clean lines and a cool design, this pool table and dining table is suitable for any type of home. You can customize the way it looks with chairs and benches of your choosing too.
Most pool tables require so much space that you assume you don’t have room in your home for one, but this mini pool table lets you play wherever you go. As it sits right on any table or surface, you can play on your kitchen or coffee table and on top of the desk in your office. Our top choice for the best mini pool table is this one because you can grab it and take it with you to play a few quick games while on vacation.Despite its smaller size, this table comes with the same accessories and features as full-size models do. It has six pockets that include one in each corner and two along the sides. Those pockets all have reinforcements that keep balls and shots from breaking the table.Made from the same green felt used on full-size tables, the felt on this one has smoother and flatter design that you won’t scratch when taking a shot. Measuring just 20.25-inches long and 12.25-inches wide, this model is small enough for you to tuck right inside a drawer.As a complete game set, this model comes with two pool cues that let you compete against yourself or another player. You also get blue chalk that you can apply to the end of your cue to get a nice finish that lets you make better shots.This set even comes with a complete set of balls.
When you play against another pool shark, you have your choice between stripes and solids. All of the balls fit inside the miniature rack.Another nice feature of this table is that all the pockets connect back to a central ball system. Whenever you make a shot, the ball drops into a pocket and moves through the system before landing in a central pocket. That feature, which lets you retrieve and rack them up for your next game, is one reason why this is the best mini pool table. Finding a good pool table for your kids and their friends is easier than you might think because you have so many great options such as this folding billiard table from Costzon. You no longer need to sacrifice space just so your kids can have a good time because this model actually folds down. Once completely folded, you can tuck it into a closet or let your child store it under his or her bed.To fold this table, you simply flip it over and fold the legs flat.
When you unfold those legs later, you can apply some pressure until you hear a soft snap that lets you know they locked into place. Busy parents will like that their kids can set up and fold down this table on their own.Kids playing billiards will find that this table lets them recreate the fun that their adults have while playing. The green top cloth mimics the look of a real pool table felt. They can use the included brush to remove debris and dust from the surface before playing too.Also included is a triangular rack made from durable plastic and a set of 16 balls. Those balls all use a resin material that can stand up to tumbles off the table and powerful shots. Kids can use all 16 balls when playing with friends.Costzon also provides you with two cues and two powdered chalk cubes. Kids can have fun using the powder on their cues before taking their shots.This is a good model for kids because of the low price tag and the durable legs.
You can buy this table for less than most others cost. With the durable legs, you can feel confident in letting your kids play alone too because the table won’t fall over on them. Empire USA makes our list one last time with The Clawson, which is also part of its Signature Series. If you want a table that lets you experiment with different felt types, this is your best bet. The Clawson comes with three pieces of slate that measure one-inch thick and add the slick surface that you want, but Empire USA gives you the option of adding your own felt or cloth.Robust legs that look like the feet of a lion or another majestic creature sit at each corner.
Though the legs have a slightly curved design, each one offers more than enough support and will keep the table from leaning to one side. Empire USA used a rich cherry finish on almost all elements, including the legs, sides and rails.Those rails are slightly shorter than the rails found on other tables but have a design that angles the rails in towards the table. When the ball strikes the rail, it gently forces the ball back to the middle of the table to help you set up your next shot. You’ll also like that the manufacturer made each pocket from real leather to withstand even the fiercest of shots that you knock into one of those pockets. While the Imperial Eliminator may not look like your standard pool table, this is a great option for those on a budget. Priced well below some of the other models on our list, it comes with features that make it perfect for your rec room like adjustable leg levers.
Use those levers to easily adjust the legs and to change the height of the table for playing with kids or adults.The Eliminator comes with drop pockets that work with its internal ball system to reduce the time that you spend fumbling to pull those balls out of each pocket. The pockets have holes that let the balls drop to a rail that moves each ball to a storage area on the front of the table.
You can reach in and grab all the balls at one time.Instead of wood rails, Imperial added metal rails to this model that add a little extra spring or bounce to help you get more out of each shot. Imperial also lets you add your own color or type of felt to the top. Valley has a good reputation for the commercial pool tables that it makes, but this model, which is better suited for home use, isn’t quite as dependable as its commercial models.
It does, however, come in several different sizes, which lets you pick the perfect size based on the amount of space available in your home.Though you might think this is a wood table, it actually has a heavy-duty metal frame that can withstand almost any pressure from people sitting or lounging on the top. A type of wood laminate added to that metal makes it look more like real hardwood. That laminate even has a realistic wood grain pattern like the wood grain you would see on cherry wood.Also included is a Teflon fabric that that covers the Brazilian slate beneath. This bright green felt has a classic look but is more resistant to stains that traditional pool table fabrics are.To make playing even easier, Valley added a ball return system that has its own ball drops or chutes in each pocket.
This design reduces the risk that balls might stick inside the pockets and lets you easily reach those balls from the open window on the front. This dual coin operated pool table from Shelti is similar to the last model but comes in a charcoal finish.
That deeper and darker finish picks up and highlights the green felt on top. It also comes with squat legs in a dark color that work with the charcoal finish to create a cooler and more modern looking table.One of the best features of this pool table is that it lets you set your own pricing. You can actually go in and change how much it costs to play a single game. This is great for playing fun games with friends or for ensuring that everyone contributes a little when you play, and the bill acceptor slot on the front can take paper bills and produce change for players.Another great feature is the locking ball system that keeps the balls locked up until a player adds some money. You can use the include key to release those balls and to empty out the cash or change the amount it costs to play. When you knock a ball into one of the pockets, the ball drops into the return system and then locks those balls until you add some money and play again.
![Line on a billiard table marking off the area where play is restricted Line on a billiard table marking off the area where play is restricted](/uploads/1/2/5/4/125411191/279474694.png)
Next they set the pockets around the table. Side pockets are cut differently from the corners so this is important to note when the pockets are being distributed.To secure the pockets to the table, our installers use a special kind of self-burring nail that won't slip or bump back out even if the table get sudden force applied to it.Our installers then take time to remove any loose fibers from the table using duct tape.The last step in the pool table installation process is to put the spot on the table. This is a critical step and it's one often done imprecisely.
The spot should always go from the center diamond on the in-rail, two diamonds out.The spot is in place and the table is ready for play. The total time spent on a quality pool table installation is around 1.5 hours. If the table needs to be broken down first, that process usually takes about a half hour or so.New table installation is about 2 - 2 1/2 hours.