Welcome to Pool Tables HQ!
Pool tables are a popular feature of games rooms and entertainment areas around the world, providing hours of friendly competition for many. There are many different pool tables available, but this guide will help you choose one to suit your requirements.
Room to move
Your first consideration will be related to the amount of space you have available for the table. American Pool tables vary between 7 and 9 feet while English Pool tables are usually 6 to 7 feet in length. Their width varies between 3 and 6 feet. In addition, you need about 5ft on all sides for players to move around in. The tournament size for the English Pool Association is 7ft, and this is a popular size for home pool tables.
Check that you can fit the table through the entrance to the room you want to put it in – before you buy it!
American or English
Other than the difference in table sizes as mentioned above, American Pool is played with slightly larger balls, and different cues to accommodate the bigger balls. English Pool tables are often more popular for homes because they are smaller.
The bed
The bed – the playing area – is obviously an important part of the pool table. Traditionally made from slate, an affordable alternative is a bed made from MDF. MDF is lighter than slate, but is prone to warping, particularly in extreme temperatures or if it gets wet. Thicker MDF will last longer, and some manufacturers reinforce the MDF with steel rods which helps prevent warping.
Slate beds usually consist of three pieces that are screwed into the frame. Slate is more durable but it is more expensive than MDF tables. It is also a lot heavier, and this can impact on delivery costs, so factor that into your budget as well.
Frame and Cloth
Traditionally the frame, or cabinet, is made of wood. Pool tables are available in a variety of wood finishes, including cherry, teak, oak and black wood. The legs of the table may be traditional, carved legs, or ‘modern’ with straighter legs and less carving and detail. Today pool tables are available in veneers as well, some with a metallic finish for a more trendy appearance. Some lighter, more affordable tables have folding legs so they can be stored out of the way.
The cloth is the wool or felt covering that you play on. Cloths are available in a variety of colours, including blue, red, gray and purple. The traditional cloth colour of green remains the most popular however, and most pool tables will combine this with a cherry wood finish.
Features and accessories
In addition to the wood finish and cloth, most pool tables have an option of vinyl or leather pockets. Leather pockets are quieter and more traditional, but the vinyl pockets tend to last longer. Leather is more expensive as well.
Some pool tables are available with automated ball return, making the retrieval of balls much more convenient.
Ball racks are available in two sizes of triangle (to fit American or English balls) as well as in a diamond shape. The diamond is used in a slightly different version of pool called 9-ball.
You will need pool cues which are available in a variety of lengths to suit different players, as well as different types. A good quality pool cue should last many years, but if you are buying cues for children, it may not be worth spending too much as they will soon outgrow them (or break them). A bridgehead cue will be needed, and of course you will need billiard chalk. Check that you are buying the right cues for the type of balls – American balls are bigger and the cue tips are bigger to suit.
Some models of pool tables are available with conversion tops. These are tops that fit onto the pool table, covering (and protecting) the bed. Some tops convert your pool table into a dining table allowing you to use the table for meals. This is often a good way to convince the wife to get a pool table! Table tennis conversion tops convert the table for use as a table tennis surface, making it a dual purpose games table.
Outdoor pool tables have specially treated frames to withstand the elements, with a waterproof cloth. A full table cover is recommended to ensure the table is protected when outside.
There are used pool tables available online and in stores. Check the condition of the bed, the cabinet, the rails, pockets and cloth. If possible, shoot a few balls on the table before purchasing it to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Lighting
Pool table lighting is very important. The lights above the table should cover the entire length of the table, which is why you will often see two or three lights hanging above a pool table. Dim light affects our depth perception, and too much light will result in glare, so the balance in terms of lighting can affect how you play.
When hanging the lights, bear in mind that players may raise the back of their cues for certain shots, so make sure the lights are high enough to avoid being hit by cues. Generally the lights should be about 32 inches above the surface of the pool table.
Whatever your choice of table, pool tables are popular in homes, pubs and clubs around the world. They provide a great opportunity for friends and family to play a game together, provided the healthy competition does not simmer over! A good quality pool table will last years and years, although the cloth will need to be replaced as soon as it shows signs of wear and tear.
With the beautiful variations available, your pool table can become the central feature in your entertainment area, whether indoors or outdoors.
