As any good pool or billiards player knows, a pool table requires a flat, level surface to play on and slate pool tables fit the bill. A slate pool table is more expensive and is better quality than the other alternatives on the market. Most people refer to the surface of a pool table as slate, even though the surface can actually be made of synthetic materials such as medium density fiberboard (M.D.F.), hardwood, granite or other materials that go by specific manufacturer names.
Slate Pool Tables the material
Slate is a natural, stone type material. Slate pool tables last longer and hold up to spills better than the alternatives made of other materials. Slate is much heavier than the synthetic materials commonly used, so it is better to have an experienced pool table assembly crew assemble the pool table as opposed to tackling this very heavy project on your own. This behemoth is very hard to knock off level. The experienced tournament player prefers the slate pool table as opposed to the non slate version. The slate is most commonly 1 inch thick, but less expensive versions are three-quarters of an inch thick. Normally, the table slate comes in three pieces. A two inch thick wood substrate should be under the slate with a center support beam.
Slate Pool Tables the price
As mentioned previously, slate pool tables are significantly more expensive than their non slate counterparts but they will last much longer and offer a more classic look. Due to its significant weight, even a three piece slate table is very heavy. The ability to assemble the table on your own is not very likely or recommended.
Billiards, or pool, started sometime around the 15th century as an indoor game similar to croquet played on a table. It was originally played on the floor. The first pool tables probably appeared in France or England and the game moved up from the floor to the table. At first, the table didn’t have rails so the balls just rolled off the side. The 18th century saw the game rise in popularity and come to gain popularity in the United States. Somewhere around 1856, John Thurston introduced slate to be used as the pool table surface. The slate comes from a quarry and is precision laser cut into three pieces. The pieces are certified to have come from the same slab of slate. Three pieces are used because they are lighter, less likely to be broken and they make it easier to level the surface of the pool table.
Slate pool tables are high in quality; however they are also higher in price. Keep in mind the space the table is to go in when purchasing a pool table. It is certainly not impossible to find a quality M.D.F. pool table that may suit your needs a little better. Pool, or billiards, is a fun family game and the pool table can be a very attractive focal point of any recreation room, den, bar, or any room where the family can get together and enjoy a game or two.
