Pool Table Felt Facts

Pool, or billiards, is a common game that is played worldwide. It has been played in different forms since the 1300s. The surface of a pool table is today commonly made from wool.

  1. History

    • The first form of pool was actually played outside, and the first surface was grass.

    Table Billiards

    • In the 1500s, table billiards players began using cloth to cover the slate table. The cloth that was used then was wool. This is still the most common type of cloth used today for pool tables.

    Baize

    • Baize is the second most common covering for pool tables. It is made using wool and nylon, although cotton is sometimes used as well. Baize is cheaper than quality wool felt, but does not offer the same performance (see Resources).

    Cloth Weights

    • Pool table felt is sold in different weights: 24 to 21 oz. per yard is considered to be good quality cloth; 19 oz. cloth is available and is cheaper, but is considered to be slower and less accurate.

    Speed

    • The finer the cloth, the more accurately the ball will roll. With coarse cloth, the balls on the table will tend to swerve. Cloth can have a finer surface while having a heavier weight due to the process by which the wool is refined. The wool can be woven more tightly, giving the felt less drag on the ball.