What to Look for in a Good Billiard Table

When choosing a billiards table for professional or home use, study the materials used to construct the table, assembly methods and quality of workmanship. Measure the room in which you plan to house the pool table before shopping. Ensure that the purchase price includes delivery and assembly or pay extra to have someone deliver and set up the billiards table; they are heavy and awkward to assemble.

  1. Cloth

    • The felt cloth on a pool table is often green in color and covers the playing surface. The preferable cloth blend consists of 80 percent wool and 20 percent nylon. Durable and long-lasting, the wool and nylon blend keeps a professional pool-playing field. It is difficult to tell visually if the cloth is a wool blend, so consult a sales person for exact cloth details. Examine the cloth's securing method. The cloth is either glued and stapled or screwed into the table. Screws are more secure.

    Leg Construction

    • The legs bear all of the pool table's weight. Look for either two pedestal legs or four corner legs made of a solid piece of wood, not particle board. Many pool table legs come in two pieces and become unstable at the seam over time. Analyze the method of leg attachment as well to determine if each is suitable for long-term weight-bearing. A quad anchor gusset system provides more stable leg attachments than traditional nuts and bolts, which can loosen over time.

    Cushions and Rails

    • Canvas-backed K66 cushions are preferable for a quality table. Look for cushions made from high-quality Grade A rubber for more efficient play. Solid wood rails are the most durable and allow for ease in replacing cushions as necessary. Ensure that the rails are constructed of hard wood such as poplar, oak or maple, instead of softer woods like pine. Hard wood withstands vibrations and denting from bumping balls.

    Slate

    • A three-piece, 1-inch thick oversized slate under the cloth is prevalent in professional tables. Billiards Congress America recognizes the 1-inch slate as the most level and accurate in the professional sport. Thinner slate in 3/4-inch and 7/8-inch thicknesses is available. Ensure that support beams run the length of the table to secure the slate in place. A quad-beam support system is the most stable.