Pool Table Buying Guide
Everything you need to know about pool tables
Pool Billiards, also known as pool, is a popular game around the world. Are
you a pool enthusiast? Do you want to invest in a new
pool table? Then our buying guide will help you select from the wide varieties
of tables available in the market. Make an informed purchase by acquainting
yourself with the key issues of buying a new pool table.
What is your budget for buying a pool table?
Pool tables are available at various prices to suit your needs and budget.
The quality and workmanship depends on the price of the table.
Least Expensive:
These tables are suitable for your kids. They are mere toys, and are not designed
for serious pool players. Their playing surfaces are made of artificial materials
like perma slate or honey comb. These tables usually offer very limited guarantees,
as the materials used for manufacturing them are low in quality.
Economy:
If you are planning to buy a pool table for recreational purposes, then an
economy level table is more than sufficient. It has a 3/4” playing surface,
and in many cases, manufacturers use a one piece slate or a short slate to cut
the cost of production. The cabinet material and top rails are usually made
up of particle board covered in low-grade laminate or vinyl. These materials
give the table an attractive appearance, but it is important to note that particle
board has the tendency to decay or crumble over time and the low-grade laminate
or vinyl surfaces can easily tear. The table’s cushion and other hardware
are also of inferior quality. Most economy level pool tables come with a one-year
limited warranty. The average life expectancy of this model is five to seven
years. You can expect a fair table performance at this level.
Mid Range:
Mid range level pool tables offer you a good playing experience and come in
a wide variety of styles and designs. The slate playing surface is supported
by cross and center beams. These beams provide strong support to the interior
cabinet and ensure durability. The cabinet and rails are made of thick boards
covered in oak veneer or kiln dried hardwood lumber. Mid range tables are constructed
with premium materials. The cushion rubber typically has a K-66 blended gum
rubber profile. Mid range level tables sports large foot-plants to better support
the table’s legs. These tables should be viewed as lifetime investments,
which is why they usually include unconditional lifetime guarantees.
Custom:
Get the advantages of superior quality materials, intricate designs and quality
workmanship by purchasing custom level pool tables. These tables feature exotic
veneers and hardwoods. They have all the construction features of the mid range
level table but are manufactured with premium grade materials. These pool tables
are lifetime investments, as they can be used by many generations. Custom level
tables offer greater durability when compared to other models. They are truly
works of art. Custom level pool tables come with unconditional lifetime guarantees.
Which is the perfect pool table size for you?
The size of the pool table you buy should be directly related to your room’s
dimensions and your playing experience. Pool tables are available in three main
sizes: 7, 8 and 9 feet. It is important to note that these dimensions do not
take into account the size of the rail. The 7' pool table is economical and
fits perfectly into small rooms. The 8' pool table is popularly used in homes.
It is recommended for recreational players. The 9' pool table is used by professional
players. Usually, it is used for professional billiards tournaments. Choose
from Murrey pool tables, Harvard pool tables and Mizerak pool tables, among
others.
What are the major components of a pool table?
Rails:
Rails make up the top part of the pool table to which the cushions and pockets
are attached. Solid wood rails are more suitable for busy billiard parlors while
particle board rails are sufficient for recreational play at home. Each rail
should have a track strip so that it can sit evenly on the slate and the cushions
can have bounce.
Slate:
The most significant part of the pool table is the slate. There are two types
of slate: 1 piece or 3 piece slate. The 3 piece slate is commonly used in pool
table manufacturing. It allows for more precise leveling of your table. A 1
piece slate table is very rare. Slate sizes vary from 3/4”, 7/8”
and 1”. The 3/4” slate is used on inexpensive tables while 1”
slate is the standard used for tournaments. The slate is attached directly to
the frame of the table with screws and comes with or without wood backing.
Legs:
The table’s legs are placed under the frame cabinet and offer support
to the entire playing area. A table is generally more durable if its legs are
made of solid wood.
Frame Cabinet:
The frame is the part of the table that the legs attach to and the slate lies
atop. A rigid frame cabinet prevents the slate from shifting and becoming unleveled.
The frame cabinet is usually made from solid wood or MDF board. Good pool tables
will have a center beam and also two cross beams to provide support to the slate.
A few manufactures even offer double center beams for extra support.
Cushions:
A cushion is usually made of rubber and is attached to the top rail. Balls
come into contact with cushions while playing pool. Molded gum rubber cushions
offer the fastest rebound. K-66 style cushions are widely used in tournaments.
Pockets:
The pool table’s pockets are attached to the rails and hold the ball
when a shot is made. Pockets can be made of leather, plastic or rubber. Plastic
pockets are of inferior quality and come with cheap pool tables while rubber
pockets are used for commercial tables. Leather pockets are more expensive and
have either a leather shield or a decorative fringe.
Shopping For Pool Tables:
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