Buying a pool table can be an expensive affair. But if you’re passionate about the game, a pool table is worth every penny you spend. If you’re buying one for the first time, you might overlook a few things or forget due to all the excitement. Don’t worry, we’ve got you! Here’s a quick guide to help you with everything you need to know before buying a pool table. Let’s jump right in.
Size of Your Room
Usually, there are two sizes of pool tables. 8’x4’ and 7’x3’6”. While the former is the standard professional size, the latter is the bar size. For the 8’ table, the room must be of the size 14’x18’, and for the 7’ table, the room must be 13’x17’. The more spacious the room, the better the playing experience, as it gives people the leeway to move around and enjoy the game.
Overall Construction
The pool table must be sturdy enough to not only carry its own weight but to take the weight of players leaning on it while they make their shots. Usually, people go for hardwood construction even if it costs more because it is resilient, sturdy, and long-lasting. There are substitutes, including plywood, but their quality isn’t as premium as you’d like.
Tabletop Material
Once you’re done inspecting the construction of the table, ensure what kind of cloth will be used on the tabletop. Since this is the surface you’ll be playing the game on, you must ensure that it is smooth enough yet gives the necessary friction. The best playing surface will always be the slate over which the cloth will go. The cloth is usually a mixture of nylon and wool and is coated with Teflon.
Cushions and Rails
The cushions in pool tables are made of natural or synthetic materials. The challenge with the latter is that they become hard over time and don’t provide the necessary bounce you need in the game. Thus, opt for natural material cushions because they will give you a bounce as long as your table exists.
Playing Equipment
After the table, you should focus on the playing equipment, which includes the cue ball, cue stick, bridge sticks, pool balls, racks, and other accessories. Each of these accessories must be crafted a certain way for the optimal experience. For instance, the bridge and cue stick mustn’t be too heavy and should taper off well. The balls must be smooth and shouldn’t be uneven.
Overall, these are the top 5 things you must know before buying a pool table. Always be sure to check everything, even if it is a tiny detail. After all, you don’t want anything to get in the way of your perfect experience!