Buying Guide for Pool Tables
FAQ’S ~ Common questions customers have when purchasing a pool table
What sizes do pool tables come in and what is considered regulation?
- Professional tables range in size from 3’ x 6’ to 6’ x 12’.
- Most common sizes are 3 ½’ x 7’, 4’ x 8’ and 4 ½’ x 9’.
- 80 % of customers will choose a 4’ X 8’ ~ The 8 ft table is popular due to space limitations and because it is very comfortable for the average player.
- Bar Tables seen in bars & restaurants are generally 7 ft tables.
- 8ft and up (9ft, 10 ft, 12 ft) is considered regulation.
What room size will I need for my table?
- A very general answer is to allow for 5ft on all sides. This will accommodate a standard cue stick that is 57”- 58” in length.
- Therefore ideally a 3 ½’ x 7’ table requires 13 ½’ x 17’, a 4’ x 8’ table requires 14’ x 18’ and a 4 ½’ x 9’ table requires 14 ½’ x 19’. Many customers find they do not have quite that much room, and generally that can be accommodated by the use of shorter cues which come in a variety of sizes.
- A room size chart is included.
What makes a quality table?
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Generally the 2 most important features of the table are the slate and the cushions. It is best to completely stay away from anything but a slate table. There are many imitations out there slatron, wood etc., that are basically a waste of the customers’ money.
SLATE
- Industry standard slate on a pool table is 3 pieces. The other configuration you might see is 1 piece slate. This is generally coin op tables and not as desirable as 3 pieces, as it difficult to level and very cumbersome to bring into the room.
- 3 pieces of slate allow for more precise leveling, as each piece can leveled individually to achieve an overall level table, allowing better play.
- The higher quality billiard table will utilize diamond honed slate which ensures flatness examples of high end slate are Italian & Brazilian slate.
- Slate should be a minimum of 7/8" thick to a maximum of 1 1/4” thick.
- The slate should be "oversized," meaning that it fully extends underneath the top rails to provide support for any weight applied to the top rails ~ as a player would leaning to make a shot.
- Higher end tables will have backed slate that allows the installer to staple (rather than glue) and stretch the cloth tighter providing a better playing surface Having backed slate also lends to quieter play
CUSHIONS
- All gum rubber cushions are not created equal
- Many gum rubbers have fillers in them
- Higher end tables use only 100% gum rubber with no fillers
- 100 % Gum Rubber insures accuracy and longevity
- K 66 full profile is the industry standard in cushions
- Olhausen Billiards have developed a trademarked cushion, Accufast, that is guaranteed for the lifetime of the original owner. This is an important consideration when buying a pool table as it is costly to replace cushions (around 300.00 )
Other considerations when purchasing a billiard table
- Furniture look of the pool table
- There are many styles & options available ranging from economical to expensive.
- Generally the more ornate & customizes the more expensive. Many table companies including Olhausen the table basics are the same. The cost goes up accordingly by woods, finishes, furniture style, etc.
- Lastly make sure you have an experienced installer to set up your table professionally. It is a good idea when purchasing a table to ask how long they have been installing tables & what experience they have. Some companies have certified installers
