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Before
you buy a pool table, you should kick the tires and Look
under the hood. Well, at least look under the hood.
Buying
a pool table is not much different than buying a car--
or any product you want to last for a long time. The
closer you look, the more you’ll see which features
are important to you and what will fit your lifestyle.
And although you can’t test drive a pool table,
you can visit a dealer’s showroom to check out
the variety of models.
But before you go, it’s important
to be a knowledgeable buyer. That’s where this "how
to buy a pool table" guide comes in handy. Here
you’ll find all you need for making an informed
decision.
Do you need a work truck, a family wagon
or a luxury car? The same considerations should be
made before deciding what pool table to buy. Some tables
are made for the constant use of professionals. Others
are built with the family budget in mind, yet can still
hold up to the abuse kids give to all your furniture.
Other tables are beautifully ornate in design and a
real showpiece for any home. But whatever you’re
personal needs or taste, there is a style for you.
LIFESTYLE AND ROOM CONSIDERATIONS
Pool tables are available in a variety
of materials, styles and colors. Traditional solid
hardwoods can be stained in colors ranging from whitewash
to dark mahogany. All our pool tables can be covered
in the cloth color of your choice. So consider your
existing room decor. You may even want to bring a picture
of the room or your fabric and carpet samples with
you when you shop. Many dealerships have experience
helping customers discover the perfect table for them.
Before buying a pool table ask yourself, "Will
it fit in our room?" You wouldn’t buy a
large SUV and expect it to squeeze into your one-stall
garage. Likewise, you’ll want to make sure your
table has ample playing room around it. An approximate
five-foot perimeter is suggested, so measure your space
to ensure a good fit. If you’re concerned a large
slab of slate won’t fit through your doorway,
tables built for the home use three-piece slate. Almost
the only time one-piece slate is used is on coin-op
tables.
For a pool table to be considered ‘regulation
size’the length of the playfield is twice the
width—and most regulation-size pool tables are
built in 7’, 8’and 9’lengths. No
matter which length you choose, be aware that minimum
space requirements will change depending on the size
of the cue you select.
For
specific room sizes, use the following measurements:
Use [A] for 48" cue
Use
[B] for 52" cue
Use
[C] for 57" cue
• For
a 7’ Pool Table
[A] allow for an 11’6" x
14’6" room
[B]
Allow for a 12’x 15’room
[C]
Allow for a 13’x 16’room
• For
a 8’ Pool Table
[A] Allow for a 12’x 15’6" room
[B]
Allow for a 12’6" x 16’room
[C]
Allow for a 13’6" x 17’room
• For
a 9’ Pool Table
[A] Allow for a 12’6" x
16’6" room
[B]
Allow for a 13’x 17’room
[C]
Allow for a 14’x 18’room
TABLE
CATEGORIES
Veneer
wood pool tables offer the appearance of solid wood
without the cost. They are built strong to last, yet
remain very affordable.
Solid
wood pool tables are the best value in traditional
designs. Because they are solid wood throughout, these
tables often offer more intricately carved cabinetry
and legs.
Heirloom
pool tables are crafted in the traditional method of
building furniture using solid one-piece legs and thick-walled
cabinetry with mortise and tenon joinery.
Professional/Tournament
grade pool tables are preferred by pros and advanced
league players. These tables are built to the tightest
industry specifications for the most challenging play.
ANATOMY OF A POOL TABLE & WHAT TO LOOK
FOR IN A POOL TABLE
Solid
Hardwood and Veneer.
What’s
the difference?
Veneer
is a thin layer of solid hardwood bonded to a laminated
wood sub-core. The advantage is its value. It has the
appearance of solid wood without the cost.
Solid
hardwoods are heavier, stronger and are better able
to withstand stresses and wear common to pool tables.
They come with a higher price tag, and can be intricately
carved. Compare table weights, as weight reflects the
quality, design and materials that went into the construction.
Interlocking
frame and slate support.
A
better built table has center beams that run the length
of the table and interlock with the cross members.
This stabilizes the slate and cabinet of the table
with substantially greater support, and distributes
the weight evenly throughout the table. Cross members
are necessary to ensure the best support for each piece
of slate. Note that some main beams are purely cosmetic—drop-in
vs. full length—offering little or no support
to the slate.
Cabinet & Leg Joinery.
Look
for a securing system that ensures an exact cabinet
fit. Two examples of the strongest systems are MLD
(Machined Locking Dowels) and the more traditional
method of building tables (and most fine furniture),
with mortise and tenon joinery. Check out how the legs
are mounted to the cabinet. Some manufacturers use
corner leg joinery made of stamped sheet metal. Using
more securing bolts will provide much greater stability.
Details
and craftsmanship.
How
is the table put together? Is it just stapled and glued
together, or is it glued, screwed and bolted for greater
strength? Is the table designed with minimal structural
support? Tables that last are those that are built
to withstand the rigors of years of play.
Get
on your back and crawl underneath the table. This is
where one of those mechanics’creepers would come
in handy. Look up and notice the slate. Either Brazilian
or Italian slate will offer an acceptable playing surface.
Italian slate is recognized as the finest playing surface
and is used in sanctioned tournament play. High-end
tables use slate backed with 3/4" engineered wood.
It provides better slate protection and sound absorption.
Take
a close look at the wood. Make sure the rails, blinds,
cabinet and legs are made using the same type of wood.
Some manufacturers use different, cheaper wood components
leaving you, for instance, with a table whose legs
look different than the cabinet.
On
contemporary styled pool tables, look for the use of
metal hardware on the cabinet and rail corners vs.
plastic. Feel the pockets. Hard plastic can crack with
wear. Make sure the pockets are made of leather. Unless
the design prohibits.
Check
out the rails. Look at the width and profile. Ask what
technology is being used in the cushion. K66 full profile
cushion is the industry standard. The cushion should
also be canvas-backed. This helps the rubber adhere
the cushion to the wood rail for durability and more
accurate and consistent play.
Rails and Cushions
Check
out the rails. Look at the width and profile. The use
of laminated maple core rails is preferred on pool
tables. It minimizes rebound vibration and produces
exceptional ball response. Where as rails with a soft
core won’t give you the same fast play.
Ask what technology is being used in the cushion. K66 full profile cushion
is the industry standard. The cushion should also be canvas-backed. This
helps the rubber adhere the cushion to the wood rail for durability and
more accurate and consistent play.
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