How to Buy a Pool Table

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:BuyPoolTable
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How to Buy a Pool Table

Introduction

A well-made, well-maintained pool table can last you a lifetime. A good table can support a range of games for all skill levels. Here are some things to think about before making your purchase.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

1

Step One

Measure out your total available space to determine the size of your table. Pool tables range from 7 feet to 10 feet and are half as wide as they are long.
2

Step Two

Take into consideration the fact that you need more than just room for the table itself. Ideally, you'll have a 5 3/4-foot clearance all around the table's perimeter.
3

Step Three

Determine your budget - know that you'll get what you pay for.
4

Step Four

Do some research on pool tables. Generally, it's not that much more expensive to buy a new table than to buy a used one. Keep in mind that moving a table a few times can put a lot of wear and tear on it.
5

Step Five

Look on the Web at the construction features of the most expensive tables. The best tables have three-piece, 1-inch-thick Italian slate; solid hardwood frames rather than wood laminates; rails bolted through the slate with the nuts inside the rails; and K-66 contoured cushions.
6

Step Six

Decide which features you value and can afford.
7

Step Seven

Opt for a frame pre-built in a factory, which is normally stronger than one assembled in the house. Some house situations, however, may require internal assembly (for example, if you have to bring it up a spiral staircase).
8

Step Eight

Notice that many tables have slanted sides. Slanted sides are usually stronger.
9

Step Nine

Focus your attention on the most essential element of the pool table - the playing surface, which consists of the cloth, the rails and the cushions.
10

Step Ten

Buy a name-brand table if you can.
11

Step Eleven

Have your table professionally installed. It is definitely worth a little extra money to make sure the table is put together properly.
12

Step Twelve

Hire an installer who is authorized by a major billiard company.
13

Step Thirteen

Care for your table properly and it will last your entire lifetime.

Tips & Warnings

  • Table cloth is made of wool and nylon. The higher the percentage of wool your cloth has, the slower the balls will roll on the table.
  • Heavier table cloths last longer.

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Measuring Tapes
  • Pool Table Covers
  • Pool Tables
  • Pool Table Horsehair Brushes
Tools: |