Learn What You Should Know About Pool Tables

November 19th, 2009 by Alex Craven

There are few people that haven’t enjoyed a game of pool on the odd night out. And it is no surprise; being an excellent game that anyone; no matter their age, sex, interest in sports or ability can play and still have fun. Increasingly, people are beginning to have pool tables in their own homes.

Unlike snooker tables, pool tables tend to be relatively affordable, (though this obviously depends on certain factors such as materials used), but there are few things that need to be considered.

The most important practicality is of course the size of the table. Whilst a space in the home may well be able to hold a table itself; consideration regards ease of movement around it, and use of the cues needs to be thought about. However, if restricted, smaller sized cues can of course be used in certain cramped areas.

Generally, there are three sizes available. The most common, that which is seen in bars across the world, is the Bar Table. These are seven foot in length, with a width of four and a half foot. Whilst the width does not change too readily, bigger tables for the home are available at eight foot.

Bigger tables can of course be purchased; or indeed made to bespoke dimensions. However, for effective games nine foot tables should be about the limit; unless the user wishes to use the table for snooker and other games of billiards.

As with many things, the devil is in the detail. And this is certainly true of pool tables. The most important consideration in this regard is the construction of the bed. Ideally, this will be slate, at a depth of three quarters of an inch to an inch. Cheaper alternatives with wood can be used, but these won’t last as long; warping and moving considerably.

Atop the bed, felt will be used. Again, the quality of this can vary; though something with a ratio of at 75% wool and 25% fine cotton is the ideal surface, with a high thread count. Felts can be bought in a whole range of colors and designs.

It is perfectly possible for pool tables to be installed by the user for themselves; however, this is not the recommended option. The installation of the slate in particular needs to be done carefully; being very heavy, quite brittle and of course being fundamental to the playability of the table once in situ.

Matthew Kerridge is an expert in cue sports. If you want more information about pool tables or are searching for a trusted pool table retailer please visit http:.//www.topofthecue.com

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