It’s the holiday season and this is the most popular time to get a new pool table. With so many parties going on during the holidays, pool tables are a great game for all ages to play and enjoy. But with so many options out there, how do you know what to look for? Whether you’re setting up a basement game room or adding to your entertainment space, here’s everything you need to know before buying a pool table.
At Basements & Backyards, we carry some of the finest pool tables available, including Presidential Billiards and Imperial International. Our team has over 30 years of combined experience helping Atlanta-area families build the ultimate game room. Here’s what we’ve learned about what separates a great pool table from a disappointing one.
Slate vs. MDF: The Playing Surface Makes All the Difference
The playing surface is the single most important factor in a pool table, and this is where you should never cut corners. There are two main options: slate and MDF (medium-density fiberboard).
Slate is the gold standard in billiards. It’s a natural stone that provides an exceptionally flat, consistent playing surface. Professional tournaments use exclusively slate tables, and there’s a good reason for that. Slate provides accurate ball roll, responsive cue control, and a playing experience that MDF simply cannot match. You’ll find slate tables in one-inch or three-quarter-inch thickness, with one-inch being the preferred choice for serious play. Most residential tables use three-piece slate, which allows for easier transport and installation while still providing an excellent playing surface.
MDF tables are significantly cheaper, but you get what you pay for. MDF is a man-made wood composite that doesn’t match slate’s precision or consistency. More importantly, MDF is susceptible to warping, especially in environments that aren’t climate-controlled. Here in the Atlanta area, our humidity levels can be brutal on MDF. If your pool table is going in a basement or garage without proper climate control, an MDF surface is almost certain to warp over time. The initial savings simply aren’t worth it when the playing surface degrades within a few years.
Our recommendation: invest in slate. It’s more expensive upfront, but it lasts for decades and provides a dramatically better playing experience. Both our Presidential Billiards and Imperial lines feature quality slate playing surfaces.
Choosing the Right Table Size
Pool tables come in three standard sizes: seven-foot, eight-foot, and nine-foot. The right size depends on your room dimensions and how you plan to use the table.
A seven-foot table is the smallest standard size and is best for smaller rooms. It feels like a bar-box table and is fine for casual play, but it’s not ideal for developing proper technique. You’ll need at least thirteen to fourteen feet of width and eighteen to nineteen feet of length to accommodate a seven-foot table with proper cue clearance.
An eight-foot table is what we recommend for most home game rooms. It offers a professional playing proportion without requiring a massive room. You’ll need a room that’s at least fourteen to fifteen feet wide and twenty to twenty-two feet long. This size works well for players of all skill levels and provides the best balance between quality of play and practical space requirements.
A nine-foot table is the tournament standard and provides the most challenging and rewarding playing experience. However, it requires significant space, with a recommended room size of at least sixteen feet wide and twenty-four feet long. This is a great choice if you have a spacious basement or dedicated game room.
The critical factor here is cue clearance. You need at least five feet of clear space on all sides of the table to make a proper cue stroke. Don’t just buy based on what fits in the room. Make sure there’s enough room to actually play comfortably.
Felt Quality: Napped vs. Worsted Cloth
The cloth on your pool table affects both the speed of play and the table’s longevity. There are two main types: napped felt and worsted cloth.
Napped felt has small fibers that lay in one direction, creating a softer surface with slower ball roll. It’s more forgiving for beginners and has a traditional look. However, it wears out faster and typically needs to be replaced every two to four years with regular use.
Worsted cloth is what you’ll find on professional and tournament tables. It’s a tightly woven material, usually made of wool, that provides a faster, more consistent ball roll. It’s significantly more durable than napped felt, lasting five to ten years or more. Professional and serious recreational players universally prefer worsted cloth because it provides better cue control and a more responsive playing experience.
For a game room that’s going to get regular use, we recommend worsted cloth. The initial cost is higher, typically $300 to $700 for a re-covering, but the improved play and longer life make it a better value in the long run.
Frame Construction and Build Quality
A pool table’s frame is its backbone, and you want it to be solid. When evaluating a table, here’s what to look for.
The frame should be made of solid hardwood, not particle board or thin plywood. Reinforced joints are essential for stability, and the legs should be sturdy and properly braced. Rail cushions should feel solid with no flex when you push on them, and the pockets should be secure and well-constructed.
Here’s a simple test: gently push on the sides and ends of the table. A quality table should not wobble, flex, or allow legs to lift off the ground. If it moves, it’s not built well enough. Pool tables from brands like Presidential Billiards and Imperial International are known for their superior frame construction, which is why we’re proud to carry them at Basements & Backyards.
Room Considerations for Atlanta-Area Homes
Setting up a game room in your basement or dedicated entertainment space involves more than just fitting a table through the door. Here are some important factors to consider.
Climate control is essential, especially here in Georgia. Humidity can wreak havoc on your pool table, particularly if it’s in a basement. Invest in a good dehumidifier and make sure your space has adequate air conditioning. Temperature and humidity fluctuations can cause materials to expand, contract, and warp over time.
Lighting is crucial for good play. You’ll want overhead pool table lighting that illuminates the entire playing surface without creating shadows. A dedicated pool table light fixture is the best option, and you should plan for this as part of your game room setup.
Make sure your floor is level. Even slight unevenness can affect play. Professional installers can use shims to level the table, but starting with a flat floor makes everything easier.
And don’t forget about getting the table into the room. Slate pool tables are heavy, ranging from 800 to 1,500 pounds. Measure your doorways and pathways before purchasing. Professional delivery and installation is highly recommended and typically takes four to eight hours to properly assemble and level a quality table.
What About Accessories?
A new pool table typically comes with the table itself, felt, cushions and rails, and legs. Some packages include a basic set of balls, cues, a triangle rack, and chalk, but this varies by brand and dealer.
For the best playing experience, you may want to invest in higher-quality accessories separately. A good set of cues can range from $50 to $300 each. Professional-grade ball sets cost $100 to $300. A quality cue rack keeps your equipment organized and in good condition. And a table cover protects your investment between games.
At Basements & Backyards, we carry a full range of game room accessories including cue racks, lighting fixtures, bar stools, and dart cabinets. Everything you need to create the ultimate basement entertainment space.
The Bottom Line
A quality pool table is an investment in years of family entertainment and social gatherings. Our advice: don’t cut corners on the playing surface or frame construction. Invest in slate, choose the right size for your room, and go with a reputable brand that stands behind their product.
Come visit our Woodstock showroom at 9040 Highway 92, Suite 120 and see our selection of Presidential Billiards and Imperial International tables in person. Our team can help you choose the right table for your space, your skill level, and your budget. We’re open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 11am to 5pm. Give us a call at 678-726-8777 or visit basementsandbackyards.com.
This holiday season, turn your basement into the ultimate game room. Basements & Backyards is here to help make it happen.