Tips on What to Look for in a New Pool Table

Last updated on December 8, 2022

Thanks to the wide selection of sizes, designs, and materials on the market, you can quickly discover the perfect pool table to suit your needs. The needs of a person shopping for a pool table for a home bar or games room are not the same as those of a business owner outfitting a bar or social club.

Outdoor or Indoor?

Outdoor pool tables are easily accessible and provide a cost-effective and durable entertainment alternative for company owners, even if indoor pool tables are considerably more prevalent and the only practical choice for enthusiasts or players of a higher grade of play.

The Felt and frame of outdoor tables are both made to withstand the elements so that they may be used regardless of the weather (rain in particular). Not all players may enjoy the faster game tempo playing on a waterproof table surface.

Outdoor tables are fantastic for places like pubs and youth clubs that have outdoor space since their sturdy construction and high-quality materials are well-suited to environments where patrons may not be as careful with the table as they would be in a more formal setting.

Tables used inside typically include a felt surface that improves the gaming experience. Pool tables are a common sight at bars and taverns on weekend nights, and they serve dual purposes as both a focal point of the room and a source of entertainment for patrons.

Approach to Playing the Game

The most popular variations are 8-ball (spots and stripes, yellows and reds) and 9-ball. While any size pool table may be used for either game, official competition 9-ball pool tables are substantially bigger (7ft, 8ft, or 9ft) than those used for 8-ball (5ft, 6ft, or 7ft), and the balls used for 9-ball are similarly larger and heavier.

You’ll want to make sure the pool balls included with your table are the spots and stripes kind (also numbered) rather than the red and yellow variety used more often in the UK and Europe if you plan on playing both 9-ball and 8-ball (or other types such as 7-ball pool).

Diverse Characteristics

The balls will either remain in the pockets (needing to be emptied one by one after each game) or be sent to a central collection location within the ball pocket (automatic ball return). In most cases, the cue ball will be returned to a different area of the table than the rest of the balls on tables with an automated ball return.

The bare minimum for a complete set of accessories is the pool balls, the triangle, two cues, and some chalk. To avoid surprises, it’s important to verify, in addition to the type of balls, which additional accessories are included with your chosen table before placing an order.

A foldable table is an option if you want to play pool but don’t have room for a permanent table. The mechanism for folding the table consists of turning the playing surface into a vertical position, followed by the legs at one end folding down on hinges and the legs at the other end folding upon wheels.