Pool Table Buying Guide

Choose the Right Pool Table for Your Home or Game Room

Choosing a pool table is a major investment. The right choice depends on your space, playing needs, and budget. Whether you are creating a game room, upgrading a table, or buying your first one, Cue Corner Orlando can help.

What to Consider

A pool table’s size, construction, surface, materials, and room clearance all affect how it fits and plays.

Key factors include:

·         Table size: Choose a size that fits your room and leaves space for a full stroke.

·         Construction: Look for a sturdy frame built for stability and durability.

·         Playing surface: Slate offers the most precise and consistent play.

·         Felt: Select cloth that matches your style and playing preferences.

·         Style: Pick a finish and design that fits your home or game room.

·         Budget: Factor in the table, delivery, installation, leveling, and recovering.

Pool Table Sizes

Common pool table sizes include:

·         7-foot: Great for homes, apartments, bars, and smaller game rooms.

·         8-foot: A versatile choice for many home game rooms.

·         9-foot: The standard for professional and tournament play.

Larger tables require more playing space.

How Much Room Do You Need?

Measure more than the table itself. You need room around it for your cue and a comfortable stroke.

As a general rule, allow about 5 feet of space on all sides, depending on cue length and room layout.

Before buying, measure:

  • Room length and width
  • Doorways and entry points
  • Hallways and stairways
  • Ceiling height
  • Other furniture or obstacles
  • Available clearance around the table

Tip: Not sure what will fit? Contact Cue Corner Orlando before purchasing for help choosing the right size.

Slate vs. Non-Slate Pool Tables

Slate Tables

Slate is a natural stone surface placed beneath the felt. It provides a flat, stable, consistent playing field.

Slate benefits:

  • Excellent playing consistency
  • Long-lasting durability
  • Precise leveling
  • Preferred by serious and competitive players
  • Can be resurfaced and recovered

For the best playing experience, a quality slate table is usually the preferred choice.

Non-Slate Tables

Non-slate tables typically use MDF or other composite materials.

Non-slate benefits:

  • Lower purchase price
  • Lighter weight
  • Easier transportation
  • Suitable for casual or recreational play

Non-slate tables can work well for buyers with budget, space, or weight limits.

Choosing the Right Felt

Pool table cloth, often called felt, affects both appearance and play.

Consider:

·         Color: Choose a shade that fits your game room.

·         Material: Different cloths vary in speed, durability, and performance.

·         Playing style: Serious players may prefer high-performance cloth for consistent ball movement.

·         Durability: Match the cloth to how often the table will be used.

Cue Corner Orlando offers recovering and felt replacement to keep your table looking and playing its best.

Delivery & Installation

Because pool tables are large and heavy, professional delivery and installation help ensure proper setup.

Installation may include:

  • Safe delivery into your home or business
  • Proper table assembly
  • Slate installation
  • Precision leveling
  • Felt installation or recovering
  • Final inspection and adjustment

Accurate leveling is essential because even small surface changes can affect ball movement.

Before delivery, confirm a clear path to the installation room and measure doorways, hallways, stairways, and other access points.

Need Help Choosing a Pool Table?

Not sure which size, style, or construction is right for your space? Cue Corner Orlando can help you choose the right table for your home, game room, or commercial space.

From selection to delivery, installation, leveling, and recovering, we make the process simple.