When you decide to purchase a new pool table for your home, there are many features you should consider.
Once you decide it’s time to add a new pool table, you have to make sure you’re getting the right thing for your needs that will fit the space you have for it.
In this article, we’ll share some of the most important aspects of a good billiard table and how to know when you’ve found the right one.
Plus, we’ll give you some useful tips on what to look for even if you decide to go for an old and used table with a lot of character.
A well-leveled surface is one of the most important elements for a good game on any pool table.
Certain table models come with adjusting legs that allow you to level your table well regardless of the surface below.
Sometimes, even if you’re convinced that your floors are flat, it might turn out they aren’t. That’s why you should be able to raise the legs as needed.
When it comes to the table surface, one of its main functions is to be flat so that players can enjoy a good game.
When you notice that it’s bent, it’s a problem that you won’t be able to fix that easily. If you’re interested in an old pool table, keep in mind that every time somebody would move it, its surface might become less flat.
There’s no substitute for a pool table made with a premium quality slate. There are substitutes like fiberboard, Slatex, Slaton, or honeycomb, but none of them offers a smooth experience.
Since slate is a rock made from volcanic ash or sometimes clay, manufacturers can level it so precisely that it becomes perfect for sports like billiards or pool.
Moreover, on https://pooltablemaster.com/, you can find all the necessary information about various slate types and sizes to decide which one you would like to have.
You can also find out more about different pool table brands and get recommendations before purchasing a new one.
Most tables are divided into several categories by thickness, with the standard being ¾” or 1″ slate.
One is seen as the most accurate slate available, and it’s a standard for every tournament or competition.
The slate is only as good as the wooden frame that holds it. With a lack of stable support, the table can sag, crack, and become very uneven.
A premium quality pool table comes with a slate that was precisely framed and glued to the bottom of the construction.
Stable cross beams give it additional support and provide overall stability to the table.
Most tables have one of the three types of framing, depending on the slate’s type and size. Pool tables with smaller slate since “3/4” usually have only two cross beams enough for a table of that size and weight.
However, larger “1” slate tables require at least four beam construction with two cross and two long beams.
Another important aspect of any good pool table is its construction. Since heavy tables are made from hardwood, they can last for years.
As long as there are no cracks or damages, a table will be able to stand for a long time.
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Modern billiard tables are covered with wool and nylon blend coated with Teflon. Materials like Teflon make the felt impregnable as well as exceptionally smooth.
To determine the cloth’s durability, it’s best if you play a bit to see how the balls will move.
When every player wants to have a good speed and traction on the playing surface, in some cases, the best material is made from wood fibers that have to be combed before the match.
For home use, all you need is a material that looks strong without any stains or defects. Of course, for professionals, going for a custom-made new table is the best option.
The cushions or rails of a pool table are usually made from synthetic materials or natural gum blends.
The synthetic options often rely on clay filler to form the rails and create dead rails. What every player has to know is the bounciness of the fence so that it could carefully plan the intensity which will be used to push the ball.
Natural gum rails are a better option for professionals, while both variants are equally good for amateur players.
In the end, even if you find a table with damaged rails, you can easily change them and get the ones that you prefer.
While the pool table is the most important element determining the quality of the gaming experience, we can say that good equipment plays an equally important role.
Even if you have the most spectacular billiard table, if you’re using cue sticks that are plastic, the experience will not be that grand.
Historically, cue sticks were made only from a specific type of wood. Nonetheless, today you can find them made from fiberglass, graphite, and carbon fiber.
They normally range from 48″ to 58″ and should weigh between 17 and 22 ounces.
Lastly, billiard balls are the essence of every match. All 15 numbered balls can come in various shapes, colors, and patterns.
Today, balls are no longer made from clay or ivory, but they’re made from plastic compounds like bakelite, crystallite, polyester blends, and acrylic.
Pool tables normally come in pieces, and you should organize an assembly to make it ready.
To ensure the table’s accurate levels and sublime gaming experience, you might have to ask the manufacturer to send their professionals’ team to install it and ensure everything is in its place.
Before you purchase a new billiard table, make sure you have the space needed to house it, and then make sure that you have more than 5 inches around it.
Once you have everything in place and the table is all set, invite your friends, and it’s time to have some fun.
