How to Choose a Home Pool Table

How To Choose A Home Pool Table

• 1

  Measure the doorway and size of the room you want to place your pool table in. Write down the width and height of the doorways you must take the pool table through to get into the room. Then, measure the length and width of the room you want to place it in. When you are shopping for a pool table, remember to measure not only the table, but to add 5 to 6 feet of space to every edge to ensure you have enough room to move freely around the table as you play. Pool tables come in three general lengths - 7, 8 and 9 feet. Pick the one that best fits your room.

• 2

  Determine your budget. Figure out how much money you have to spend on a pool table. The average price of a new billiard table ranges from $1,400 to $4,000. The average cost of a used pool table in good condition ranges from about $800 to $1,200.

• 3

  Decide whether you want to buy a new or used table. If you don't mind using a previously-owned table, remember to examine the slate, cabinet, rails, pockets and cloth. Look for a 3/4- or 1-inch slate on a table that is 8 feet or less. Three-piece slates that screw into the frame of the table provide the most durability. The frame of a pool table is called a cabinet; examine the underside of the cabinet to make sure it's free of mold. Look for rails that have nuts on the inside of the rail rather than ones with plates screwed to the outside. Vinyl pockets are best since they are durable. Inspect cloth for holes.

• 4

  Select a color. Pool tables come in a variety of wood finishes from cherry and teak to oak and black. Cloth can be red, green, blue, purple, gray or just about any other color. The traditional pool color table is a cherry wood finish with green cloth. Select the color and finish that fits your room style and personal preference.

• 5

  Choose a seller who will include professional moving and installation of your pool table. Since a pool table can be easily damaged during delivery and setup, protect your investment by having professionals set it up for you. Many retailers will include installation and set up with the cost of a new pool table. If yours doesn't, try to negotiate it into the asking price. Similarly, with a used table, consider set up and moving costs when negotiating a purchase price.