Pool tables can be a great addition to your home if you enjoy playing pool, allowing you to play with family and friends or relax after a long day at work. There are various types of pool tables available, allowing you to choose one based on your budget, skill level, and available space.
Here are the different types of pool tables based on size:
Mini: The smallest type, ranging from 20 inches to five feet in length. Four or five-foot tables are suitable for children and teenagers to learn the game. Smaller tabletop versions can be enjoyed by kids or pool enthusiasts who want a quick game at work or in the office.
Bar: Slightly larger than a mini table, typically around 7 feet long. Commonly found in small homes, bars, and spaces with limited room. It has a playing surface of around 78 inches. Playing on a bar table may present some challenges, such as tough pockets, dead rails, and a larger cue ball affecting shot accuracy.
Standard: This is the most common pool table size, measuring 8 feet long. Suitable for all skill levels, allowing for both trick shots and defensive plays.
Large: Nine feet in length, this professional-sized table requires more skill to play on. Shots may be more challenging due to the table size, requiring players to learn how to move and play from different areas effectively.
By considering the size and features of different pool tables, you can choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences.
Types of Pool Tables According to Style
You can also choose pool tables according to their style.
Contemporary Pool Table
One popular style is the contemporary pool table with bold sporty colors like blue and red and straight lines. This is the type of pool table that would look great in any home game room. You can also accessorize this kind of pool table with various designs like the emblems of your favorite sports team.
You can also opt for a modern table that has a darker tone than contemporary pool tables. This type of pool table is similar to a modern pool table, although it is more commonly made of wood.
Traditional Pool Table
If there are modern and contemporary pool tables, then there are also traditional types. The traditional type of pool table has ornate carved legs and feet.
It also has solid wood rails and diamond-shaped sights that you can use in improving your shot.
Craftsman Pool Table
You may also opt for a craftsman pool table if your budget permits. The craftsman pool table is usually customized, and features finished wood, visible dovetail joints, and simple lines.
It can fit well with the rest of the furniture that you have at home. It’s also solidly built with airy legs that would make it look well wherever you may put it.
Industrial Pool Table
The industrial pool table, meanwhile, distinguishes itself from the rest of the field with its iron legs and crossbars.
Combined with the durability and classic look of wood, the iron component of the industrial pool table makes it a glaring trait or characteristic of this type of pool table. It also has straight and simple lines, giving the legs the focal point in terms of construction and design.
Farmhouse-style Pool Table
If you’re looking for a pool table that’s a bit more rustic in look, then a farmhouse-style pool table should be on your shortlist. This type of pool table is often made of solid wood with cross-bucket trusses that can complement the look and feel of your home.
Some models come with nice stains for a more rustic appearance. This is the kind of pool table that you can pass down to your kids because of its enduring appearance and superior construction.
Tropical Pool Table
You’d also find the tropical pool table a nice addition to your home. It is often made of hand-crafted wood and designed to complement a pirate or tiki hut-themed room.
You may even surround it with plants to give you that feeling or impression that you’re playing out in an open environment.
Types of Pool Tables According to Materials
You can also choose a pool table according to the material used in the tabletop, which is undoubtedly the most important part of a pool table. After all, the tabletop is the foundation of the pool table.
Slate
Of all the materials widely used in constructing pool tables, slate is considered the gold standard. It is a type of rock composed of minerals like mica, chlorite, and quartz.
This bluish-gray material is formed when clay sediment layers are compressed into sedimentary rock with large amounts of the aforementioned materials. The sediment would then harden in thin layers as it compresses, resulting in a robust rock with naturally flat layers. This trait makes it an ideal choice for a game that requires a level playing field.
Naturally, you should expect to pay more if you are to buy a pool table made out of this material. But you can get your money’s worth because slate provides the best quality in terms of playing surface.
You may be wondering: “Why should I consider getting a pool table made of slate?” Sure, you’ll have to shell out a significant amount if you are to get a table made out of this material.
Just to give you an idea, a pool table with dimensions of 4×8 feet can cost more than $1000, and that’s just on the low end. There are even pool tables made of slate and with said dimensions that can cost more than $10,000!
Slate is found all over the world, but Brazil, China, Italy, and India are among its major exporters. You may come across a pool table made of Italian slate.
If you do, don’t be shocked by its price because slates from Italy, especially from the Ligurian region, are considered the best in the world. Since Italian slate is the gold standard, it’s not a shocker why pool tables made of the said material command a hefty price.
Yet as mentioned earlier, the payoff is significant when you buy a pool table constructed out of slate. One of the benefits of getting a pool made out of slate is that you’ll be sure it will last for many years.
It won’t warp, a condition wherein the bed of the table starts to sag, bow, or twist. Even if you spill a drink or two on a slate pool table, it won’t warp at all. Its surface will also not be affected by changes in temperature, moisture, and humidity.
There is also a big difference in the playability of a slate pool table. Experienced pool table players will be the first to tell you that playing on a slate pool table feels smoother and faster.
The balls roll across the surface effortlessly and without ‘drag.’ This means you don’t have to exert more power to make the cue ball and the object balls travel across the table.
Slates come in various sizes like ¾”, ⅞” and 1-inch, which is the standard size. This is also the size approved by the Billiard Congress of America for tournament play.
Since the material is too heavy and large for transport, it is commonly separated into three pieces so that it would be more economical to do so.
Types of Pool Tables Based on Style
Pool tables can be categorized based on their style.
- Contemporary Pool Table:
* Features bold sporty colors like blue and red and straight lines.
* Suitable for any home game room.
* Can be accessorized with designs like emblems of your favorite sports team.
- Modern Pool Table:
* Similar to contemporary pool tables but has a darker tone and is often made of wood.
- Traditional Pool Table:
* Features ornate carved legs, feet, and solid wood rails.
* Diamond-shaped sights help improve accuracy.
- Craftsman Pool Table:
* Customized and made with finished wood, visible dovetail joints, and simple lines.
* Complements other furniture in your home.
* Solidly built with airy legs for a stylish appearance.
- Industrial Pool Table:
* Stands out with iron legs and crossbars.
* Combines durability and classic wood look.
* Features straight and simple lines with emphasis on leg design.
- Farmhouse-style Pool Table:
* Rustic look with solid wood construction and cross-bucket trusses.
* Can be stained for a more rustic appearance.
* Durable and can be passed down to future generations.
- Tropical Pool Table:
* Made of hand-crafted wood.
* Adds a unique touch to pirate or tiki hut-themed rooms.
* Can be surrounded by plants for an outdoor ambiance.
Types of Pool Tables Based on Materials
Pool tables can also be classified based on the material used in the tabletop, which is a crucial aspect of a pool table.
- Slate:
* Considered the best material for pool table surfaces.
* Composed of minerals like mica, chlorite, and quartz.
* Provides a level playing field due to its naturally flat layers.
* Highly durable and unaffected by spills, temperature changes, moisture, or humidity.
* Offers a smooth and fast playing experience.
* Sizes available: ¾”, ⅞”, and 1-inch (standard size).
* Often separated into three pieces for easier transportation.
* Higher price range and heavy weight may make it difficult to move around.
Note: Italian slate is considered the highest quality and may command a higher price.
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Synthetic Materials for Pool Tables
You can find pool tables made of synthetic materials which are cheaper alternatives to slate pool tables. These synthetic tables typically cost less than $1,000. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Synthetic pool tables have shorter warranty periods and are more prone to warping over time.
There are three types of synthetic materials to choose from: honeycomb, slatron or permaslate, and medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
Honeycomb Pool Table
A honeycomb pool table is made of compressed layers of hardened plastic, resembling a honeybee-like surface. Unlike other synthetic materials, honeycomb tables do not warp, but they have a rough surface texture. Although lightweight, they are not the most stable option.
Slatron or Permaslate
Slatron or permaslate pool tables consist of a layer of hardened plastic covering a particleboard base. These tables are widely regarded as the most durable and practical among the three synthetic options.
MDF
MDF is a flat material made from small pieces of wood. While it serves its purpose as a pool table material, MDF tables are prone to warping over time, especially when exposed to temperature changes.
In addition to the tabletop, pool tables have other parts made of various materials such as metal and wood.
Metal, including aluminum, is often used for the frame and legs of pool tables due to its lightweight and portable nature. However, metallic parts are not the most durable and can easily break or bend when struck by a hard object.
Wood is another commonly used material for pool tables, known for its durability and affordability. However, tables made of wood tend to be heavy, reducing their mobility.
Plastics and rubber are also used in pool tables, particularly in gaming equipment. Smooth rubber allows for optimal ball bouncing, while acrylic pool tables are mainly used for leisure gaming.
Types of Pool Tables According to Features
Pool tables can also be differentiated based on their features.
Drop Pockets
If you prefer a pool table where you can retrieve the balls from the pockets, consider buying one with drop pockets. Pool tables with drop pockets are often made of leather or vinyl. Leather drop pockets tend to hold up better over time compared to vinyl.
Auto Ball Return
For those who prefer not to retrieve the balls manually, there are pool tables with an auto ball return feature. With this type of table, you don’t have to walk around the entire table to collect the balls.
Drawers
Some pool tables also come with drawers, designed to store accessories such as balls and cue racks. This allows you to keep your items without taking up additional space in your home. The drawers are typically hidden from view.
Outdoor
If you plan to play pool outside, consider purchasing an outdoor pool table. These tables are designed to withstand the elements and are often made of lightweight and rust-resistant aluminum. They also feature a synthetic UV-resistant felt.
Types of Pool Tables According to Surface Fabric
Another way to classify pool tables is based on the fabric used on the playing surface. There are three options: polyester, woolen cloth, and worsted wool.
Polyester:
Polyester provides a classic clean look but tends to wear out faster than the other fabrics. It is commonly used for outdoor pool tables.
Woolen Cloth:
Woolen cloth, also known as napped billiard cloth, is a traditional choice for pool table surfaces. It consists of at least 60% wool, making it heavy, thick, and durable. It does an excellent job of hiding dust and chalk due to its loose weave. Wooden cloth is available in various colors.
Worsted Wool:
Worsted wool is a fabric woven with yarn to remove short fibers. It is considered the best choice for pool table surfaces as it allows the balls to roll faster and more consistently. Worsted wool is also long-lasting compared to the other materials. Unlike the other fabrics, it does not require regular brushing. However, due to its exceptional qualities, it comes at a higher price.
Choosing a Pool Table
When choosing a pool table, consider the skill level and experience of the players. If it’s primarily for kids, a mini or bar pool table may suffice. For adult players, a larger table is recommended.
Other factors to consider include the size of the room, personal fashion tastes and preferences, and the design of the table itself.
