Everything Billiards Pool Table Buying Guide

Pool is everybody’s game, and one of the best ways to bring your family and friends together. Accordingly, there is a pool table for everyone, and finding the ideal table can be a stressful and time-consuming undertaking. Pool tables, billiard tables, snooker tables, and other game tables upon which cue sports are played are major investments that are meant to provide you and your family with a lifetime of playing enjoyment and an heirloom-quality piece to pass along for generations. Tables can vary in price anywhere from $500 up to $50,000+, depending on the quality and type of the slate, wood, felt, and style. There are many decisions to consider when making such an investment and choosing the perfect pool table for your home. Why do you want a pool table? Who will be playing on the table? Is all slate created equal? What are the best materials to use for the table’s frame? Where is the table going? What is the best kind of felt to use on the table, and are children/parties a concern (drinks)? At Everything Billiards, we are committed to helping you choose the best table for your space and situation. We have a variety of new and preowned tables to choose from, in a range of prices and styles from traditional to modern to rustic. Even if you choose not to purchase your table from us, we are happy to answer any questions you may have and educate you about pool tables. We carry Brunswick and Olhausen tables, but service a wide variety of other manufacturers, and can discuss our experience with their construction and durability.

Furniture vs. Game One of the first questions you will need to answer is if the table will serve as a centerpiece that decorates your home, a place to crown neighborhood champions, or both! If the pool table is to be used by kids and décor is not as important, then appearance and intricate woodworking may not be a factor. Additionally you may want to find materials that are more durable than elegant and that will be able to withstand occasional dings and dents. There are many tables, such as the Brunswick Gold Crown or the Olhausen Grand Champion, that are not only exceptionally well-crafted with tight specifications, but can also bring the feel of serious tournament or league play into your home and serve as the neighborhood gathering spot for hours of competitive play. If the table is to be furniture style and a family heirloom, aesthetics, design, and finishes will likely take priority over other sporting factors and more consideration will be given to how the table complements the style of the home. One of the main selling points for us when we chose to be dealers for Brunswick & Olhausen is that you don’t have to choose between aesthetics and playability – every table is constructed with the same great craftsmanship and attention to detail, and built to last decades. Design & Room Diagram Many people want a “regulation” size table for their entertainment room, or a “standard” size. There is no true “standard” or “typical” size for a pool table – the only Billiard Congress of America specification for a “regulation” table is that the playing surface is twice as long as it is wide. Tables come in many different sizes: 6 foot, 7 foot, 8 foot, oversized 8 foot, and 9 foot (tournament size). The size of the room and the table’s surroundings should determine which size table is right for your entertainment room. In our experience, 8 foot tables are fairly common for homes, although we sell many 7 foot tables, as well as 9 foot tables to more serious players who are looking to practice for league and tournament play. Size does matter, and one of the biggest issues when buying a pool table is settling on the right size for your space. If the table is too large for your room, be prepared for cues continually marking, scratching, and banging into the surrounding walls and furniture. With that being said, there is usually some leeway if your room size is right on the cusp between a 7- and 8-foot or between an 8- and 9-foot table. If the room is simply a few inches short, you can always use a shorter cue or situate the table such that you have more space. We recommend allowing between 4.5 and 5 feet on every side of the table – more is better and less means using shorter cues. Please contact us to discuss your specific area and we can help advise you as to the best fit for your needs.

Wood Wood is an important element in table construction and decoration, unless you’re going for a more industrial, modern steel look. The type of wood used and the intricacies of the woodworking on the table will directly impact its value. Tables that are constructed of particleboard will not have a long life span because they will require more repairs, and as staples and screws are reapplied the wood will begin to chip and break. The highest quality and most expensive wood tables employ solid hardwoods in all components of the table: legs, cabinet, frame, and rails. Hardwoods include cherry, hard maple, oak, poplar, and walnut, with cherry and walnut increasing the value of the table significantly due to their hardness and appearance. Keep in mind that many different finishes can be applied to the actual species of the wood – a cherry finish can be stained onto either maple or poplar, for example. This is important to clarify with the salesperson when selecting the finishing details for your table. Brunswick also offers several tables which are constructed with a veneer over engineered wood, allowing for a lower price-point recreational playing table. The company has been selling these tables for upwards of 30 years, and to date, we have been extremely pleased with the quality and durability of their Contender Series tables. Manufactured and constructed with the same attention to detail, these tables open up the market, allowing anyone the opportunity to own a quality Brunswick table. Contender Series tables offer solid hardwood rails and ball & claw legs, ensuring the stability and structural integrity of the table. “Brunswick’s goal is to provide our customers with a product that will last a lifetime. All solid wood materials are kiln-dried to a 6-8% moisture level, then stained and sealed to keep moisture out. A multi-step durable fine furniture finish completes the look of each Brunswick product, making it worthy of being passed on from generation to generation.” “Olhausen cures and processes its hardwood lumber to remain stable in any climate. Not only in a particular region such as the humid southeastern United States, but in the most arid climates, like the deserts of Saudi Arabia. To start we use the highest quality lumber available, "slower growth" trees, coming mostly from the northeastern United States rather than the "faster growth" trees usually found in the warmer climates. "Slower growth" means tighter growth rings for tighter wood grains and far less streaking and discoloration. It is also a much more dense and stable lumber, which is better for precise grain and color matching, the cutting and gluing process, as well as the milling, sanding and finishing that goes into making the best possible product for you.”

Slate Slate is where it all begins. A pool table without slate is like a refrigerator without a door – it will still work, just not very well. A slate surface is the only playing surface recognized by the Billiard Congress of America suitable for tournament play. It rolls truer, lasts longer, and is much more durable than any other playing surface on the market. There are many tables manufactured without slate surfaces. However, these tables are not for serious players, or for any table meant to last more than a couple of years. Wood playing surfaces will warp and deform over time, due to temperature changes and humidity. They are also much lighter than slate, making the table more susceptible to movement. One of the most common misconceptions we run into regarding slate is that the thicker the slate, the better. Most experts agree than one-inch slate is all you need. While many companies will sell tables with ¾ inch slate as a less expensive alternative, we believe that one-inch slate is more durable and will provide a better playing service, so that is what we sell. Brunswick and Olhausen slate must pass rigid quality requirements – both companies use only the best quality slate available, and check each piece for flatness on the top and bottom throughout the machining process. Slate is diamond-honed and precision-machine leveled to ensure each piece adheres to the manufacturer’s strict specifications. Diamond-honing the slate is the only way to guarantee the smoothest, straightest, most level-playing surface. We’ve seen many tables from other companies where the slate is not straight, and is just impossible to level. It is also recommended that the slate be installed in three separate pieces, allowing for more accurate leveling and easier handling. One-piece slate is heavy, awkward, difficult to level, and can warp. Often, it is impossible to get one-piece slate into specific parts of homes, due to tight corners and doors or spiral staircases. Three-piece slate allows for more accurate play because it will remain level for a long period of time and can be re-leveled as needed.

Cushions Cushions are the inside walls on the playing surface of a pool table (where the ball rebounds), and are critical for the reputation of the table. Quality cushions will provide years of accurate and consistent play, while bad or dead cushions will not rebound the ball accurately, having a negative effect on the playability. K-66 is the most common profile cushion, and is recommended by the Billiard Congress of America. The cushion should adhere firmly to the rail, completely parallel to the table free from any waves. Not all 100% pure rubber cushions are created equal. Cheap fillers have been used for years, and we have had to replace the cushions on many tables from other manufacturers during service jobs because of this. Both Brunswick & Olhausen use 100% professional-grade gum rubber cushions that are machine-applied in the factory to ensure precise bonding for a precision fit that doesn’t vary. They also offer a lifetime warranty on their cushions, so you can feel secure in knowing that your table will play the same years down the road. Frame/Cabinet One of the factors to consider when purchasing a pool table is what the construction looks like from underneath the table. The frame platform should support the slate beneath the table, and ensure that the playing surface remains level. When analyzing the table’s support system, it is important to see how the table fits together. The sturdier the cabinet’s frame, the less likely the slate will shift. The frame supports 600 + pounds of slate, so the construction and strength are crucial. It is best if the slate is screwed or anchored to the frame, and the frame is mounted directly to the table cabinet. The design here will vary by manufacturer, with some companies utilizing cross beams supports. If this is the case, it is important that the cross beams support the slate on ALL surfaces. Brunswick’s thick solid wood cross supports utilize dovetail joinery and Old World construction methods to connect the table frame at each slate joint. Therefore, the cross supports become an integral part of the table frame and achieve superior performance by supporting the slate joints as if the slate was one piece. Alternatively, Olhausen Billiards uses UNILINER construction to give their tables superior strength, tying the frame together as well as providing an increased slate support area, while also decreasing the amount of shimming required during the leveling process. In 2001, Olhausen frames were tested by Weyerhaeuser International Testing Laboratories in Seattle, WA, which found

that Olhausen’s unique construction method created frames that withstood pressures exceeding 25,000 pounds. Both methods ensure that you are purchasing a table that can and will support a level playing field weighing 600 pounds for a lifetime of play. Rails Rails are the top part of the table and are attached to the cushions, pockets, and in many cases will also be fastened to the slate – virtually connected to every part of the playing surface, and the stability of the rail mounts is crucial for accurate play. The rail will provide support to players when they are shooting near the edge of the table and should be as one. If any rail is loose, wobbly, or vibrates, play will be inconsistent and inaccurate. Solid hardwood rails are always preferable when considering the longevity and playability of the table, as the rails will generally see the most abuse and action on the table. When the rubber cushions need to be removed and replaced, a particleboard rail will chip and become unsuitable for re-gluing a new cushion. Also, when the cloth needs to be replaced, solid hardwood rails will hold staples better than any other type of wood or particleboard. Solid hardwood rails will allow the table to have unnoticeable repairs done and continue to have balls rebound faster over longer periods of time. Legs The legs on a pool table can come in many shapes and styles, but no matter what the legs look like, the most important factor is how well they will support the table. When analyzing the legs on the table, give it a good nudge – it the table appears to be wobbly, then it probably is. There are endless variations of table legs: pedestals, hollow tapered, solid ball & claw, and unique solid carved legs, just to name a few. Most tables are made of either four freestanding legs or two pedestal-style legs. Again, solid wood is preferred and will add to the value and stability of your table. Intricately designed or hand carved legs can increase the cost of the table, but will also enhance the overall appearance and give the table a unique style. Pockets Billiard pockets must be strong enough to hold the weight of many pool balls and cushion those balls enough that they don’t bounce back up onto the table.

Most tables come with pockets to match the table style; it is important to consider the manufacturer’s recommendations if you don’t like those pockets and would prefer a different style. Most home and tournament tables have drop pockets and are made of plastic, Dura Hyde, vinyl, or leather, all of which can be replaced. Leather drop pockets are the most expensive and come in a variety of styles – they should have iron bracings for the outward arch of the pocket. Sights Functionally, sights are the markers on top of the rails used for points of reference when aiming. The sights are placed around the table in precise geometric locations to help players aim and gauge angles. Cosmetically, sights can range in shapes, sizes, and materials to accentuate the look and design of the table. For example, Brunswick features hammered metal sights on some of their tables, while Olhausen offers buffalo nickel and laser-engraved sights, as well as more exotic materials such as Abalone. Depending on the material used and the level of the detail required to create the sight, these can increase the price of the table. Table sights will have a direct impact on the cost of the table, but will not affect the playability.

Billiard Cloth Felt is a specific type of cloth that covers the top of the table’s playing area, and is generally made of either a wool/nylon blend or a synthetic nylon. Felt can be described as either tournament quality or recreational quality, and is weighted by thread count – the higher the count, the better the quality. We recommend 21 ounce felt for consistent recreational use, and use Championship Invitational Felt w/ Teflon as our standard felt. The Teflon coating gives this felt some resistance to staining. Championship Invitational should last

between 3 and 5 years, depending on care and use; it will take some abuse, but does tear with hard cue contact. This felt also has a natural directional nap, which will have an impact on ball play. Tournament cloth has a much greater thread density than recreational cloth and has no directional nap – this felt is made of worsted wool, so will feel smoother, and will allow for faster play. It is also easier to clean and able to withstand aggressive cue strokes. As the name suggests, this is meant for the serious player, but it is also a great option for families with children or those who are looking for a longer lasting felt. Due to the tighter weave and manufacturing processes of the tournament felts we carry, they are waterproof and stain-resistant, and should last 7-10 years. Everything Billiards offers Brunswick Centennial, Hainsworth Elite, and Simonis Cloth as standard upgrades, although we are happy to accommodate requests for other types of felt as well. Price Comparisons Pool tables vary greatly in price, depending on the quality of materials and the construction of the table, as well as the size. While there is not generally a significant difference between 7- and 8-foot tables, 9-foot tables will typically increase in price by $500 - $1000. How can you tell a difference between a $1,500 table and a $10,000 table? Here are some general price points and what you can expect while shopping. Toy Table - $600 - $1,400 Tables in this range usually aren’t mean to last more than a couple of years, being lightly constructed with poor-quality slate or slate substitute, and are easily knocked off kilter by roughhousing or people leaning against the rails. At best, these tables are fine for a kid’s rec room. At Everything Billiards, we don’t sell tables in this range, but we do have a nice selection of preowned tables that will accommodate any budget! Basic Table - $1,500 - $2,995 This is really the minimum you can expect to pay for a table providing reliable play without any of the bells and whistles. These tables should provide you with decades of play with proper care, but are not built to pass along to your kids. Brunswick & Olhausen both offer several options for tables in this price range, although design options will be more limited in this range. When shopping around, be careful to scrutinize the slate, cabinet materials, and general construction. Also be wary of extra cost, such as delivery and installation. While we include delivery, installation, and your choice of standard felt colors in our pricing, this is not necessarily true of every retail store.

Medium – Heirloom Grade - $3000 & above These tables are the bread and butter of our operation, and offer you substantial, well-constructed, and thoughtfully designed pool tables that will serve as the centerpiece in your home or game room. These are meant to be displayed as fine pieces of furniture, and will last a lifetime and more, as you can pass your pool table down to your children and then grandchildren. We’ve seen some amazing antique tables in all of our years of service, and with proper care, they offer the same great play after 100 years as they did on day one! All of the materials found on pool tables in this price range are top-notch, including hardwoods throughout the body, lively, professional-grade rubber for the cushions, and three-piece, one-inch slate with strong framing. Brunswick & Olhausen both offer true lifetime warranties on their tables, so you won’t ever have to worry about manufacturer’s defects or replacing the cushions. Design options in this range will be endless, and as prices increase, you will see more intricate hand carving, exotic woods and inlays, and unique details. Conclusion Make sure you are choosing the right table for your home and situation – will

there be kids using the table? Is the style important? Will the table need to be furniture style or more commercial? What size will work best in your space?

Do you know what you’re getting with the manufacturer you’ve chosen? There is a reason that Brunswick and Olhausen have the best reputations in the industry, and it boils down to not only the quality of their tables, but also their warranties and willingness to stand behind their products.

Pros choose Brunswick and Olhausen for tournament play and practice – why should you play on a lesser quality table than the pros?

These tables are built to be durable – every single component. You won’t have to worry about replacing the cushions, slate, frame, or legs within your lifetime. Olhausen and Brunswick make products that you can pass along to your children and grandchildren!

We have a wide variety of styles to choose from – from classically styled, traditional tables to contemporary and modern styles, there is something for every home!

Our constant focus is on maintaining and improving our customer service experience – we want you to be happy with your new purchase (it’s a big one!) and we want you to even more satisfied with our service. Any questions, concerns, or problems, we’ll do everything we possibly can to make it right.