How to Choose the Right Billiards Table

So you've got an empty room or basement in your house and you're wondering what to fill the room with. With many daydreams and restless nights a light bulb goes off in your head. Eureka! I'll get a pool table!" Yes, you have made that fateful decision to place a pool table in your home, but which one to buy is going to be a more daunting task than you think since you want one that will last you a lifetime.

Since pool tables range in length anywhere from 7 to 10 feet, you need to measure the area you have and add around 5 3/4 feet around the table in order to have enough playing room. There's nothing more aggravating than poking a hole in the wall with the end of your pool cue or poking a hole in someone else.

Now you need to figure out what you want to spend for the infamous pool table. This can be a big investment if you want a really nice one. You do have to keep in mind, though, that the tables are made with wool or nylon table cloths. Depending on the thickness of the cloth depends on how long it will last, but the thicker it is the slower the balls will roll on the table. This can make a monetary difference.

Once you have determined how much you'd like to spend you may want to research the different tables available. You may even want to research new vs. used depending on your budget. New tends to not run too much more than used, so it might be a good idea to buy a new one that has never been played before. When doing this research, look at the construction of the most expensive tables then work your way down until you meet your budget with the construction and features that are most important to you. Good tables have three-piece 1 inch Italian slate with solid hardwood frames rather than laminates.

After you have made your choice, go for a frame the factory has built rather than one you put together at home. Now some assembly may be required at home depending on how much room you have to move it in. In this case, it is definitely worth it to have it professionally installed to make sure your table is assembled properly. Proper assembly means a table that will last that much longer.