Pool Table Buying Guide

What makes a quality pool table?

Genuine Slate

A quality table should utilize solid rock, diamond honed wood backed slate that is a minimum of 1” thick. The slate should fully extend underneath the top rails to provide support for any weight applied to the top rails.

Frame/Cabinet

The cabinet provides a decorative or ornate cover for the frame which provides the foundation for your playing surface (the slate). Quality billiard tables utilize metal to metal construction at the joints to insure proper alignment and prevent overtightening.

Sturdy Legs

The legs provide the support for the entire table. Legs are very important considering a billiard table typically weighs in excess of 650 pounds. Legs can come in a number of different styles.

What Size Pool Table Will Fit in My Space?

This chart is a good guide for the minimum space requirements for the most common pool tables. Standard cue length is 57”, but smaller cues can be used for rooms or walls that may not have the necessary space requirements. We recommend, when possible, to stay with a 52” or 58” cue for the greatest enjoyment. Children should use smaller cues for easier handling, and a “Kiddy Cue” is great for teaching children while minimizing the possibility of damaging your table.

Table Size Cue Length
36” 42” 48” 52” 57”
3’ X 6’ (35” X 70”) 8’-11” x 11’-10” 9’-11” x 12’-10” 10’-11” x 14’-6” 11’-9” x 14’-6” 12’-4” x 14’-10”
3’-6” x 7’ (39” X 78”) 9’-3” x 12’-6” 10’-3” x 13’-6” 11’-3” x 14’-6” 11’-11” x 15’-2” 12’-9” x 16’-0”
4’ X 8” (44” X 88”) 9’-8” x 13’-4” 10’-8” x 14’-4” 11’-8” x 15’-4” 12’-4” x 16’-0” 13’-2” x 16’-10”
4’ X 8’ OS (46” X 92”) 9’-10” x 13’-8” 10’-10” x 14’-8” 11’-10” x 15’-8” 12’-6” x 16’-4” 13’-4” x 17’-2”
4’-6” x 9’ (50” x 100”) 10’-2” x 14’-4” 11’-2” x 15’-4” 12’-2” x 16’-4” 12’-10” x 17’-10” 13’-8” x 17’-10”