How to Choose the Perfect Billiards Table for Your Indoor Game Satisfaction

Billiards is an interesting game that is played indoors and sometimes outdoors. Buying a billiard set for either home use or commercial purposes requires a level of understanding. You need to understand the key features of a good billiard table and go for ones that would provide you with maximum satisfaction. The major thing considered in buying a billiard set is the billiard table. To help you make the right choice of billiard table, we have highlighted the key factors you would need to consider before buying one.

Key factors to consider before buying a Billiard table

Consider your available space

Before you even plan on buying a Billiard set in your home or the bar, first look around you and see if you have enough space for the table. Billiard tables come in different sizes and how big or small your Billiard table should be, depends on the available space. The space shouldn't just be enough for the table, there should also be enough room for the players to move around freely. The standard size of a billiard table is 78" by 39" and 7 feet in height. So, you should check if your home has that much space plus space for the players. If you don't have that much space, you could go for smaller ones.

Type of table

Billiard tables come in 3 major types- Classic, contemporary and modern types. Classic Billiard tables are the most common and oldest types of billiard tables. They have a simple design and legs with antique designs. Contemporary tables are more like an upgrade to the classic types. While modern types are the best, they are also expensive as well. Modern table types even come with LEDs to help you play at night. They are very advanced and the aesthetic influence it has on your home cannot be denied

What material is the table surface made of?

The billiard table surface is typically made with slate. Although there are other materials like synthetic table tops, slates are the best. They are strong and durable. Other materials could be used but slate remains the best. Check out the thickness of the slate. A thicker slate means a stronger slate and vice versa. ¾ inch thickness is good for the billiard slate but could be thicker, up to 1 inch or more if you so desire. Next, you should consider the fabric on billiard tables. The best fabric for billiard tables is worsted wool or nylon. They are strong and durable. The ideal color for the fabric is green, although there could be other colors like blue, red, and lemon. 

What is the frame made of?

Apart from the slate and fabric, the rest of the table, known as the frame, is usually made of wood. It is important to go for tables with sturdy frames. The frame, with the support of legs, bears the weight of the slate and players that sit on it. Oak or mahogany are the most common timber used in making billiard tables. 

Table legs

Billiard tables require sturdy legs. This is to enable it to stand strong for long with the slate weight on it and also to carry the weight of players as they sit on it to discuss. That is why it should be constructed with strong woods like mahogany or oak. The legs come in different designs, depending on the brand you are buying from. But basically, there are two types of billiard table legs- the post leg and the two-piece type. The two-piece type is detachable and more widely used in the industry. However, the post-leg type is more stable.

Rail cushion material

The rail cushion is an important part of the billiard table. It determines how often you would have to pick the ball on the ground or not. The rail cushion ensures that the ball rebounds each time it touches the rail. To have the best playing experience, choose billiard tables with hard or synthetic rubber and coated with canvas. They have better rebound quality. The rail itself depends on the type of wood the table is made of.

Who to buy from and how much

Always go for dealers that have white glove delivery options, so the table can be brought to the room of choice. As for the price, there is no static price but they range from $1200 to $3500 or more. This depends on the type you want and the brand you are buying from. Don't forget to get a warranty. Very important.

Talking about brands, you should consider buying from Recreation Outfitters. They have the best deals and quality products you can trust, always. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.