How to shop for a pool table, according to an expert
Shop slate pool tables from Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel and more.
As with any investment, there's much to consider when shopping for a new pool table.
Whether you're an avid pool player or are looking to fill a space with a special piece, we've spoken an expert to help you find quality pool tables for various budgets.
Our experts
Thomas Schuckert, Carl Gougler and Dennis Kelly own North Coast Pool Tables in North Royalton, Ohio. Gougler shared his thoughts for those in the market for a pool table.
What to consider when shopping for a pool table
"People should always make sure they are buying an actual slate pool table," Gougler told ABC News in an email. "Some online dealers show a variety of non-slate tables at low advertised prices and consumers may not realize if they buy a non-slate table they are not buying a real pool table."
Gougler said a slate pool table "will last for decades with very little maintenance," whereas a non-slate table has a much shorter life expectancy.
For those shopping with a lower budget, Gougler suggested buying a used slate table. "Used slate tables, if installed correctly, will play like a new table. When buying a used table, a buyer should always check the condition of the cloth and cushions before committing to the purchase. Professional delivery and installation is a must."
When you're ready to start your search, Gougler advised starting with size. "People should first determine what size table will best fit the room or space it will occupy," he said.
You should have about 5 feet of space around the table to play with a standard 58-inch cue stick.
How to tell if you've found a good-quality pool table
Gougler said there are four things to determine when it comes to finding out whether your table is of good quality.
First, he said, be sure to ask, "Is the play surface slate, and is the perimeter of the slate backed with some type of board around the underside of the slate that allows the cloth to be stapled on rather than merely glued on?"
Second, find out whether the cushions are made of natural gum rubber.
Third, determine whether or not the pool table's cloth is good quality.
And fourth, ensure that the installers are "qualified, experienced and insured."
"The pool table must be assembled, [its] cloth applied tightly, correctly and completely leveled to assure maximum performance," Gougler said. "The installers are equally as important as the table itself."
What accessories do you need?
Gougler said accessories can generally be purchased with your table. Beyond a basic kit (two two-piece cues, a ball set, chalk to match the cloth selected, a basic eight-ball rack, a nine-ball rack and a wall rack) you can also purchase ping pong tops to lay on the top of the pool table, players chairs, finer cues and more.
"To improve one's play, one can purchase breaking cues, jump cues, tip tools and low deflection cues," Gougler added.
Continue below to shop pool tables for sale at Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn and more.
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