Making Room for a Pool Table

Just because a pool table will fit in a room, doesn’t necessarily mean that there will be ample room to play. The chart below should help you to plan your gameroom space a little easier. The dimensions below represent an ideal space, but remember if one or more sides of the room is open it can make all the difference. And, if you are short on space, don’t let it deter you. We can almost always find a solution to make your table playable. Standard cues are typically 57-58″ in length.

There is no magic formula to picking the right billiard cloth color, but we will do our best to lend you a hand. You can bring in your favorite pillow, carpet or wood sample, etc. to help with selection if you wish. Also, keep in mind that your pool table’s wood stain and pocket color can have a major impact on what the table will look like with the new cloth.

For most, our standard high quality woolen billiard cloth will be the best choice. It wears well and is a bit easier to play on for a recreational player. It comes in many different colors to match nearly every decor. Worsted billiard cloth (ie. Simonis, Championship Tour Edition) is recommended for experienced pool players. It has a much smoother finish than the standard woolen cloth. Its tight weave naturally repels stains and has tournament quality play. There is an additional charge for worsted billiard cloth.

Remember, you should only use our billiard cloth color chart below as a guide. There is no way to accurately portray color on a monitor screen, so really the best thing is to come into our billiard service center and look at the cloth swatches in person. Colors display differently on each monitor and also vary bolt to bolt. We stock approximately 20+ of the most popular cloth colors. Not all colors are available in worsted cloth.

Animal Print Rail Cloth

Our animal prints are textured and dimensional, therefore cannot be used on the playing field of your pool table. Please see our in store samples for true look and feel. Additional fee applies.

How much does a pool table weigh?

A typical 8’ slate pool table weighs about 750-800 pounds.

What is a standard size pool table? How do I know what size table I have?

Most people refer to an 8′ table as a standard for home use. The playing field is 44″ x 88″. Most coin operated tables are 7′ and tournament sized tables are 9′. The best way to find out what size you have is to measure from cushion tip to cushion tip on the short side of the table. The length is always double the width. The only time you should measure the outside dimensions of your pool table is when you are ordering a custom cover.

How long will my felt last?

If the pool table is used daily for four hours a day you can expect your cloth to last about 3 years. Most people however will choose to change the felt color long before it is worn out. You can prolong the life of your cloth by brushing your table regularly. Remember, keeping your pool table covered is the best way to protect it.

How do I brush my pool table?

The best way to brush your pool table is to stay in one direction. This will keep the nap of the cloth uniform. It is also okay to use a small hand held vacuum cleaner to keep your table looking fresh. A lint roller is also a lifesaver for dark cloth colors or pet hair and is safe to use.

Is it okay to move a pool table without taking it apart?

99% of the time the answer is “NO”. The only exceptions are pool tables that are constructed to be placed on their sides (coin operated tables) or in a situation where there is a large opening that the table can be dollied out as a whole. You should still consult a professional before moving your pool table yourself. Even tables in these situations can be damaged if they are improperly supported. NEVER take the legs off of a furniture style pool table or turn it on its side to try and fit it through the door. This will only cause major headaches and cost a small fortune to fix.

How much space do I need for my pool table?

A standard 44” x 88” (8’) pool table needs a minimum of 42” around the playing field. Ideally you should have at least 58” for a standard sized cue. Check our Room Chart for more info.

Is it neccessary to replace the felt when moving a pool table?

No. The cloth can usually be saved if it has been removed carefully and has not been stretched more than twice before (except worsted cloth). Remember that any knicks or tears in the cloth will get slightly larger when stretched for reassembly and refelting at the time of your move saves you around $100 labor.

How long should my cushion rubber last?

Generally 20-25 years, although some cushions last longer. If the pool table has seen direct sunlight, cushion life will be greatly reduced. We have also seen pool tables less than five years old that have “dead” cushions. It is unusual but it happens. You can test your cushions by rolling a ball firmly against a cushion on the short side. It should make 3-4 cushion to cushion contacts before coming to rest. The telltale sign of a dead cushion is a “thud” noise on contact. Cushions should be quiet and lively.

How high should I hang my lamp above my pool table?

There should be 32-36” between the bottom of the lamp and cloth on the table.

When should I replace my cue tip? (How can I prevent tears in my cloth?)

You should check your cue tip regularly for wear. When the leather tip wears down to the thickness of dime it is time to replace it. By keeping your tip in good shape, you will not only get consistent play but also prevent small cuts in the cloth from miscues.
Related Post: Oops, I Ripped My Felt!

Can I put a pool table upstairs?

Yes! There is usually an additional fee to move a pool table up a flight of stairs, but there is no reason that you can not put it there. We are assuming that your place is up to code of course. The pool table is probably as heavy as three or four big men.

What are billiard balls made of?

High quality billiard balls are made of pure phenolic resin. Lower quality balls are made of polyester or other inferior polymers. Resin balls last longer, clean easier and prevent cloth burns.

What do I do? I spilled my drink on my cloth!

Remember that prevention is key. You should not eat or drink near your pool table. But, if you do find yourself in this situation, act quickly. Absorb as much liquid as possible with clean dry paper towels. The longer the liquid sits, the more it will stain the cloth.

How long does it take to…

Setup a new pool table? Approximately 1.5 – 2 hours. Move a table from one house to another? About 3 hours, not including drive time or flights of stairs. Refelt a pool table? About 2 hours.