So you’ve decided to buy a pool table, but you don’t know anything about them. Well, relax, I’ll give you all the information you’ll need to know before buying one.
First of all, you need to know your budget. How much are you willing to spend? Pool tables can be purchased for as little as a couple hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars, with some tables reaching $20,000 or more!
Second, after deciding on your budget, you need to decide where you will place your table. Do you have the necessary space to set up a pool table? Tables range in size from 4’x6′ to 5’x10′. The general rule is; you need at least 5′ around the table to be able to play without hitting the wall or other objects.
Third, now that you’ve set up the space and have a budget in mind; Where will you buy your table? Will you be buying one on a site like Craigslist or eBay or are you near a store that sells pool tables? We often sell tables on Craigslist and have often found great quality pool tables on Craigslist, however “warning” or buyer beware, some deals are too good to be true.
Fourth, how will you bring your new table home? Many sellers will say in their ad “bring a lot of help, this table is heavy.” I say this; NEVER move a table in one piece. Pool tables must be completely disassembled prior to move-in. If you move a table in one piece, you not only risk damaging the table, you risk injuring yourself. It is best to call a professional pool table mover to move the table and reposition it.
So now that you have everything in place, let’s talk about what to look for when buying a pool table. When clients call me and ask what is the one thing to look for before purchasing a pool table, I stress one word, SLATE! A good quality table will have a slate playing surface. A low quality table will have a particle board or MDF playing surface, these tables we in the industry call “disposable” tables. They don’t hold up very well and are easily damaged. They do not support intensive use to play.
When shopping for a table, look for brands like Brunswick, Olhausen, or Gandy; these tables will hold their value.
Look at the frame of the table. Is it free of cracks and major defects? Check for termites (if applicable to the region you live in). In Florida, we often see vendors selling pool tables that are infested with termites. Look at the legs, are they also free of cracks and defects?
Look at the felt/fabric. Is it in good condition or does it look like it needs to be replaced? If you need to replace it, consider that it will cost around $295 and up to replace it.
Look at those pockets. Are they in good condition or are they frayed and damaged? Plastic hang pockets are fairly inexpensive to replace, however the cost to replace leather pockets can be quite high.
And finally look and test the bumpers. The bumpers are made of chewing gum that will harden over time. One test you can do to determine if the bumpers are still OK is to start at one end of the table and roll the ball with some force against the other end of the table. A good bumper will give you at least 3 bounces back and forth. Once you have done the end-to-end test, repeat from side to side.
If you’re still not sure if you’re getting a good deal; Please contact someone who is knowledgeable in pool tables and they can help you through the buying process.
A pool table is a great investment that can give you and your family years of fun.