With over 25 years of experience supplying pool tables to homes, pubs, and professional tournaments – including the UK, European and World Finals – we’ve helped thousands of customers find the right table. This guide shares everything we’ve learned, with insights from 6x World Pool Champion Mick Hill.
Buying a pool table is a significant investment, and with so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re setting up a home games room, kitting out a pub, or looking for a table that doubles as dining furniture, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the right choice.
English vs American Pool Tables: What’s the Difference?
This is the first decision most buyers need to make, and it comes down to the style of pool you want to play.
English Pool Tables
English pool (also called British pool or blackball) is the game you’ll find in most UK pubs and clubs. It’s the style most of us grew up playing.
Key characteristics:
• Smaller table sizes (typically 6ft or 7ft)
• Smaller balls (2″ diameter)
• Tighter pockets with curved cushion openings
• Napped cloth (directional fabric that affects ball roll)
• More strategic, defensive gameplay
English pool rewards precision and tactical play. The tighter pockets mean you need to be more accurate with your shots, and the napped cloth adds another layer of skill – you’ll need to account for how the cloth grain affects the ball’s path.
American Pool Tables
American pool (8-ball or 9-ball on the larger format) is what you see in films and professional tournaments on TV. It’s a faster, more attacking game.
Key characteristics:
• Larger table sizes (7ft, 8ft, or 9ft)
• Larger balls (2¼” diameter)
• Wider pockets with pointed cushion openings
• Faster, non-directional cloth (typically Simonis or similar)
• More offensive, break-building gameplay
American tables suit players who enjoy a faster-paced game with longer potting opportunities. The wider pockets are more forgiving, but the larger playing surface means you need better positional play.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose English if:
• You play regularly in UK pubs or leagues
• You prefer tactical, strategic gameplay
• You have limited space (English tables are more compact)
• You want the authentic British pub pool experience
Choose American if:
• You watch and want to recreate professional pool you see on TV
• You prefer faster, more flowing gameplay
• You have a larger games room
• You enjoy American 8-ball or 9-ball formats
Many of our customers who’ve played pub pool their whole lives are surprised by how much they enjoy American tables once they try them. If you’re unsure, we’d always recommend visiting our showroom to play on both.
What Size Pool Table Do You Need?
Choosing the right size isn’t just about the table – it’s about the room you’re putting it in. You need enough space around the table to cue comfortably without hitting walls or furniture.
Pool Table Sizes
English Pool Tables:
• 6ft (playing area: approximately 70″ x 38″)
• 7ft (playing area: approximately 78″ x 42″)
American Pool Tables:
• 7ft (playing area: approximately 78″ x 39″)
• 8ft (playing area: approximately 88″ x 44″)
• 9ft (playing area: approximately 100″ x 50″) – tournament standard
Calculating Your Room Size
Here’s the formula: Table size + (2 x cue length) = Minimum room size
A standard cue is 57″ (about 4ft 9″). For comfortable play, add this measurement to each side of the table.
Minimum room sizes (with standard 57″ cues):
6ft English
• Minimum Room Dimensions: 15ft 6″ x 12ft
7ft English
• Minimum Room Dimensions: 16ft 6″ x 13ft
7ft American
• Minimum Room Dimensions: 16ft 6″ x 13ft
8ft American
• Minimum Room Dimensions: 17ft 6″ x 14ft
9ft American
• Minimum Room Dimensions: 18ft 6″ x 15ft
What If Your Room Is Smaller?
Don’t worry – there are options:
Shorter cues: We supply 36″ and 48″ cues for tight spaces. Using these against walls means you can reduce the clearance needed.
Consider your layout: You might have more space on some sides than others. A slight compromise on one side (where you’ll use a shorter cue occasionally) can make a larger table viable.
Pool dining tables: These can be pushed closer to walls when not in use, then moved to the centre of the room for play.
As Mick Hill notes when advising customers: “Don’t automatically go smaller than you need. A slightly tight fit with a bigger table will give you better gameplay than a small table with loads of room around it. You’ll adapt to the occasional awkward shot.”
Slate vs MDF: Does the Bed Material Matter?
Absolutely. The playing surface is arguably the most important component of any pool table.
Slate Bed Tables
Slate is the gold standard for pool tables and the only material used in professional and tournament play.
Advantages:
• Perfectly flat playing surface
• Maintains level over time (doesn’t warp)
• Consistent ball roll
• Can be professionally levelled to precision
• Lasts a lifetime with proper care
Considerations:
• Heavier (important for floor loading and moving)
• Higher price point
• Requires professional installation
For English tables, slate is typically ¾” to 1″ thick. American tables use 1″ slate, often in three pieces that are joined and levelled during installation.
MDF Bed Tables
MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) is used in entry-level and recreational tables.
Advantages:
• Lower price point
• Lighter weight
• Easier to move/transport
Considerations:
• Can warp over time, especially in humid conditions
• Playing surface degrades faster
• Ball roll becomes inconsistent as the bed ages
• Cannot be relevelled like slate
Our Recommendation
For any table you’re planning to keep long-term, or if you play regularly, slate is worth the investment. MDF tables are fine for occasional recreational use, but most players upgrade within a few years once they experience the difference.
Every table we supply for commercial use – pubs, clubs, and tournaments – is slate bed. There’s a reason for that.
Home vs Commercial Grade: What’s the Difference?
Not all pool tables are built to the same standard. Understanding the difference between home and commercial grade can save you money – or ensure you get the durability you need.
Home/Domestic Tables
Built for the average household with moderate use.
Features:
• Lighter cabinet construction
• Standard cushion rubbers
• Basic cloth options
• Simpler leg mechanisms
• Designed for occasional to regular play
Best for: Home games rooms, family use, casual players
Commercial Grade Tables
Built to withstand constant use in high-traffic environments.
Features:
• Reinforced cabinet construction (marine ply, not MDF)
• Premium cushion systems (e.g., ProActive Cushion System)
• Heavy-duty cloth rated for thousands of games
• Coin mechanisms available
• Vandal-resistant components
• Replaceable panels for maintenance
Best for: Pubs, clubs, holiday parks, student unions, rental properties
Which Do You Need?
If you’re setting up a home games room that’ll see weekend use, a domestic table is perfectly adequate.
If the table will see daily use, multiple users, or needs to withstand rougher treatment, commercial grade is worth considering – even for home use. The build quality means it’ll play better and last longer.
Many of our customers choose commercial-grade tables for their homes simply because they want the best playing experience. As we supply tables for the Annual BAPTO Pool Finals (for over 15 years running), we know what stands up to serious play.
Pool Dining Tables: The Space-Saving Solution
If you love the idea of a pool table but can’t dedicate an entire room to one, a pool dining table might be the perfect solution.
What Is a Pool Dining Table?
A pool dining table looks and functions as an elegant dining table, but converts to a full pool table by removing the top leaves. You get two pieces of furniture in one footprint.
Things to Consider
Quality of both functions: Some cheaper models compromise on either the dining or playing experience. Look for:
• Solid dining tops (not thin panels)
• Full-depth cabinet for proper cushion height
• Proper slate bed underneath
• Quality cloth and cushions
Conversion ease: How easy is it to switch between modes? The best designs allow one person to convert the table in minutes. Avoid tables where the tops are too heavy to handle safely.
Storage for tops: Where will you store the dining leaves when the table is in play mode? Some designs include storage solutions; others require separate space.
Height: Pool tables are typically lower than dining tables. Pool dining tables usually sit at a comfortable dining height (around 76cm), which might feel slightly different if you’re used to playing on standard-height pool tables.
Who Are Pool Dining Tables Best For?
• Families who want a games room but need the dining space
• Open-plan living areas where a dedicated pool table would dominate
• Anyone who wants the flexibility to switch between uses
• Buyers who need to justify the space to a partner!
Understanding Cloth Types
The cloth on your pool table affects how the game plays more than most people realise.
Napped Cloth (English Tables)
Traditional English pool tables use napped cloth – a woollen material with a directional pile (like velvet). When you brush your hand across it, you’ll feel the difference depending on direction.
Playing characteristics:
• Balls roll differently with and against the nap
• Adds a skill element (reading the cloth)
• Authentic British pool feel
• Various speeds available (fast, medium, slow)
Speed Cloth (American Tables)
American tables typically use worsted wool cloth (Simonis being the most famous brand). This has no nap and provides a faster, more consistent playing surface.
Playing characteristics:
• Consistent ball roll in all directions
• Faster gameplay
• Precise positional play
• Tournament standard
Cloth Colours
While green remains the traditional choice, modern tables offer extensive colour options. We supply cloth in dozens of colours to match your room décor – from classic green and blue to bold reds, purples, and even custom colours.
Cushion Systems: Why They Matter
The cushions (or rails) determine how balls bounce off the sides of the table. Cheap cushions lead to inconsistent bounces and frustrating play.
What Makes Good Cushions?
Rubber quality: Premium cushion rubbers maintain their bounce characteristics over years of play. Cheaper rubbers harden over time, leading to dead or unpredictable bounces.
Attachment method: How the cushions are attached to the rail affects consistency.
Standard tables: Cushions attached at three points
Premium tables: Cushions clamped along the entire length (like our ProActive Cushion System)
Mick Hill specifically highlighted this when reviewing our SAM Atlantic table: “With the Atlantic, the bounce is even and reliable no matter where you hit the ball. On most tables, cushions are attached in three places. That can lead to uneven bounce.”
Signs of Worn Cushions
• Balls don’t come off the rail with consistent speed
• Dead spots where balls barely bounce back
• Visible cracks or hardening of the rubber
• Balls jumping off the cushion rather than rolling smoothly
The good news: cushions can be replaced. If you’re buying second-hand, factor in potential cushion replacement costs.
Installation and Levelling
Professional installation is essential for any slate bed table. This isn’t a flat-pack furniture job.
What Professional Installation Includes
• Delivery to your room of choice (ground floor or otherwise)
• Assembly of the cabinet and frame
• Slate positioning and levelling
• Joining slate pieces (on three-piece tables)
• Waxing the slate
• Cloth fitting and tensioning
• Cushion attachment
• Final levelling to precision
• Demonstration and handover
Why Levelling Matters
Even a slight slope on the playing surface affects ball roll. Professional installers use precision levels to ensure the slate is perfectly flat. This process involves adjustable leg mechanisms and shimming to compensate for uneven floors.
Good tables have easily accessible levelling systems. Our SAM tables, for example, use simple spanner adjustments rather than requiring you to lift the table or resort to beer mats.
Moving a Pool Table
If you ever need to relocate your table, don’t attempt it yourself. Slate is heavy, fragile, and must be relevelled after any move. Budget for professional removal and reinstallation.
Budget Guide: What to Expect at Each Price Point
Pool tables range from a few hundred pounds to tens of thousands. Here’s what you can expect:
Entry Level (£500 – £1,500)
• MDF bed
• Basic cloth
• Lightweight construction
• Simple designs
• Suitable for occasional recreational play
Our advice: Fine for kids or very occasional play, but most players outgrow these quickly.
Mid-Range (£1,500 – £3,500)
• Slate bed
• Quality cloth options
• Solid construction
• Good cushion rubbers
• Wide choice of styles and sizes
Our advice: The sweet spot for most home buyers. You’ll get a table that plays well and lasts.
Premium (£3,500 – £6,000)
• One-piece slate or precision three-piece
• Premium cloth (Simonis or equivalent)
• Commercial-grade construction
• Advanced cushion systems
• Extended warranties
• Customisation options
Our advice: For serious players or those who want the best. This is the level we supply to clubs and competitions.
Luxury/Custom (£6,000+)
• Bespoke designs
• Exotic materials and finishes
• Designer collaborations
• Convertible/dining options at the highest level
• Heirloom quality
Our advice: For those who want a statement piece that’s also a world-class playing surface.
Maintenance and Care
A quality pool table should last decades with proper care. Here’s how to keep yours in top condition:
Daily/Weekly Care
Brush the cloth: Use a proper pool table brush (not a household brush) and brush in one direction only – from the baulk end to the spot end on napped cloth.
Cover when not in use: Dust, sunlight, and spills are the enemies of cloth. A fitted cover protects your investment.
Monthly Care
Clean the balls: Dirty balls transfer grime to the cloth. Wipe them with a damp cloth or use a ball cleaner.
Check the level: Use a spirit level occasionally to ensure nothing has shifted.
Annual Care
Professional cloth clean: For heavily used tables, professional cleaning extends cloth life.
Inspect cushions: Look for signs of wear or hardening.
Check all bolts and fixtures: Tighten anything that’s loosened over time.
When to Replace Cloth
With normal home use, cloth should last 3-5 years. Commercial tables in busy venues might need annual replacement. Signs it’s time:
• Visible wear patterns or thin patches
• Balls no longer roll true
• Stains that affect play
• Tears or burns
Buying Second-Hand: What to Check
A used pool table can be excellent value if you know what to look for.
Must-Check Items
Slate condition: Any cracks, chips, or damage to the slate is a deal-breaker. Slate cannot be repaired.
Cushion bounce: Bring some balls and test the bounce at various points. It should be consistent and lively.
Cabinet integrity: Check for water damage, warping, or structural weakness.
Cloth condition: Assume you’ll need to re-cover. Factor this into your budget (£200-400 for basic re-cloth).
Manufacturer and model: Research the original spec. Some brands hold value and quality better than others.
Hidden Costs
• Disassembly and removal from seller’s location
• Transport (slate tables are heavy and need proper vehicles)
• Professional installation and levelling at your location
• Potential cloth replacement
• Potential cushion replacement
Sometimes these costs close the gap between used and new, especially once you factor in warranties and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a pool table upstairs?
Usually yes, but check your floor loading. A slate bed pool table weighs 300-500kg depending on size. Solid concrete floors are never a problem. Suspended wooden floors may need assessment – particularly in older properties. Most modern homes handle the weight fine, but it’s worth checking.
How long does delivery take?
Stock tables typically deliver within 2-3 weeks. Custom orders (specific colours, finishes, or configurations) take 6-8 weeks depending on the manufacturer.
Do you need to heat the room?
Extreme cold or damp affects cloth and cushions. A consistent, moderate temperature is ideal. You don’t need to heat the room specifically for the table, but avoid unheated outbuildings where condensation might form.
Can children use a pool table?
Absolutely – it’s a great family game. Consider a 6ft table for younger children, as they can reach more shots. Teach them to care for the cloth (no sitting on the table, no drinks nearby) and you’ll instill good habits early.
What’s included with a new table?
Most tables include balls, a triangle, chalk, and a basic cue set. Premium tables often include better accessories. We always recommend budgeting for a quality cue if you’re a serious player – house cues are fine for guests but won’t improve your game.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Table?
We hope this guide has helped clarify what you need. If you’d like personal advice, want to try different tables in person, or have questions about your specific space, we’d love to help.
Visit our Coventry showroom to play on a range of tables, or contact us for a no-obligation chat about your requirements.
Why buy from us?
• Over 25 years of experience
• Official supplier of SAM, Buffalo, Predator and Toulet tables
• Supplying tables for UK, European and World Finals for over 15 years
• 10,000 sq ft warehouse with stock ready for delivery
• Our own professional installation teams
• Trusted by professional sportspeople, celebrities, and thousands of homes and venues across the UK
Have a question this guide didn’t answer? Get in touch – we’re always happy to help.