Pool Tables, Billiard tables, Shuffleboard tables, and other game tables on which any cue sport is played are significant investments and decisions that any family makes. Therefore, Any Assembly is here to help you make the right choice and enjoy your pool table for years. 

Billiard tables are not just any piece of furniture and are treated in the same regard as baby grand pianos, grandfather clocks, or any other heirloom items passed down from generation to generation. Therefore, we want to share some of our experience servicing pool tables. 

Pool tables have a vast spectrum of prices, depending on the manufacturer one is looking at, be it Brunswick, Olhausen, Connely Billiards, Heritage, Legacy Billiards, A.E Schmidt, and many others. You should expect a pool table to cost anywhere from $900 to $20,000 depending on the slate, felt, cloth, wood, and much more we hope to relay to you if you consider purchasing a Pool Table. 

If you are planning any digging project, you should call to be on the safe side. Many utilities, such as cable television lines, are buried very close to the surface. While it might not be life-threatening, you'd hate to miss the big game because you were planting begonias. There is no cost to the homeowner for our service, so you have no downside.

Brief History of Billiards, Pool, and Cue Sports

The history and development of the pool table can be dissected into five distinct periods that hold significant value in the sport of billiards. 

The creation of a table pool or Billiards 

Table Pool or Billiards are directly linked to outdoor stick games that were popular in Europe during the 15th century. Consecutively, this explains why the first version of billiards was played on a field like golf, croquet, and bocce until someone had the bright idea to bring the game indoors. 

Inception by King Louis XI of France (Billiards Initiation to the nobles)

Recorded history has King Louis XI of France commissioning the first-ever indoor pool table. From this monumental moment in history, the game's popularity skyrocketed among French nobles, who spread it to virtually every French Cafe by the Middle of the 1700s. These early tables were made by furniture makers that used ivory, clay, or wood for early balls. 

Immigration to America and the Formation of The Billiard Congress of America (BSA)

The end of the 1800s saw the widespread acceptance of billiards, and the game became so popular that these games were now being referred to as "sports." The Billiard Congress of America was founded in 1948 to govern tournaments through strict rules and regulations that would be followed at professional games in the United States. 

The Hollywood Effect on Billiards 

It would be a shame to say that Hollywood created havoc for the Game of pool or Billiards, but it was a gift and a curse. Even though further research would be necessary to prove Hollywood's adverse effects, we can draw some direct causes and effects. Before 1961, all tables manufactured had a 1" minimum slate and double center main beams, so most manufacturers made pool tables to this specification, regardless of the level of play. 

Then came the Blockbuster movie of 1961, "The Hustler," featuring a young pool hustler mentored by a pool master. Indeed the actor boy increased the popularity of pool tables or billiards and created a significant shift in the industry. As any industry would do, they tried to find a solution to mass-produce pool tables for the general public. Little did they know that downsizing the frames, cabinets, and legs and introducing 1/2" and 3/4" slate would only serve the short term. The long-term impact of these cost-cutting measures would negatively affect the industry for almost an entire score until 1986 when (The Color of Money) another billiards-themed movie starring Tom Cruise, brought back demand for a 1" Slate. 

Pool or Billiards in today's world. 

After The Color of Money and consumers' demand for 1" slate, pool manufacturers neglected to beef up the downsized frames introduced after "The Hustler" to support the reintroduction of the heavier slate. As could be anticipated, these downsized top-heavy new tables failed due to the lack of support for the heavier slate and uneven weight distribution, which caused significant issues like bowing and sagging slate. 

As in any industry, those manufacturers who are genuinely passionate about their craft and artistry addressed these issues and realized focusing on quality was way more important. Not to mention the premium they can charge for superior quality and craftsmanship. That's not to say that low-quality versions don't exist in the marketplace from those manufacturers looking for a way to make a quick dollar. 

Pool Table & Game Tables Basics

A good chunk of pool tables will inevitably (a very high percentage) turn into an heirloom. Suppose all those priceless moments in life don't make you inherit or purchase a pool table. Then we hope this little history lesson will be a great conversation topic when you humbly and nonchalantly flaunt your new investment that you are so proud of. 

Besides that, a pool table speaks for itself, and we would like to give you all the aspects of a pool table for you to consider when choosing a pool table and conversation topics that will further highlight why you're so blown away with your new game tables. 

For this, a little billiards anatomy is necessary. No matter the type of pool table you choose, the basics of a pool stay the same. 

Head - is the side of the pool table where one places the cue ball at the end of a table to break. 

Foot - Is found on the opposite side of the head, where racked pool balls are placed for breaking a game (start of a contest)

Cushion - is the material found on rails under the felt. These cushions bring a billiards table to life and give it its bounce. Cushions are mainly manufactured from a variety of gum rubber. 

Rails - the solid sections of material that the cushions are attached to and felt. 

Bed - is the playing surface billiards or pool is played on in traditional pool tables made from slate. 

Bed Cloth - This is the cloth that covers the game surface of a billiards table. The pool table felt is tensioned around the slate and the cushions on the rails. 

Cabinet Frame - The main structural body of the pool table that the legs and slate of a billiards table attach to. 

Blinds - Can also be referred to as a "skirt" and attaches perpendicularly to the rail. 

Legs - This is exactly as it sounds: the legs/supports on which the pool table's entire weight sits and elevates the playing surface. 

Pockets - Simply the six holes in which the balls are hit and made of leather in most cases. 

That is precisely why a pool table is such a versatile game table, as it can be applied to different markets. A furniture table is usually found in homes. Coin-operated tables are located in areas that allow recreational activities like pool halls, bars, clubs, and many others, hence the nickname "bar box."

Pool Table Slate

The most important aspect of a pool table. Based on our experience being highly trained contractors and installers, we can confidently say that your decision regarding slate and, more importantly, how many pieces of slate will affect your pocketbook. Less on the Installation (since most retailers include assembly & Installation) into the purchase price. 

But most certainly, if a time ever comes that will create a need for (moving, relocating, disassembling, or simple repairs) installers and handymen cannot cushion these charges into an item price. From experience, we have found that most pool table service orders rank in the following order (repairs, purchasing a used table, moving a pool table to a new home or storage locker, water damage or mitigation of some sort, and construction).

If you have found yourself scratching your head and wondering why this could be, besides the common time factor, we need to take a small dive into what slate is. Slate is a shale (most commonly referred to as rock in 8th-grade geology) and is a by-product of thousands of years of volcanic ash or clay that has been mined (or quarried) for the sole purpose of being leveled and cut into these perfectly smooth and flat sheets. Since cue or billiard sports require smooth flat playing surfaces, it is ridiculous even to consider common substitutes like (plywood, fiberboard, slatex, permaslate, slatron, slatine, & honeycomb) since none of them offer an accurate or smooth experience. 

For educational purposes and consideration purposes, we will expand on these substitutes. 

Plywood Slate 

Are you scratching your head and wondering? Yes, the very, very low-end pool tables do use plywood slate. Where's the catch with that outrageously inexpensive table? It's plywood. After your purchase, the pool table may serve its purpose. But sooner than later, the plywood will succumb to its natural attributes. The plywood slate will begin to warp, develop bulges, and sag from all the game pressures it will experience. 

Fiberboard Slate 

A great plywood alternative is just the next step up to MDF fiberboard since fiberboard offers a moisture-resistant, robust, and long-lasting choice. Even though this alternative is more effective than plywood, it is still a wood-based composite material made from softwood fibers smaller than those found in particle boards. Why is it even considered an alternative to slate? It can attain a relative smoothness of a traditional pool table. A handful of companies and retailers even advertise MDF for its strength and resiliency accentuated by its relatively low price. HGTV even goes as far as to include MDF in plans of pool tables it sells. As it pains one to say, this is one reason why QVC and Lori Greiner outrank HGTV through their product selectors, who realize that MDF cannot offer the same lifespan and resiliency compared to traditional slate. 

Permaslate

It is strictly composed of sheathed layers of plastic making it a highly resilient and lightweight option for pool tables, as it's as smooth as conventional slate. Not to mention that it can withstand extreme pressures or shocks. There are no questions about its strength because it is used as an alternative to slate roofing with 50-year guarantees. While this guarantee may not apply to a pool table, it is one of those points you can highlight if your rude guest attempts to undermine your decision. 

Honeycomb

Suppose thoughts of a bee's honeycomb crossed your mind. Then you are on the right track. As with many materials and ideas, some of the most excellent engineerings mimics nature. Just as in this case, a stiff honeycomb material is sandwiched between two sheets of plastic. Plastic-based surfaces have the advantages of being lightweight and easy to handle. They do not replace slate. The honeycomb will eventually warp and wear over time, compromising the pool table for play. This alternative almost screams, use natural slate found in the ground and leave the bee's honeycomb design to the bees and honey harvesting. 

Slatron

If you are buying for grown kids or adults, a slatron or pressboard table will not do for many reasons. First off, the table will not hold a level. The table is too light and will only wobble more over time. The playfield itself will warp and make gameplay frustrating. Another consideration is the lifespan of the table. Quality tables last for decades and can be re-felted time and time again. They can be taken apart and put back together again and again. The same cannot be said for slatron, and most installers will decline to recover/re-felt a non-slate table since the guarantee that they will be able to put it together accurately is highly likely. 

That said, one can understand why disassembling, moving, relocating, or even repairing a billiards table can cost so much. SLATE (IS EXTREMELY HEAVY). For that reason, pool table slates are manufactured & assembled in 1 piece slate, two-piece slate, three-piece slate, or five-piece slate that are most commonly divided into categories by thickness. The standard sizes are ¾" slate, 1" slate, and 1-¼" slate. Be sure to double check with your dealer if the slate on the pool table (billiards table) you are interested in is 1", as a significant proportion of dealers enjoy marketing 1" slate tables. The only explanation we have been able to synthesize is that The Billiard Congress of America (BCA) only recognizes 1" slates as the most accurate slate available and required to be used in tournaments and competitions. So hold your dealer accountable, and insist that ⅞" is not 1". If only we knew how much money that ⅛" actually saved these dealers that they decide to turn a blind eye.

Also, the size of the pool table will determine how many pieces of slate it will comprise. The regulation size for a pool table is 4.5′ x 9′ (9FT), but the 4′ x 8′ (8FT) pool table size is the most popular choice for home use. In addition, Pool Tables are made in the following size options:

7T (Smallest Billiards Table Available)

10FT (Snooker Tables Standard)

12FT (Snooker Tables)

We will go over Pool Table Sizes in Depth Below. 

Pool Table Legs

As may have become apparent, Any Assembly certainly has years of experience in furniture and game room furniture. We have learned from our clients and the industry that furniture quality separates itself from traditional furniture in performance and appearance. A quality piece of furniture must and has to perform the function it was designed and built for a while simultaneously being attractive (beauty is in the eye of the beholder). Pool tables are substantial furniture and usually occupy most of a room's space. Thus, a pool table can either pop out of a room or improve smoothness and effortlessly blend into a room as if it was destined for it. The way pool tables blend into a room is through the lines, angles, and colors of carved legs to truly complement a room. 

There are two types of legs available for pool tables. 

• A post or "perfect" leg, or

• A Two-piece "Industry Standard" leg 

Neither of which is affected by the weight of a pool table. This is important because a pool table cabinet will support 90% of the overall weight throughout its life. Not to mention actual gameplay when even more stress is added to the legs of a pool table from players when leaning or sitting on a pool table when making shots. 

A perfect or post leg is considered "perfect" for a few reasons. One is that they are made from a single solid piece of wood, supporting the slate to the bottom of the feet. In the case of the perfect leg, the cabinet of the pool table is built around the legs where. They will attach to the cabinet from the sides. The second factor with a perfect leg is that it's an excellent piece of a pool table. The craftsmanship and artistry involved in an ideal leg cost much more than the industry standard since it is a single piece. 

The "industry standard" two-piece leg system circumvents a perfect leg by attaching directly to a pool table cabinet with a specially designed anchoring system. The two specifically designed systems are a single nut and bolt combination or a quad anchor system. A single nut and bolt combination would be the cheapest variant for a pool table since it will attach to the cabinet of a pool table with one nut and bolt on the four corners of the pool table. This is on the lower end of the quality spectrum because it will loosen over time and affect the playing experience. The second type of anchor system and the best anchor system if you will be buying a pool table that incorporates two-piece legs is the quad anchor system. The quad system comprises four nuts and bolts in each leg that will be attached to the pool table. A no-brainer when looking for a secure pool table (4 nuts and bolts vs. 16 nuts and bolts). 

To review the characteristics that will inevitably play a role in the price of a pool table, looking at the legs alone:

1. Perfect Leg (Hand carved)

2. Perfect leg (Intricate design)

3. Perfect leg regular design

4. Two-Piece "Industry standard" Intricate design – quad anchor system 

5. Two-Piece "Industry standard" Regular design – quad anchor system

6. Two-Piece "Industry standard" Intricate design – single bolt anchor system

7. Two-Piece "Industry standard" regular design – single bolt anchor system

Many Pool Manufacturers take considerable time to detail and design numerous leg options for their customers. All of these different leg styles have no bearing on performance since you can expect the same great action that Legacy Pool Tables, Brunswick Pool Tables, American Heritage Pool Tables, Legacy Mccormick Pool Tables, Plank Hide Pool tables, Parsons pool tables, Paxton pool tables, and Olhausen pool tables are known for as well as choosing the style that suits your taste, style, and aesthetics of the room a game table will be placed in. 

Pool Table Frames

The pool table's frame (cabinet) is as essential as its slate. To start, unless one purchased a "perfect leg" pool table, 100% of the support to the slate and weight disperement will sit on the frame (cabinet) of the pool table. Second, a pool table frame is vital because it is the main component that binds all other parts together (i.e., slate, legs, frame, cabinet, rails, cushions, leather pockets, cloth, and felt.) 

An excellent way to categorize pool table frame construction as well as make sure that you are getting the bang for your buck would be:

Central Beam Reinforced: 

A central beam reinforcement on a pool table frame or cabinet is when a support beam is placed at the cross-section span located at mid-span. In order to visualize this think of a rectangular wooden box with the long sides running away from you when looking dead at the rectangle. The cross-section beam will be placed in the Middle of this rectangular frame and run the long way. This is a great frame or cabinet design if you will be purchasing a 7ft pole table or 8ft pool table that will have ¾" inch slate placed on top. If you are purchasing a 1" inch slate table, then this billiards table frame will not be sturdy or adequate. This is precisely why a double central beam was created. 

Double Central Beams: 

A double central beam frame of a pool table frame or cabinet is when two support beams are placed at an equal distance from the cross-section void located in the Middle of the rectangular frame. In order to visualize this think of a rectangular wooden box with the long sides running away from you when looking dead at the rectangle. The cross-section beams will be placed in the Middle of this rectangular frame and run the long way at equal distances between the frame's outer panels and internally. This is the best frame or cabinet design you could purchase. Since this is far superior to the one-piece slates offered by other manufacturers but also because you will have a simple regulation style pool table that is recognized by The Billiard Congress of America (BCA) requires that the slate on tournament tables be 1". Not only will it be sturdy, it adequately supports 8ft pole tables, 9ft pool tables that will have a 1" inch slate placed on top, but also some 10ft pole tables that have a ¾" slate. This double central beam was explicitly created to support regular and large-size billiard tables that would provide sufficient support that any pool table should embody and conform to BSA standards in the USA. 

Double Central Beams with quad cross beams:

Double Central Beams with quad cross beams can only be described as the granddaddy of billiard table frames or cabinet design. This particular frame and shaft will support any configuration you choose. The double central beam with quad cross beams is when two additional support beams are placed in an equal distant placement both horizontally and vertically in the cross-section void found in the Middle of the rectangular frame. In order to visualize this think of a rectangular wooden box with the long sides running away from you when looking dead at the rectangle. The cross-section beams will be placed in the Middle of this rectangular frame and run the long way as well 2 running the short width at equal distances between the frame's outer panels and internally. This is the most superior of configurations that can be found in the pool industry as well as the priciest. If you think about it, it makes complete sense, and this design is built to last and endure anything one can throw at it. This type of design allows play on all sizes of a pool table, 7 foot, 8 foot, 9 foot, 10 foot, 12 foot. Even though this design can be considered overkill, it was meant to support tournament tables and the classic British snooker. 

Now that we have discussed the different configurations of billiards frames and cabinets, we can finally discuss the materials from which the structure and cabinet are constructed. In traditional (top market) pool tables, the cabinet (frame) must be made of strictly solid wood (preferably mahogany). This is a requirement for charging a premium since today medium density fiberboards are rapidly making their way onto the market (lowering the cost of tables). 

The debate that manufacturers have created amongst themselves between those who prefer hardwood frames and the supporters of their MDF. The situation is similar when one compares the aesthetic design of straight frames to tapered ones. There is no difference in terms of stability or durability regarding materials and aesthetic design. Other than that, the solid wood and tapered frames require more attention to design and overall craftsmanship that comes at a premium to that of mass-produced and easily configured MDF materials. 

We will review a few popular tables and their components to give you a relative idea of these factors in play together.

The Best Room & Pool Packages Available

The most important aspect of a pool table. Based on our experience being highly trained contractors and installers, we can confidently say that your decision regarding slate and, more importantly, how many pieces of slate will affect your pocketbook. Less on the Installation (since most retailers include assembly & Installation) into the purchase price. 

But most certainly, if a time ever comes that will create a need for (moving, relocating, disassembling, or simple repairs) installers and handymen are not able to cushion these charges into an item price. From experience, we have found that most pool table service orders rank in the following order (repairs, purchasing a used table, moving a pool table to a new home or storage locker, water damage or mitigation of some sort, and construction).

If you have found yourself scratching your head and wondering why this could be, besides the common time factor, we need to take a small dive into what slate is. Slate is a shale (most commonly referred to as rock in 8th-grade geology) and is a by-product of thousands of years of volcanic ash or clay that has been mined (or quarried) for the sole purpose of being leveled and cut into these perfectly smooth and flat sheets. Since cue or billiard sports require smooth flat playing surfaces, it is ridiculous even to consider common substitutes like (plywood, fiberboard, slatex, permaslate, slatron, slatine, & honeycomb) since none of them offer an accurate or smooth experience. 

That said, one can understand why disassembling, moving, relocating, or even repairing a billiards table can cost so much. SLATE (IS EXTREMELY HEAVY). For that reason, pool table slates are manufactured & assembled in 2, 3, or 5 pieces of slate, most commonly divided into categories by thickness. The standard sizes are ¾" slate, 1" slate, and 1-¼" slate. Be sure to double check with your dealer if the slate on the pool table (billiards table) you are interested in is 1", as a significant proportion of dealers enjoy marketing 1" slate tables. The only explanation we have been able to synthesize is that The Billiard Congress of America (BCA) only recognizes 1" slates as the most accurate slate available and required to be used in tournaments and competitions. So hold your dealer accountable, and insist that ⅞" is not 1". If only we knew how much money that ⅛" actually saved these dealers that they decide to turn a blind eye. 

Pool Table Cloth & Felt

Modern billiard cloth or pool table felt is made from a wool and nylon blend coated in Teflon. To determine the durability of a fabric, look at the weight per yard of the felt; we recommend between 18 and 22 ounces per yard for maximum life.

While durability can be an issue, many players are concerned about speed and traction on the playing surface. Worsted cloth, typically made from wool, offers fibers combed before spun, which will help with speed and accuracy.

You can typically choose between wool-blended fabrics and a worsted version of this material. The latter is a better option, and it has been gaining more popularity because of superior gameplay consistency, better resilience, and the fact that it can be cleaned more easily. As mentioned in the section discussing the railings, the best way to attach the felt to the slate – irrespective of the type – is via the tack strip. However, if the felt presents folds, they can be addressed by a table mechanic, whereas holes in the texture entail that it needs to be replaced.

Two fabric processes are used to create pool tablecloths, producing very different outcomes that impact how the fabric will play.

The two processes are Worsted and Woollen. Many of these clothes are still produced in UK mills by companies such as Hainsworth or Strachan.

Although the terms Worsted and Woollen refer to only the textile processing of animal fibers, they are also sometimes used when a fiber blend has been created.

You will often also hear the terms "Baize" and "Felt" in relation to pool tablecloths.

Worsted Cloth

In the UK, we tend to use less Worsted cloth; this is the type of cloth often known as 'Speed' Cloth. Worsted cloth is still manufactured from sheep's wool, but the manufacturing process leaves no discernible nap on the fabric, so it is not directional and, as a result, will play faster. Some Worsted cloths will have a mixture of natural wool and nylon. A higher amount of nylon in the mix can cause burn spots on a speed cloth.

Due to the cloth's process, Worsted is generally regarded as a more robust, finer, smoother, and more complex fabric. Worsted fabrics are commonly found in tailored suits, along with pool tablecloths.

Worsted cloths are generally found on American Pool tables, but several pubs in the UK like to install a speed cloth on their tables.

Read more about Worsted Cloth on Wikipedia.

Woollen Cloth

Woollen cloths are much more readily found on pool and snooker tables in the UK. Most English Pool and Snooker events worldwide will use a Woollen style cloth.

Woollen cloths have a clear and discernible nap that is directionally arranged; you can feel the rest of the cloth when stroking the hand along a woolen pool tablecloth. It has a velvety texture, and finger marks can remain on the cloth during play. This cloth needs more regular brushing and ironing to keep the directional fibres running correctly. Read more about Woollens on Wikipedia.

Durability

There is never an easy way to measure how durable a pool tablecloth will be. The amount of use that the table gets and how well that table is maintained will seriously impact the durability of the cloth. A pool tablecloth in commercial premises will be less durable than a pool tablecloth in a home environment simply down to the use it will receive. Any cloth will have greater longevity in the home.

One factor to consider is the wool content of the cloth - the higher the wool content, the more durable the cloth.

Another measure is the weight of the pool tablecloth. This is given in ounces per yard figure. So you will see 26oz, 29oz, 30oz, and other statistics quoted. A heavier-weight cloth will last longer but will also mean that it will likely play a lot slower. The accurate measure would be the tightness and quality of the fabric weave, but manufacturers rarely release this information.

For example, we sell Strachan cloths for English Pool tables at Billiards Boutique. The Premier 777 is the cheapest cloth with a 26oz weight, whereas the 6811 Tournament is only 24oz. This makes the 6811 Tournament the finer and, therefore, quicker cloth, whereas the Premier 777 will be the slower but more durable.

Cost

The cost is mentioned above, but generally speaking, the faster, finer pool tablecloths with a higher wool content will be more expensive. What you have to do when choosing a pool tablecloth is work out which compromise you want to make. Do you want a high-quality and fast pool tablecloth, or can you do away with some speed elements to get a cloth that will last longer?

Consider heavier cloths if you are buying for a commercial setting like a pool club or pub/bar. These fabrics will cope with the more severe use seen in this environment.

Likewise, if buying a cloth for use on your home pool table where usage is considerably lower, and you will be more inclined to look after the cloth, you can afford to spend a bit more money on a faster and finer quality cloth.

Maintenance 

If you properly maintain your pool tablecloth, whichever brand or product option you choose will last longer. As a minimum, the table should be brushed regularly, and it is highly recommended this is done after every session to remove dust and chalk.

Some spray cleaners on the market can help lift this chalk and dust much more easily from the cloth surface.

If buying a napped pool tablecloth, having a table iron will also help keep the tablecloth in top condition. Regular ironing will help the cloth run faster and maintain the nap's direction.

Pool Table Cushions & Rails

Probably the most critical aspect of a pool table. Based on our experience being highly trained contractors and installers, we can confidently say that your decision regarding slate and, more importantly, how many pieces of slate will affect your pocketbook. Less on the Installation (since most retailers include assembly & Installation) into the purchase price. 

But most certainly, if a time ever comes that will create a need for (moving, relocating, disassembling, or simple repairs) installers and handymen cannot cushion these charges into an item price. From experience, we have found that most pool table service orders rank in the following order (repairs, purchasing a used table, moving a pool table to a new home or storage locker, water damage or mitigation of some sort, and construction).

If you have found yourself scratching your head and wondering why this could be, besides the common time factor, we need to take a small dive into what slate is. Slate is a shale (most commonly referred to as rock in 8th-grade geology) and is a by-product of thousands of years of volcanic ash or clay that has been mined (or quarried) for the sole purpose of being leveled and cut into these perfectly smooth and flat sheets. Since cue or billiard sports require smooth flat playing surfaces, it is ridiculous even to consider common substitutes like (plywood, fiberboard, slatex, permaslate, slatron, slatine, & honeycomb) since none of them offer an accurate or smooth experience. 

That said, one can understand why disassembling, moving, relocating, or even repairing a billiards table can cost so much. SLATE (IS EXTREMELY HEAVY). For that reason, pool table slates are manufactured & assembled in 2, 3, or 5 pieces of slate, most commonly divided into categories by thickness. The standard sizes are ¾" slate, 1" slate, and 1-¼" slate. Be sure to double check with your dealer if the slate on the pool table (billiards table) you are interested in is 1", as a significant proportion of dealers enjoy marketing 1" slate tables. The only explanation we have been able to synthesize is that The Billiard Congress of America (BCA) only recognizes 1" slates as the most accurate slate available and required to be used in tournaments and competitions. So hold your dealer accountable, and insist that ⅞" is not 1". If only we knew how much money that ⅛" actually saved these dealers that they decide to turn a blind eye. 

Pool Table Playing Equipment & Accessories

Probably the most crucial aspect of a pool table. Based on our experience being highly trained contractors and installers, we can confidently say that your decision regarding slate and, more importantly, how many pieces of slate will affect your pocketbook. Less on the Installation (since most retailers include assembly & Installation) into the purchase price. 

But most certainly, if a time ever comes that will create a need for (moving, relocating, disassembling, or simple repairs) installers and handymen cannot cushion these charges into an item price. From experience, we have found that most pool table service orders rank in the following order (repairs, purchasing a used table, moving a pool table to a new home or storage locker, water damage or mitigation of some sort, and construction).

If you have found yourself scratching your head and wondering why this could be, besides the common time factor, we need to take a small dive into what slate is. Slate is a shale (most commonly referred to as rock in 8th-grade geology) and is a by-product of thousands of years of volcanic ash or clay that has been mined (or quarried) for the sole purpose of being leveled and cut into these perfectly smooth and flat sheets. Since cue or billiard sports require smooth flat playing surfaces, it is ridiculous even to consider common substitutes like (plywood, fiberboard, latex, permaslate, slatron, slatine, & honeycomb) since none of them offer an accurate or smooth experience. 

That said, one can understand why disassembling, moving, relocating, or even repairing a billiards table can cost so much. SLATE (IS EXTREMELY HEAVY). For that reason, pool table slates are manufactured & assembled in 2, 3, or 5 pieces of slate, most commonly divided into categories by thickness. The standard sizes are ¾" slate, 1" slate, and 1-¼" slate. Be sure to double check with your dealer if the slate on the pool table (billiards table) you are interested in is 1", as a significant proportion of dealers enjoy marketing 1" slate tables. The only explanation we have been able to synthesize is that The Billiard Congress of America (BCA) only recognizes 1" slates as the most accurate slate available and required to be used in tournaments and competitions. So hold your dealer accountable, and insist that ⅞" is not 1". If only we knew how much money that ⅛" actually saved these dealers that they decide to turn a blind eye.

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