Overview
A game room is simply not complete without a pool table! Whether you enjoy entertaining guests, need something to fill your basement bar, are looking for a screen-free wintertime activity, or simply want to practice your shot, a quality pool table can be a great investment and addition to your home. While many products on the market appear to be excellent, we've compiled a list of what we believe to be the best pool tables in 2022, as well as a pool table buying guide that highlights the most important features to consider.
Top Picks
We have carefully considered various best pool tables and composed a list of our top picks based on their features as well as the price.
- Best overall: American Legend Brookdale 7.5' Pool Table
- Runner up: Mizerak Donovan II 8’ Billiard Table
- Best value: Imperial 8' Outdoor Pool Table
- Best multiple: Hathaway Spartan 6-Ft Pool & Table Tennis
- Best wood product: Barrington Hawthorne 100 Inch Billiard Table Set
- Best affordable: Minnesota Fats Covington 7.5' Billiard Table
Buying Guides
Now that we've looked at some of the best pool tables for home use, we thought we'd go over some of the key features you should think about before making a purchase. Let's get started.
1. Purpose
When purchasing a pool table, the first thing to consider is the purpose. Is the table intended to be used by a professional player, or is it intended to be a fun activity for the whole family? Your response to this question will help you determine whether you need to invest in a slate-surfaced table or whether an MDF table will suffice for your needs.
2. Material
The material from which the table is made has a significant impact on its overall quality. The most highly recommended material is slate. MDF, on the other hand, is a good option. When it comes to the frame, solid wood is more sturdy and long-lasting than manufactured wood. Aluminum frames are also long-lasting and are commonly seen.
3. Size
Of course, size is always an important consideration. Make sure to properly measure the space and account for the extra space required to comfortably use the pool cues. Just because a room can accommodate a billiard table does not mean it has enough space to enjoy the game, so keep your measurements in mind when making your selection!
4. Weight
If you intend to place the pool table in a game room or basement where it will remain for years, you may not be concerned about its weight. However, a heavyweight table will be difficult to set up, especially if you do not hire a professional.
5. Price
The cost of a pool table varies greatly. On the high end, they can cost up to $10,000, while budget-friendly options can cost as little as $200. Then there are tabletop models, which are typically less expensive. Better quality and larger sizes, like furniture, will generally cost more.
6. Style
Style is also an important consideration. Billiards tables, like dining tables and bed frames, come in a variety of silhouettes, including slate bed, American pool, English pool, and wood bed, as well as some contemporary iterations.
FAQs
1. What is the best way to clean a pool table?
Pool tables can be difficult to clean, which is why you should never eat or drink on the surface of one. When it's time to spruce it up, grab a soft-bristled brush and gently run it over the felt to loosen up the dirt. Then, using a vacuum with an upholstery attachment, run it over the surface in a low suction mode to collect the debris.
2. What is the standard pool table size?
A pool table is typically 8 feet (96 inches) long, 3.6 feet (44 inches wide), and has an 88-inch playfield. Some regulation-size pool tables have a 100-inch playfield and are 9 feet (108 inches) long and 4.2 feet (50 inches) wide. It's not just about the dimensions when it comes to qualifying as regulation size. The standard length-to-width ratio must also be met by a pool table. In terms of height, the table bed is typically 29 to 31 inches from the floor.
3. What are the best pool table brands?
Brunswick, Hathaway, and Olhausen are the best pool table brands. However, there are a plethora of other high-quality pool tables on the market manufactured by lesser-known brands. When buying a pool table, it's a good idea to look into the materials it's made of to determine its true worth. While the brands listed produce excellent products, that is not to say that other brands do not produce pool tables that are as good as or better than the ones listed.
Conclusion
Purchasing one of the best pool tables ensures that you and your family will have decades of unending fun. Aside from money, you'll need to invest time in order to make the best decision.
If you have any questions or doubts about the best pool tables we mentioned, feel free to contact us or comment below. We’re looking forward to replying to it as soon as possible.
