If you’ve always wanted a pool table for your home, workplace, bar or pub, and you’re now at a stage to give it some serious consideration, you’ll need to ensure you know what you want and what’s right for you. Here are 10 considerations you’ll need to think about before making your purchase.
1. The biggest consideration when buying a pool table is the size of the room you have available. It needs to be big enough, not just for the table, but also for you to play without needing to hold the cue against the wall to take a shot. You may also require room for entertaining your guests, such as chairs or a bar.
2. You’ll need to decide between coin operated tables and freeplay tables. Coin operated tables are available in different sizes and can be a great source of revenue for entertainment venues. Whereas, freeplay tables are better suited to the home – especially in a designated games room.
3. You’ll need to choose the material of the table. For more serious players, the slate bed pool tables are high range, top quality options. They’re long-lasting and highly durable. More affordable are the deluxe woodbed tables, which are made from high quality materials and are ideal for any situation.
4. There is, of course, more than one type of pool. The traditional British version is often the most popular for traditional pubs and games rooms, but the American pool tables – with their larger bals and pockets – are increasingly chosen for sports bars and other entertainment venues.
5. Depending on where you live and what you’re looking for, you may want an outdoor pool table. They are constructed in such a way that they are weatherproof.
6. If space is limited, you may be keen to find pool dining tables – a multifunctional table that can doubles up for both dining and pool. It could be perfect if you’re no sure what to do with one of the rooms in your house.
7. Making sure that you can buy all the accessories and spare parts you’re going to need is going to be an important consideration. A second-hand table may seem like a good idea initially, but it could cost you more when you factor in pool table lighting or replacement pockets. Buying straight from the manufacturer could guarantee you access to everything you need, when you need it.
8. Another consideration will be how to get the pool table to your home, workplace or entertainment venue. Some manufacturers or retailers will charge for delivery, while others do not. If you’re keen to avoid additional costs, it’s best to check first.
9. Pool tables come in many different styles, colours and materials, which means there’s something to suit most budgets. Make sure you find one that represents good value for money in terms of how you plan on using it. Coin operated tables may help you recover the initial cost of having it installed.
10. Finally, make sure you’re prepared for the guests you’re almost certainly going to be welcoming into your home or establishment. Pool tables are a popular draw, so you need to be ready for the many faces who will want to come round and play.
