Pool Table Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Pool Table
Buying a pool table is exciting, but there are quite a few choices to make. What should you look for when buying a pool table? Think about the space, the desired playing quality, the size of the table, the playing surface, the placement and, of course, your budget. With this buying guide, we help you step by step towards the right choice.
How much space do you need for a pool table?
Too little space? Then playing a good game of pool becomes difficult.
When buying a pool table, the available space is one of the most important things to consider. After all, you do not only need room for the table itself, but also around the table so you can play properly with the cue.
Want to calculate how much space you need yourself? Allow approximately 150 cm of free playing space on all sides of the pool table. This is based on the length of a standard cue plus the space you need to make a proper shot.
Use the dimensions below as a practical guideline.
| Pool table size | Recommended playing space |
|---|---|
| 5 ft | 458 x 379 cm |
| 6 ft | 478 x 389 cm |
| 7 ft | 500 x 400 cm |
| 8 ft | 524 x 412 cm |
| 9 ft | 554 x 427 cm |
Do you have just a little less space? In some situations, a shorter cue can help.
Always measure the space before choosing a table. Do not only look at walls, but also at doors, cabinets, radiators, sofas and other furniture that could get in the way while playing.
Where will the pool table be placed?
The place where the pool table will be installed determines not only which size is possible, but also how the pool table will be used and which type of pool table is most suitable. A pool table in an office requires different features than a pool table for home use, hospitality venues, a recreation room or outdoor use.
1. A pool table for home use
For home use, the appearance often plays a role. A pool table is usually clearly visible, for example in the living room, hobby room, garage or game room. Therefore, choose a model that suits the space. Think of a classic wood look, a modern black finish, an industrial style or a pool table that you can combine with a dining top. View pool tables for home use.
2. A pool table for the office
A pool table in the office creates a place to relax and makes a canteen, reception area, break room or games room more inviting. Choose a sturdy table that is suitable for regular use and complements the look and feel of your workplace. A multifunctional pool table with a dining top is a practical choice if you also want to use the space for meetings, lunch or working.
Read more about a pool table for the office or browse our office pool tables.
3. A pool table for hospitality venues, recreation rooms or pool halls
In hospitality venues, recreation rooms or pool halls, a pool table is used much more intensively than at home or in the office. Therefore, choose a robust table that can withstand frequent use and can take a knock. For a commercial table, a coin mechanism can be an interesting option. View pool tables for hospitality venues.
4. A pool table for outdoor use
An indoor pool table is not intended for moisture and changing temperatures. If you want to play outside, choose a genuine outdoor pool table. It is made for use in the garden, on the terrace or under a canopy. Matching table tops are also available for most outdoor pool tables, so you can use the table multifunctionally. View pool tables for outdoor use.
Do you want to get more out of your pool table?
A pool table does not have to be only a gaming table. With a matching dining top, you can turn some pool tables into a table that you can also use at other times in no time. Convenient when the pool table is placed in the living room, dining room, office space or meeting room.
With a dining top, you can use the pool table as a dining table, workstation or meeting table, for example. This allows you to make better use of the available space and keeps the table practical even when no one is playing pool.
When making your choice, pay close attention to whether a matching table top is available for the pool table. Not every pool table is suitable for combining with a dining top.
View pool tables with a dining top option or pool tables including a dining top.
MDF playing surface or slate playing surface?
The playing surface largely determines how a pool table plays. You mainly notice the difference between an MDF playing surface and a slate playing surface in stability, ball roll, weight and placement.
Your budget also plays a role: a pool table with an MDF playing surface is usually more affordable than a slate pool table.
Are you unsure whether to choose an MDF pool table or a slate pool table? Then it is especially important to look at how often you play, how much playing quality you expect and whether the table needs to be easy to install.
The overview below helps you quickly compare the most important differences.
| Playing surface | Well suited for | Main benefit | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDF playing surface | Recreational home use, children, occasional play | Lighter, more practical and easier to install | Less suitable for very intensive or professional use |
| Slate playing surface | Regular play, enthusiastic players, office, hospitality venue or pool hall | More stable playing surface and more accurate ball roll | Heavier and often requires professional installation |
A pool table with an MDF playing surface is mainly a practical choice when you play recreationally and are looking for a table that is easier to install. A pool table with a slate playing surface is a better fit when you have higher requirements for playing quality, stability and accurate ball roll.
If you occasionally play a game with family or friends, MDF is often sufficient. If you play more regularly, want more control over the game or the table is used intensively, a pool table with a slate playing surface is usually the better choice.
Can the pool table be placed in the desired location?
Before ordering, it is wise to also check the route to the desired location. A pool table is large and heavy, and not every playing surface can easily pass through narrow doorways, staircases or corners. Playing surfaces delivered in one piece in particular can cause problems. Installing a pool table with a slate playing surface that consists of multiple sections is often easier to carry out.
Check in advance whether:
- doors, hallways and passageways are wide enough;
- there are sharp corners along the route;
- the pool table needs to be moved to the room via stairs or a lift;
- the floor is suitable for the weight of the pool table;
- the desired location is easily accessible for delivery or assembly.
Does the table need to be moved regularly? Then a pool table with a slate playing surface is usually less suitable. In that case, it is better to choose a lighter model.
Assemble it yourself or have it installed?
For pool tables with an MDF playing surface, you can do the assembly yourself. Some slate pool tables and outdoor pool tables are also suitable for self-assembly. Often this involves attaching parts such as the legs and properly levelling the table. Keep in mind, however, that a pool table can be large and heavy. Help from a second person is therefore usually far from unnecessary.
For most pool tables with a slate playing surface, professional installation is often the best choice. The table must be carefully assembled and adjusted so that it stands stable and plays well.
Do you want your pool table to be installed ready for play? Then choose professional assembly if this option is offered with the pool table. Read more about the delivery and installation of a slate pool table.
Maintenance: how do you keep your pool table in good condition?
Proper maintenance ensures that your pool table stays beautiful for longer and continues to play well. Brush the cloth regularly with a suitable billiard brush and carefully remove chalk, dust and dirt from the playing surface.
Use a protective cover when you are not using the pool table. This keeps the cloth better protected against dust and discoloration caused by sunlight. If you have a matching dining top or cover panels on the pool table, a separate cover is usually not necessary.
Always place an indoor pool table in a dry indoor space. Damp rooms, such as a damp basement, shed or garage, are not suitable. Moisture can affect the wood, the playing surface, the cloth and the playing quality. Also avoid major temperature fluctuations.
Need help choosing?
Are you not yet sure which pool table is the best fit? View the range and use the filters to search by size, design, playing surface and usage situation.
This way, you do not just choose any pool table, but the table that suits your space, your way of playing and your preferences.
Still not sure? Our pool table experts will be happy to help you with personal advice. Call us on +31 (0)20 610 2031 , email info@buffalo.nl or visit our showroom at Jan Rebelstraat 10, 1069 CB Amsterdam.
Frequently asked questions about buying a pool table
Which pool table is suitable for home use?
For home use, an MDF pool table is often a practical choice when you play recreationally, children use it or you want to be able to install the table easily. Do you play more regularly or are you looking for a more stable playing surface with more accurate ball roll? Then a slate pool table may be an interesting option. The right choice mainly depends on the available space, how often you play and what kind of playing experience you are looking for.
Is a 6 ft or 7 ft pool table better for home use?
That mainly depends on the space around the table. A 6 ft pool table is more compact and therefore practical when you have less playing space. A 7 ft pool table offers more room to play and therefore feels more comfortable when you play more often or use the table with several people.
How do I know if I have enough space?
Measure not only the space for the pool table itself, but also the free space around the table. You need sufficient space to play properly with the cue. Therefore, compare your room with the recommended playing space for each table size and take walls, furniture, doors and walking space into account. If there is less space in one particular spot, a shorter cue can sometimes help.
When should I choose a slate pool table?
Choose a pool table with a slate playing surface when you highly value stability, accuracy and a more serious playing feel. This is especially interesting when you play regularly or have higher requirements for playing quality.
Is MDF suitable for recreational use?
Yes, for home use, children or occasional play, an MDF pool table is often a suitable choice. MDF pool tables are usually easy to install yourself.
Can a pool table be placed on an upper floor?
It can, but it depends on the dimensions, weight and route to the room. Check stairs, doors, hallways and any corners in advance. Also check whether the floor is suitable for the weight of the pool table. If in doubt, it is wise to ask for advice in advance.
Can I use an indoor pool table outdoors?
No, an indoor pool table is not made for outdoor use, moisture or major temperature fluctuations. For outdoor use, choose an outdoor pool table that is specially designed for those conditions.
When should I choose a pool table/dining table?
A pool table/dining table is useful when you also want to use the table as a dining table, meeting table or workstation. This is especially practical in a living room, dining room or office space where you want to make smart use of the available space.
Are accessories always included with a pool table?
No, accessories are not supplied as standard with most pool tables. MDF pool tables and outdoor pool tables often do include accessories such as cues, balls, chalk and a triangle. Therefore, always check the product specifications carefully. To start playing right away, you will need pool balls, pool cues, a triangle and chalk in any case. A billiard brush and protective cover are useful for keeping the table in good condition.