How to Rate Billiard Table Quality

When it's time to buy a new pool table, it may be difficult to tell what to look for in quality. The billiard table is the entire playing field for its sport. Knowing how to rate quality helps find that diamond in the rough, or saves you time and money on a clunker.

Instructions

1

Bring someone familiar with woodwork along if the table is labeled as a "fixer-upper". Look for major damage including water marks anywhere on the table. Check any intricate woodwork for breakage, chips or cracks. Look for mold in crevices. Mold may be set deep within the wood, so scrape away any residue on the wood to get a good look.

2

Check all inlays on the billiard table, including the diamonds along the rails. Look for missing and broken pieces. If there are missing pieces, look at the condition of the wood underneath. Ask if the inlays are made of real mother of pearl or other fine substances.

3

Look at the condition of the felt on the table, especially if it's to be played on immediately. Look for small tears or drink stains on the main playing field. Check the condition of the felt on the rails. Rub your hands over the felt. A cotton felt is generally of a cheaper quality than a silky felt. Ask what brand of felt was used to cover the table. Roll the ball on the table to check for bumps and dirt on the playing field. Ask for a receipt showing the last time the billiard table was re-felted. A receipt may also tell the thickness and condition of the slate.

4

Peel back a small piece of felt in a corner pocket to check the thickness of the slate. Use the spray adhesive to replace the felt afterward if necessary. Rub your hands over the felt-covered slate to feel for dings and dents.

5

Check the rails for bounce and dead spots. Use the cue ball or billiard ball to bounce on the rails in a normal stroke speed. If the ball rolls off the rail at a comparable speed, then the foam is good inside the felt. If the ball hits with a thud and rolls slowly off, then that part of the rail may be dead. It may only need tightening, so check the construction before assuming a replacement is necessary.

6

Look for a nameplate or maker mark on the ends of the table or around the corner pockets. There may even be one underneath or in the inner workings. While the table may be in a lesser condition than you anticipated, if made by a good maker it will likely be worth the work to fix.

7

Look under the table if the inner workings are readily accessible. Place a ball down each pocket individually and make sure the ball is returned to the proper place. Keep in mind that a red dot cue ball may come down in the regular ball return due to its smaller size.

8

Check the feet or pedestal of the billiard table. The feet must be in good to perfect condition to support the table and remain level. Jack up one end slightly to check the bottom leveling feet. The feet should turn in both directions for easy leveling.