How to Build a Billiard Table

There are different types of billiard games. The two most popular are pool and snooker. If you decide to build your own billiard table, the type of game you choose will determine its shape and dimensions. The materials you'll need to build it are the same, regardless of the type of game.

Instructions

1

Determine the size of the table. Billiard tables are twice as long as they are wide. A standard size pool table is 9 feet by 41/2 feet; a snooker table is 12 feet by 6 feet, but you can make smaller versions.

2

Drill holes for the pockets into your table surface--one in each corner and one in the middle of each long side. Make the holes 31/2 inches in diameter and place the center of each hole 2 inches from the table edge.

3

Connect the legs to the table, gluing them to the underside and then nailing or screwing them in place. The legs should be located inside the inside edges of the pocket holes. The legs will provide more support if you attach boards or side panels between them. Pool table legs are about 30 inches long; snooker table legs are 34 inches long.

4

Glue a piece of slate to the table surface, centering it on the table top.The slate should be 4 inches shorter than the table's length and 2 inches shorter than the table's width. Cut off the sections of the slate that overlap the pocket holes.

5

Buy billiard cloth (see Resources) and cover the slate surface with it. The cloth is green wool or a wool/nylon blend that is measured in ounces (the heavier it is the more expensive). Stretch the cloth over the slate and glue or nail the cloth along the outer edges.

6

Attach wood boards to the ends of the table to make the rails. The rails cover the table surface not covered by the slate. They should be 11/2 inches higher than the slate surface. Cut away the corners of the rails where they cover the pocket holes. Glue strips of vulcanized rubber along the inside rail edges and cover with billiard cloth.

7

Connect nylon, leather or another type of netting to the underside of the pocket holes to catch the billiard balls.