How to Make Your Own Mosaic Patio Table

Mosaic patio tables can be seen with some of the most intricate tile work around, including landscapes and even reproductions of famous paintings. Creating your own mosaic patio table from old china or tiles can give you a stylish patio table at a fraction of the cost. Create a patio table that takes you to another location with a beach scene, or match your interior design to expand your living area to the outdoors. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Collect tile pieces for your mosaic pattern. Keep broken china pieces, break china that you have chosen for the table, or break tiles in the colors you prefer to use for the table. If you are breaking your own china or tiles, place the pieces in a plastic bag, cover the bag with a towel, and break the pieces by hammering the bag. Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes.

2

Choose your mosaic pattern. Create a paper pattern of your table by cutting a piece of craft paper to the dimensions of the table you are covering. Arrange your tile pieces on the paper pattern to determine how many pieces you need and where they need to be placed on the table.

3

Apply mastic to the table and transfer the tile pieces. Following the directions on the mastic, apply the mastic to the table with your trowel, starting in the middle. If the table is large, work in small sections to make sure the mastic doesn't dry before you have adhered the tile pieces. Transfer the tile pieces from your paper pattern to the table starting in the middle and working your way outwards until the table top is completed. If you are using a mix of tile and china, make sure the pieces are fairly level by adding more mastic to thinner pieces. Allow the mastic to dry at least 8 hours, or as directed on the packaging.

4

Grout the table. Apply grout to the table with your trowel by forcing grout into the spaces between all of the pieces of tile. Smooth the grout with a damp towel, making sure to remove any extra grout on top of the tile and china. Allow the grout to dry.

5

Apply grout sealer. Following the directions on the package, apply grout sealer and allow to dry.

How to Cover a Billiard Table

Pool tables are a lot of fun, but in many game rooms, they end up taking up a lot of space when they aren't being used for a game of pool. Adding functionality to a pool table when it's not being used can save you a lot of frustration about the wasted space. Considering covering the pool table so it has additional functionality as a table when it's not being used. It can also serve as a decorative center piece for your game room.

Instructions

1

Measure the dimensions of your pool table. Keep in mind the dimensions listed on an advertisement for a pool table are the playing area dimensions, and not the exterior dimensions. An an example and pool table that is three and a half feet wide by seven feet long, is actually four feet wide and 84 inches long when covering the entire table. A table that is four and a half feet wide and nine feet long is actually five feet wide and 110 inches wide when covering the entire table.

2

Purchase or locate a piece of plywood that meets the required dimensions for your table, to cover the entire surface of the table. Guidelines are given in step one, but you should measure your table from side to side both lengthwise and the width to be sure your plywood is the correct size.

3

Cut the piece of plywood to the proper dimensions using your power saw if you can not purchase a piece that size requirements exactly.

4

Place the plywood on top of your pool table. This plywood does not have to be permanently affixed to your pool table, it is used to add additional functionality to the table and protect the playing surface when it is not being used.

5

Locate or purchase a large rectangular tablecloth to cover your pool table and plywood with. This now allows you to rest objects that are light weight on the table. It can even be used as a table to eat at.

DIY Balloon Centerpiece Base

DIY balloon centerpieces are versatile decorations that fit many celebrations, from fancy weddings to kids' birthday parties. Although air-filled balloons work for some designs, many DIY centerpieces take advantage of helium-filled balloons for the extra height. Using the hovering balloons for a centerpiece requires a weighted base to prevent them from floating right off the table. While any weighted base will work, you have several options for creating decorative bases that enhance your centerpiece.

Instructions

Brick Balloon Base

1

Cut a piece of sturdy wrapping paper twice the total size of a brick using scissors. Place wrapping paper design side down on a flat surface.

2

Place the brick in the middle of the wrapping paper. Secure helium-filled latex balloons to long lengths of ribbon. Wrap the ends of the ribbons around the middle of the brick, and tie them in knots. Securing the balloons before wrapping the brick helps give the centerpiece a crisp and clean appearance.

3

Pull the wrapping paper up around the brick as if making a crude sack. Pinch the paper together at the top of the brick, leaving the balloon-attached ribbons sticking up in the middle.

4

Cut a 12-inch piece from the leftover ribbon. Tie the ribbon piece around the pinched wrapping paper as if youre wrapping the top of a gift sack. Tie the ribbon in a bow, and place the centerpiece on the table.

Filled Balloon Base

5

Place a funnel in the mouth of a latex balloon. Fill the balloon with at least 2/3 cup of sand for every 12 helium balloons. Stretch the balloons body and mouth with your hands to help force in the sand. If youre having a hard time getting the sand in, blow up the empty balloon and release the air to help stretch it.

6

Remove the funnel slowly from the balloon. Stretch the balloons neck with your fingers, and tie it in a tight knot.

7

Tie helium-filled balloons to long ribbons. Wrap the end of a ribbon around each weighted balloons neck, and tie it in a large bow. Add other decorative materials as desired, such as glitter around the balloon base or additional ribbons around the neck.

How to Make a TV Table

This small television table is meant to be used in a bedroom. There is room for a VCR/DVR and the bonus is that it includes a swivel mount that makes the whole piece of furniture more adaptable. The project will only take a couple of hours to make after staining and finishing.

Instructions

1

Have the lumber company cut all wood pieces to measure or cut your own with a skill saw. Sand the wood with medium and then fine grain sandpaper; brush away dust with the tack cloth. Give the wood two coats of stain with the disposable paint brush, drying thoroughly between coats. Finish with two coats of polymer, drying thoroughly between coats.

2

Measure the table top and mark the center. Install the swivel base in the center by screwing through the base into the wood of the table top. Mark where the swivel will attach to the center of the 18-inch square. Screw through the top of the square down into the metal of the swivel.

3

Use one wood screw per leg to attach the four table legs to the outside edges of table top along the short side. Drill pilot holes for the wood screws through the legs and into the side of the table. Drop in a bit of wood glue to improve the bond. Do this with every wood screw hole.

4

Measure the table legs and make a mark 2 inches up from the bottom. Make a second mark 8 inches down from the table top. Screw the bottom shelf into place by using one screw to attach each leg to the shelf on all four legs by screwing from the outside of the leg into the shelf. Move to the middle shelf and use one screw per leg to screw from the outside into the shelf. Each leg is attached at the top, middle shelf and bottom shelf by one screw in each piece.

5

Place the television securely on top of the swivel base section. If you are worried, attach a length of hook and loop tape on the bottom of the television, both front and back, and place the corresponding side on the swivel top.

Bar Table Games

Bar table games are a great way to pass the time and incorporate some fun into a slow night at the bar. The most successful drinking games are the ones that don't require a whole lot of props or pieces, usually just some spare change, a few glasses from the bar and some drinks.

Quarters

Quarters is essentially just a drinking game, but a fun one. The goal of quarters is to bounce a quarter off the table and have it land in a shot glass or pint glass. The game is played with multiple players competing to get other players to drink by missing their shots. The first player begins by bouncing a quarter off the table in to a glass. If a player makes a shot, they can then challenge any other player who must also make a shot or drink. If a player misses, they can opt for a second chance, which will cost them two drinks if they miss. The goal is to get everyone else to drink, and therefore lose.

Speed Quarters

Speed quarters is a bit different than regular quarters in that you'll need at least three players, and four or five to have an epic round. The game is played with two shot glasses and two quarters. At the start, two players sitting across from one another begin frantically trying to bounce their quarter in to their own shot glass. When a player makes their shot they slide the glass to the person on their right, so you have two shot glasses moving counterclockwise in a circle. The round continues until someone ends up with two glasses in front of them, which happens when the person on their direct left is able to make a shot before they could and stacks their own glass on top. The losing player has one more attempt to make their quarter in to the double stack of glasses or else must drink. If any player makes their shot on the first try they can pass their shot glass to anyone at the table, which is strategically best to pass it to the person on the immediate left of the opposing shooter. This game is fast paced and exciting once you get the hang of it.

Up Chickens, Down Chickens

Up Chickens, Down Chickens is played by separating your table in to two opposing sides, and taking turns hiding a coin under one of the team member's hands. Before each round the team chooses one player and gives them the coin. Each player puts their hands in to fists so as to confuse the opposing side before raising their fists, "up chickens," and dropping their hands flat on the table, "down chickens." The opposing team must collectively decide which hand the coin is under by listening to where they heard it land on the table. If they're correct, the other team drinks; if they're incorrect, they drink.

Dining Table Sizes

Dining tables are available in round, square, oval, oblong or rectangular shapes. Table size requirements depend on the formality of the meal and the number of people to be seated. The dimensions of the room in which the table is located also determines size. Does this Spark an idea?

Round Tables

Round tables typically are smaller and seat fewer people than oval or oblong tables. A table that is 36 to 44 inches in diameter seats four to six, one that is 45 to 54 inches will seat four to six and a 60- to 70-inch-diameter table should seats six to eight individuals. Square tables fall into this category, ranging from 24 to 40 inches per side and seating four.

Oval and Oblong

Oval tables have rounded edges, while oblong tables are rectangular in shape and have corners. Tables of both shapes with the same dimensions will seat the same number of people. These range from 28 by 46 inches, seating four to six, to 42 iby 120 inches, accommodating 12 to 16.

Place Settings

Ideally, each individual should have at least 24 inches of room for a place setting. Formal events allow for 29 inches, while specialized or ethnic dinners need larger settings to accommodate utensils.

Router Bases and Rotary Tools

A router is a very useful woodworking power tool. With it, you can make your own mouldings and decorative edges. Limitations are present, however, because it is handheld. You cannot cut long thin moulding sections, since you will have to clamp the workpiece securely so it won't bend. A solution to this is a table base or base. These allow you to mount your router upside down to a platform. In essence, you can turn your router into a stationary shaper with a base.

Homemade Bases

A homemade router base is not hard to build. It is simply a table, with legs about 16 inches long. Make the top out of 3/4-inch plywood, and the legs out of 2-by-4s. Cut a hole in the middle to fit your router, and use flat-head screws to attach it to the underside of the base. Woodworkers at Lumberjocks modified a table presented at "Woodsmith Magazine" to make a complete work cabinet with a router table as the top.

Transparent Base

Many routers have a black plastic base. While this is adequate, you may want to see the workpiece ahead of the small opening in the middle. This is especially true if you are following a pencil line. The solution is to make a transparent base. Obtain a piece of clear plastic, 1/4-inch thick. Remove the black plastic base, and make one exactly like it out of the clear plastic.

Rotary Tool Sets

Tools are sold individually or in sets. If you are obtaining your first tools, buy a set, since a price discount is usually given. If by chance you destroy a tool by hitting a hidden nail in the wood, you can always replace it by purchasing an individual tool. Bear in mind some of these tools have revolutions per minute (RPM) limitations. Find out what your router's RPM is, and make sure it does not exceed the RPM limits of the tool.

Rotary Tool Quality

A world of difference exists in the quality of rotary tools. Good quality tools are made out of carbide steel, and have good longevity. Inferior grade tools are made out of questionable steel, and dull quickly. A dull tool will tear the wood horribly, instead of leaving a clean cut. As of October of 2010, Northern Tools sells a 15-piece bit set for $50. Freud Tools also sells a 15-bit set, but for $200. The difference is beyond just price-gouging -- Freud states that its tools are made out of carbide steel developed in its manufacturing facility. If you are a hobbyist woodworker and only use your router occasionally, the cheaper tools may be fine to use. If you are a professional woodworker who uses a router constantly, in the long run the initial cost is worth it. You will constantly have to buy cheaper tools, as opposed to buying good quality tools just once.

Rotary Tools Shapes

Tools are called by the cutting profile they leave on the wood. Tools come in a variety of shapes, such as half round, shallow S (called a Roman Ogee), or square slotting. By altering the depth of cut and tool selection, you can make very decorative moulding that have a variety of profiles in the wood. By gluing together two or three pieces of cut moulding, you can make decorative large moulding, such as for a fireplace mantle. You have to be an artist, and experiment around with different shapes. Another interesting feature is a paired tool set. These are used to cut mirror image patterns. What one tool cuts out, the other tool leaves in, and vice-versa. For example if you are making a tongue-in-groove joint, one tool cuts the tongue, and another cuts the groove. These tools are also used to cut dovetail joints, found on the back of all heirloom quality drawers.

DIY: Pool Tables

If you're someone who likes to build their own furniture and have a game room in your home, you can build your own pool table rather than spend hundreds of dollars on one. The table may not have the fancy appearance of a pool hall table, but as long as you build it to the proper dimensions and hole sizes, it will work just as well. Since a pool table's actual size is relative, you can even custom-build one to fit your personal game room. Does this Spark an idea?

Determining the Size

Since pool tables can come in different sizes, you first need to decide on a table size that is right for you. Most home pool tables measure eight feet by four feet, while professional tables measure nine by 4-1/2 feet, but the general rule is that pool tables are twice as long as they are wide. The room you will place the table in needs at least nine feet of clearance on each side of the table--more if you are using longer cue sticks. The playing surface that will be on top of the table, whether it is made of wood or slate, should be four inches shorter than the table's length and two inches shorter than its width. Each of the pocket holes will be 3-1/2 inches in diameter with each hole's center two inches away from the table edge. The table legs should be 30 inches high. The boards surrounding the playing surface, called the rails, should be 1-1/2 inches higher than the surface and wide enough to cover all of the table not covered by the playing surface.

Constructing the Table

Once the tabletop is cut to the correct dimensions, drill all six holes into the surface--one at each corner and one in the middle of each long side. Glue the legs in place on the underside of the table and then secure them with screws or nails; position them so the pocket holes are all outside the legs. To give the legs more strength, attach side boards in between them. Glue the wood or slate playing surface to the table and cut away the pieces of it that overlap the holes. When applying the cloth, stretch it as tightly as you can across the surface. Glue it to a slate surface; for a wood surface, staple the cloth along the table edges near the center pockets. In both cases, trim away any cloth overlapping the pockets with a razor blade. Prepare the rails by gluing strips of vulcanized rubber to their inside edges and then gluing more billiard cloth to the rubber. Screw the rails to the table by fastening the screws and/or bolts from underneath the table. To complete the pockets, attach leather or nylon netting to the holes.

Cleaning a Pool Table

Brush

Begin by brushing the dust and dirt into a pile on your pool table. Use a gentle brush made for cleaning pool tables so that you don't damage the felt. Brush in one direction only, using long strokes, starting at the edges and working toward the center. Don't forget to brush the felt on the rails and under the rails where dust and crumbs tend to gather. Leave the small pile of dust and dirt on the pool table.

Vacuum

Using a small hand-held vacuum, or the upholstery attachment on a full-size vacuum, clean the pile of dust and debris that you made after brushing. Then vacuum the entire pool table in the same way that you brushed it. Vacuum in one direction only, using long strokes and taking care not to damage the felt. Start at the outside and work inward.

Polish

Clean the wood or simulated wood surfaces of your pool table using a soft rag and cleaner. Use furniture polish, spraying it on your rag rather than directly on the wood so that you don't accidentally get it on the felt. Be careful not to spray over or near the felt as well. The fine mist can fall on the felt, leaving it oily, and larger drops can also splatter and damage the felt.

Different Pool Table Games

Pocket billiards, or just plain pool, provides a mental challenge mixed with camaraderie among players. While Eight Ball is the most played game in informal settings, several games can be played on a pool table. Different games may emphasize different aspects of pool shooting--Eight Ball puts a premium on performance under pressure while Rotation calls for a more defensive game. Try your hand at several of these; you might find a game that fits your style.

Eight Ball

With this clear shot on the eight ball, this game is almost over.

To many pool shooters, Eight Ball is the only game in town. A favorite at bars and pool halls, it is a game designed for two players or two teams. In a two-player game, one is assigned the seven low-numbered balls--dubbed "solids" for their solid colors, while the other gets the seven striped higher-numbered balls. The black eight ball is the last one to be played, after a player pockets his seven balls. In most games, all shots are to be called. Eight Ball provides almost a playoff atmosphere, as a player could pocket his seven balls quickly but lose the game by "scratching"-- pocketing the cue ball while going after the eight--or by putting the eight in the wrong pocket. If a player pickets the eight before it becomes the active ball, he automatically loses.

Championship Billiards

Championship billiards, also called straight pool, was the choice of professional pool shooters for years until the faster Eight Ball overtook it in popularity. In championship billiards, the shooter goes after the balls as he finds them, but he is required to call his shot before making it. Each ball counts as one point, and players may go until someone scores the agreed-upon number of points--often 100. A player will continue shooting until he misses or scratches. In a 100 point game, players will rack up the balls several times.

Rotation

Rotation, also called Chicago, is similar to straight pool in that the players shoot at the balls as they find them. However, the lowest-numbered ball on the table--starting with the one--must be the first ball struck by the cue ball. As with eight ball and straight pool, the shooter continues play until he misses or scratches. Balls are usually one point each, although players may agree to use the numbers on the balls for scoring. Shots may be called or not, depending on agreement between the players. Rotation is a challenging game that allows for defensive play and combination shots.

Nine Ball

Nine Ball uses only the balls marked one through nine, racked in a diamond pattern. The shooting order is the same as Rotation, where the shooter aims the cue ball at the lowest numbered ball on the table. The player who pockets the nine ball on a legal shot anytime in the game wins.

One Pocket

In One Pocket, each player has his own pocket to shoot at. Only the balls that go into the assigned pocket--usually one of the two at the foot of the table--are legal. The first player to place eight balls in his assigned pocket wins. The game allows for fancy bank shots and, as with Rotation, combination shots and defensive play.

How to Make Game Table Covers

A game table is a great piece of furniture to include in a family room or basement. To keep the table dust and dirt free, a game table cover can be fashioned from sturdy oilcloth. Oilcloth is available by the yard in a variety of patterns and colors at fabric stores. The oilcloth will not unravel, which eliminates hemming. A sewing machine's heavy duty needle will slide through the oilcloth during the game table cover seaming. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the width and length of the game table top. Add 8 inches to each measurement to determine the yardage needed.

2

Cut the oilcloth to fit the size of the top of the game table plus 2 inches widthwise and lengthwise. Cut two 6-inch-wide strips with the same width as the table and two 6-inch-wide strips that are the same length as the table.

3

Pin one 6-inch strip to one edge of the large piece of fabric, right sides together and sew a 1/2-inch straight seam. Repeat, using 6-inch-wide strips on each edge of the large piece of fabric.

4

Pin two strip edges together at one game table cover corner, right sides together, and sew a 1/2-inch seam to connect. Repeat on all corners to complete the game table cover.

DIY Granite Top Dining Table

Homeowners choose granite for household surfaces because of its natural beauty, durability and stain resistance. A granite-top dining table offers residents and guests the opportunity to sit down and enjoy a meal on a natural surface that incorporates their use into its eventual color and character as it becomes seasoned over time. Make your own granite-top table to your custom dimensions. Does this Spark an idea?

Size

One advantage to making your own dining table is that you can build it to your own desired dimensions instead of a stock size. Because a granite top for a dining table is typically one large, seamless slab, your table won't be expandable with a center leaf. For that reason, make your table as large as will comfortably fit in the room with space for as many chairs as you will need around the perimeter.

Plan on at least 30 inches space around the each side of the table. Measure the chairs and allow about 4 inches on each side of each chair at its widest part. Last, measure the room and the doorway to make sure your table's top will fit out the door for an eventual move.

Frame

After determining the size of your table, build or purchase the frame that will hold the granite top. Build a simple wood frame with four legs joined by wood bracing and stain it to the color of the chair frames. As an alternative, purchase a table frame made from metal that has been separated from its glass or tile top at a furniture store's scratch and dent area. Choose or build a table frame that can support the weight of the granite top, approximately 17 lbs. per square foot of area.

Granite Tabletop

Have your granite piece cut by the supplier to the dimensions you need. Whether your table frame allows for the granite top to lay inside the frame, surrounded by its edges, or to lay on top of the frame, determines whether you will need to finish the granite edges. The granite supplier can custom-bevel or curve the edges of your tabletop.

On a table frame with legs and a supportive frame, the distributed weight of the granite holds the top in place. On a pedestal table or a frame without full support underneath the granite, it may be necessary to secure the granite to the frame. Add a second pedestal under the table and center each on one end of the top.

After installation, use your table frequently. Dine on it uncovered and wipe it clean after each use. Frequent use helps season the granite, darkening its color. Natural granite does not need any sealing or varnish.

How to Mark Billiards Table Measurements

The markings on the billiards table are important for the different games you play. The apex marking shows where to put the ball when you shoot the first break, and the markings on either side create a line to show where to put the ball in the event of a foul.
Billiards tables come in many different shapes and sizes. Depending on the size of your billiards table, the exact measurements will be different in how you mark the table. However, the proportions and general measurements are the same for every table. To make sure that your billiards table meets regulation standards, your table should be marked in a very specific way.

Instructions

1

Know what size your billiards table is. Measure the table from end to end, not just the felt. This will help you when you calculate where the marks should be placed.

2

Run a chalk line down the direct center of the billiards table and snap it. Make sure that you've got the center of the felt. If your table is recessed, have a friend or family member hold one end of the chalk line tightly against the wall of the billiards table, while you stretch it to the other side.

3

Divide your table's length by five. Snap a line down the lower 1/5th of the billiards table.

4




Stick a spot or mark the area that the lines intersect. This is known as the apex.

5

Divide your table's width by three, and snap a chalk line at the first third and the last third of your table. Place spots on the outside lines of the center section, on either side of the apex.

Table Setting Games

Table setting games illustrate the proper methods of setting a table. These games can be useful if you are teaching children how to set a table or if you are running a catering business. Some table setting games can be done on a real table while others are played online.

Follow Me

Use two tables to play this game. Line up everybody playing around the table, one to each setting. Start by setting one place at the table, including the plate, the silverware, the glass and the napkin. Each time you place an object, the person to your left places the same object down. Everybody around the tables place the same object till it gets back to you. Continue playing until the table is fully set.

Printable Placemats

Design and print out a series of paper placemats for your children. These placemats should have placement outlines for the plate, silverware, cup and napkin. Each child places one of the placemats down at his seat at the table. They then take their setting items to the table and place them on the placemat in the right order. Give them small rewards for accuracy, such as an extra piece of dessert.

Formal Table Setting Online Game

"Formal Table Setting" is a game that teaches you the proper names and placement of items at a formal dinner. A set of formal dinnerware is displayed on the screen in the proper order. Click the start button to begin and then click on the small blue dots next to the items to open up a menu. Select the right name for the item and move to next. Name all the items properly as quickly as possible.

Thanksgiving Table Setting Online Game

"Thanksgiving Table Setting" is a game that lets you design your own table setting. Select from the room wallpaper, plate shape, plate color, silverware, centerpiece, table, chairs, napkins and more. Click on the menus on the bottom right to open up a menu for each option. Select the option to update the screen immediately.

Billiard Table Regulations

Billiards and its American cousin, pool, are popular past-times and a booming industry. According to the Billiard Congress of America (BCA), in 2005, $240 million was spent on pool and billiard table and accessories. The game table comes in a variety of sizes and heights, but competition tables must meet specific size and manufacturing requirements set by the World Pool-Billiard Association and the BCA. The three most common pool tables are bar, regulation and tournament.

Table Design

Billiard tables should range between 29 1/4 inches and 31 inches in height. The table should be rectangular and devoid of sharp edges that could injure a person or damage clothing. The table must be level and stable to support any type of billiard play such as the weight of a player leaning over or on the table. A slate table should be constructed with three equal-sized pieces of slate of at least one-inch thickness, set in a wooden frame of at least 3/4-inch thickness and attached to the table frame with countersunk bolts or screws. Tournament and regulation tables should have at least 6 feet between them and any other object, such as chairs, bars and other tables.

Bar Tables

Pool tables in bars that do not host regulation play or tournaments are generally 7-foot tables. Bar tables measure 3 1/2 feet wide and 7 feet long excluding rails, which can range from one inch to three inches in width. These tables also tend to be pay tables, with a slot to place quarters to release the balls so the table can be used and a closed pocket and rail system to collect the balls once they have been sunk. Some tables are three-piece slate tables, while others are either two-sheet or made with a thick sheet of plywood. For a novice player, a 7-foot table can assist with learning the fundamentals of setting up shots and learning angles. 7-foot tables are placed in homes as well since they do not take up as much space as a regulation or tournament-sized table.

Regulation Tables

An 8 foot table is considered a regulation table. Regulation tables measure 4 feet wide by 8 feet long with rails that add three inches to the table's total diameter.Pool halls and billiard clubs use these tables for recreational play and for local and regional competitions. Instead of the closed pocket and rail system found on bar tables, regulation tables have drop pockets, meaning the balls sit in the pockets once they are sunk. A player who has mastered a 7-foot table will graduate to an 8-foot table in preparation for tournament play.

Tournament Tables

Billiard tables that measure 4 1/2 feet wide and 9 feet long are referred to as tournament tables. These tables are used in pool tournaments around the world. Tournament tables are often the most ornate of pool tables, with carvings in the legs and on the corners. The table has drop pockets, created with either weaved leather strips or a leather pouch that is attached to the bottom of the pocket. The tables are usually three-piece slate designs with three-inch rails. A serious pool player will purchase a tournament table for his home to best emulate a tournament situation during practice; but to comfortably house a table of this size, a home should have a room that is at least 20 feet by 15 feet.

The Room Size Required for a Pool Table

The kids are gone and you finally have a chance to make your house your own, or maybe you're just getting into your first house and there are no kids yet. Either way, you want to know if you can fit a pool table into an unused room. Here's how to determine the answer.

Regulation Size

You may not be aware of it, but there are several different sizes of pool table. The website Dimensions Guide indicates that the regulation size for a pool table is 9 feet by 4 1/2 feet and that the World Pool-Billiard Association also recognizes the 8-foot by 4-foot table.

Other Sizes

However, recreation tables are very common in homes and bars. The website Easy Pool Tutor lists seven different table sizes ranging from 6 feet by 3 feet all the way through 12 feet by 6 feet.

Measurements

Pool table measurements, Easy Pool Tutor says, are typically taken from the inside edge of the cushion to the opposite inside edge of the cushion, thus indicating the playing field.

Other Considerations

In addition to the table, the game is played with cue sticks that must be able to move freely within the given space. Standard cue stick lengths are 48 inches, 52 inches, 57 inches and 60 inches. According to Connelly Billiards, standard cue length is 57 inches.

Room Size

Given all these factors, Easy Pool Tutor suggests adding the length of the cue plus 6 inches for movement to each side of the pool table to determine appropriate room size. Thus, for a 9-foot by 4 1/2-foot table using 57-inch cues, you would need a room at least 18 feet 10 inches by 14 feet 8 inches.

How to Cover Pool Tables

Covering pool tables is somewhat like putting a fitted sheet on a bed. All sides are tight, and they can slip off. You may wish to have someone with you to hold down two sides, while you put on the other two. Your cover will fit as long as you have a cover that's standard for the size of your table.

Instructions

1

Buy a pool table cover that fits the size of your pool table. If you know the dimensions of your pool table, find a cover that's compatible. If not, measure the pool table and take the measurements to a pool table specialty store or a sporting goods store.

2

Clear everything from the pool table, including balls, sticks, chalk and the breaking triangle.

3

Unscrew any plastic or wooden protective covers that hold the pool table cover in place. Put these to the side.

4

Wipe down the sides of the table with a wood polish. Make sure the insides of the six holes are clean. Wipe off any excess chalk, dirt or fuzz that might have gotten on the pool table. If you need to, take a light vacuum to the felt of the pool table.

5

Cover the pool table with your cover. Do this before securing down the sides. Pull one side of the cover down over one edge of the pool table. If you have someone with you, have them hold the cover in place. If not, take something heavy such as a book or a brick to hold down the side.

6

Pull each edge of the pull table cover tight and around each edge. It should fit securely. Pool table covers are elastic-like and are designed with edges that are meant to easily slide over the pool table and into place. Be sure that the sides aren't going to slip off before you remove the object or have the person let go of the cover. Make sure the top lies smooth and that all edges are evenly placed.

7

Screw the plastic or wooden protective covers back onto your pool table.

How to Start a Pool Hall

Perhaps one day while shooting pool you thought you could do a better job of running a pool hall than most other people. Now that you have decided you want to open a pool hall, you still may have no idea where it's going to be located or what you're going to do with it. Not a problem. The following steps will put you well on your way to getting your own pool hall up and running.

Instructions

1

Find a good location. Like with any type of real estate property, the first thing you need to look for is the right place. If the city you live in already has four or five pool halls, you might want to consider a less saturated market or try purchasing an existing hall. If you decide to do the latter, don't forget--it's your hall now. Refer to your business plan and ask yourself: What is your clientele? Are you catering to college students, families, devout billiard experts?

2

Decide on table size. If opening a new hall, one thing you have to consider is how big your tables are going to be. Pool tables come in a variety of sizes: Most are 6 to 9 feet long and half that distance wide; standard pool tables typically are 8 feet in length. Many, however, are 7-foot "bar tables" that are often coin-operated. Most people prefer the challenge of an 8-foot table, whereas 9-foot tables can be used in tournaments.

3

Purchase the right cue sticks for your tables. A pool cue must be at least 40 inches long and weigh no more than 25 ounces; also the tip must be between 9 and 14mm wide. But cues come in a variety of sizes--48, 52, 57 or even 60 inches long. A 57-inch cue is considered the standard. Smaller cue sticks are good for smaller players or for making trickier shots, while larger cues are often used for breaks or by larger people. Determine the right array of cues for your hall.

4

Calculate the space needed. It would be ideal to allow enough space for the larger 57-inch sticks where people using them won't bump into the next table. It's O.K. to have the tables about 5 feet (60 inches) apart--a player will wait for another to make a shot as is typical courtesy.

Also, you will want a cue-stick-length space between tables and walls so that customers don't bump into walls or windows when taking shots. Remember, though, that the size of the tables is slightly misleading: The size of the playable field is slightly smaller than the size of the table suggests; for example a 4' x 8' table actually has a playable area of 44" by 88". Therefore, the absolute minimum space you would need would be the size of the playable field, plus the length of the cue stick on each side. For example, a 4' by 8' table is actually 44 inches (table) + 57 inches (cue), or 101 inches for each table. Be sure to add another 57 inches for the last table in a row to allow players to take a shot near the wall. Do the same for the length of the tables; 57 inches + 88 inches = 145 inches, plus another 57 inches for the opposite end.

Here are some handy required room-calculation formulas:

For 7-foot tables:
Length: 135 (78 + 57) in. for each table + 57 in. between the last table and the wall
Width: 96 (39 + 57) in. for each table + 57 in. between the last table and the wall

For 8 1/2-foot tables:
Length: 149 (92 + 57) in. for each table + 57 in. between the last table and the wall
Width: 103 (46 + 57) in. for each table + 57 in. between the last table and the wall

For 9-foot tables:
Length: 157 (100 + 57) in. for each table + 57 in. between the last table and the wall
Width: 107 (50 + 57) in. for each table + 57 in. between the last table and the wall

5

Purchase the additional accessories. It's not a pool hall without the right equipment. You need balls, racks, and knowledge of different types of billiard games. For example, some people prefer the structured challenge of a game of nine-ball, and having a diamond-shaped rack would be much appreciated.

Make sure you have enough balls and racks on hand to accommodate all of your tables being used at once. American Recreation is one company that sells complete kits--two-piece cues, balls and racks--for one low price.

How Big Should a Room Be for a Pool Table?

Playing billiards on a home pool table is a popular form of recreation. Before purchasing a pool table, you must ensure the room is large enough to accommodate it. Aside from the size of the table itself, other things must be considered such as other furnishings in the room, the anticipated number of guests and the length of cue sticks. Trying to play pool in a room that is too small can be uncomfortable and make some shots difficult.

Pool Table Sizes

Fortunately, pool tables come in different sizes to best accommodate the available space. Regulation tables are twice as long as they are wide. The smallest tables are 6 feet by 3 feet, and the largest are 12 feet by 6 feet. The preferred size for most home billiard tables is 9 feet long.

Considerations

Besides the number of square feet a pool table will need, other factors must be included in the room-size calculation. Enough space needs to be available to effectively use cue sticks for shots. Take the length of the longest cue stick that will be used and add around 8 inches to allow for strokes. Also, add about 3 inches to the playing area to allow for the rails on the table.

Consider how the table will be used. Is it primarily for family use, or will it be used for large gatherings and parties? A pool table will take up a lot of available space for walking and mingling.

Also, think about other furnishings that may be taking up space in the room. How much seating is needed? Instead of table or floor lamps, an overhead light directly over the pool table may be better. Are there any breakable items nearby such as glass tables or television screens? Remember that a hard shot may send a pool ball flying off the table with unfortunate consequences. It may be wise to move breakable objects to a different room.

Room Size Calculations

If using a 57-inch cue stick and a 9-foot table, Billiards Forum recommends a room size of at least 18-feet-2-inches by 14-feet-4-inches. Many table manufacturers offer room size guides and calculators. Some retailers may underestimate the best room size for tables in an effort to sell larger tables. When in doubt, going with a slightly smaller table may be more comfortable and add to the home billiards experience.

How to Extend a Pedestal Table

Pedestal construction offers an undeniable sturdiness and stability to table design. Whether the pedestal itself is simple or ornate, it lends a sense of weight and permanence to the space. These tables may have one or two pedestal supports. Expandable pedestal tables that come with extender leaves may be designed so that you can extend only the table top. In rarer cases, both the top and base of the table expand. If your pedestal table does not have an extender leaf, you can extend it in a makeshift manner. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Extendable Table

1

Coax one end of the table top away from the other until you have enough room between the two to insert a leaf. If you want to move both ends at once, you might need someone else to help.

2

Slide the leaf into the interval you have created.

3

Merge the table ends with the leaf by pushing in at either table end.

Non-Extendable Table

4

Measure your pedestal table for height and width.

5

Seek a table of of identical, or nearly identical, height and width. You may have such a table in your basement or attic, for example. Otherwise, you can look for one online or in furniture, department or big-box retail establishments. This second table does not need to be made of the same material as your pedestal table.

6

Find a tablecloth that is large enough to cover the two tables, once they are placed end-to-end.

7

Place the found table so that it abuts your pedestal table and lay the tablecloth across both tables.

8

Warn table users about the makeshift extension, letting them know the location of the gap between the two tables. Be sure to tell family, guests and serving help, if any, not to place any weight across the gap, as spills or injury may result.

Swimming Pool Shapes & Sizes

If you've always dreamed of having a nice swimming pool in the backyard, the choices have never been more diverse. Above-ground and in-ground swimming pools come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Three common shapes for in-ground pools are figure-8, rectangular and kidney, of varying depths, but concrete in-ground pools can be custom-made in most any shape. Above-ground pools come in oval, round or rectangular shapes, with depths up to 52 inches. Does this Spark an idea?

In-ground Pools

In-ground swimming pools come in standard and custom sizes and shapes, depending on the pool material. For example, rectangular in-ground swimming pools typically run from 15 by 30 feet all the way up to 20 by 40 feet. With kidney-shaped swimming pools, a size of 16 by 32 feet with an 8-foot depth is typical. Figure-8 swimming pools are also available in a wide variety of sizes, with 17 by 32 feet being a commonly selected size.

Above-ground Pools

Above-ground pools commonly come in oval and round shapes, though rectangular shapes work well with larger models. For example, one manufacturer offers a 16-by-32-foot metal-frame swimming pool 52 inches deep. Round above-ground swimming pools are the easiest to install, and diameters range from 15 to 30 feet. Many above-ground pools feature 48- to 52-inch depths, though variable-depth pools featuring a deeper middle can be purchased.

Concrete Pools

Wet concrete or gunite (also called "shotcrete") is malleable, so a concrete in-ground swimming pool can be made into any size or shape you'd like. A concrete in-ground swimming pool, however, also takes the longest to install. Custom swimming pools made of concrete can cost a lot, too. If you'd like a concrete pool but have cost concerns, go with a concrete pool package setup in a standard shape and depth.

Considerations

Fiberglass in-ground swimming pools are generally limited to no more than 8 feet in depth. Also, because of over-the-road shipping restrictions, fiberglass in-ground pool liners are limited to 16-foot widths. For vinyl-liner in-ground swimming pools, however, a custom liner can be made in any shape, width or depth. Vinyl-liner in-ground swimming pools are also less expensive than fiberglass and concrete pools. Keep in mind, though, that the initial price of any pool will increase if options and upgrades are added.

How to Buy and Install a Patio Umbrella

You'll spend more time outdoors in the cool shadows cast by a spiffy patio umbrella. Get familiar with styles, sizes, poles and bases to make a smart buy. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Take your choice - patio umbrellas can stand alone or top a table built for their pole to slide through. Table umbrellas set a shady table, but freestanding styles can go anywhere.

2

Find the perfect place for your umbrella. A flat spot that needs shade to be comfortable works for both kinds, but put table models between the kitchen door and the outdoor cooking area for convenience.

3

Measure your available space to decide what size and height umbrella suits you. Check that there's room for the table and chairs and that the open canopy clears nearby trees and structures.

4

Balance the size of the umbrella and its base, especially if you purchase them separately. Don't put a 4-foot umbrella over a table 6 feet in diameter if you want to dine in the shade (besides, it looks funny).

5

Be aware that single canopy umbrellas in solid sheet vinyl can topple in a stiff breeze and trap heat, too. Check out double canopy designs made from porous weaves.

6

Choose a pole made in one piece if you can, but in any case be sure the pole can support your umbrella, opens and closes easily and fits your table. Go for a taller pole, if space permits, to cast a bigger shadow.

7

Pick a heavy-duty base weighted with sand or water to make installing your patio umbrella a breeze - just put it in place and fill. If you choose a flatiron base, be sure its fittings fit your pole.

8

Look for canopy fabrics that resist mildew and rot. Fringes can be especially difficult to keep clean.

9

Think cool colors that reflect heat - avoid navy, black and deep purple for the canopy.

10

Get a friend to help you put the umbrella up - the contraption can be heavy and unwieldy. Put the filled base in place, connect the closed umbrella to its pole, insert securely into its base, open the umbrella and thank your friend.

How to Build Your Own Wooden Dinette Table

Dinette tables are something we use every day whether it be for eating dinner, doing homework, or reading the newspaper over a cup of coffee, and having a well built one can ensure quality use for many years. While most people have purchased their dining tables, it is possible to build a quality piece on your own easily and quickly. Purchasing kits will also speed the process up.

Instructions

1

Decide on the shape of your table. A rectangular shape is easy to cut, but a round shape saves more space. Draw up your plans with these decisions in mind and account for place setting needs. For a round table you want about a 30 inch diameter; for a rectangular table you want between 36 and 40 inches across the width.

2

Choose a base kit based on the kind of table you have decided you want. A base kit comes with four legs and the apron boards that will be used to attach the legs to the table top. They may also come with corner braces made of either wood or metal and the necessary bolts and screws. This option may be cheaper than buying the pieces individually or making the legs yourself and it will save you some time.

3

Choose a wood to make the table top that matches the color of the base kit you have. Follow the instructions enclosed with the kit and make sure you keep the weight of the table top in mind. You don't want to go heavier than your kit pieces can handle. Use a table saw to cut out the shape of your table, following the guidelines for your base kit. Sand the edges to create a smooth finish.

4

Assemble the table pieces upside down for easy access to the legs and apron boards as well as for increased flexibility. If you purchased a kit, the legs and apron boards should be ready to go. If you made them yourself, you will have to mortise and tenon them to create stability. This means you will have to bore a hole into the legs that correspond with an insert part of the apron board so that they fit together like puzzle pieces without any screws or bolts.

5

Use an industrial strength wood glue to attach the table top to the apron boards and legs and let them dry before installing the supports. Make sure to measure your diameters and consult your plans and kit instruction to ensure a properly centered table. Using screws to attach the table top will also help ensure stability and this is an easier option if you ever plan on having to take the table apart.

6

Attach the corner braces to each leg and the corresponding sections of the table by drilling holes into the table top and legs that correspond to the brace holes. Bolt them together with screws. Make sure your screws are of the correct length for your table top so as to avoid drilling through it.

7

Bolt the braces in place by drilling an appropriately sized hole into the leg connecting the apron boards. Use the brace as your guide. Secure the brace with a long bolt and tighten down to firmly attach the pieces together. Do this for all four legs.

8

Paint and finish your table making sure to use a food safe sealant to ensure maximum protection for you and your family.

How to Build Garden Patio Furniture

A basic garden bench works well in the garden and on the patio. It can provide seating while working in the garden. It can create additional patio seating or even serve as an end table. Materials can be as laid-back or as formal as desired. Hardwood is good for a traditional-looking bench, and pressure-treated wood contributes to more of a homemade look. Remember -- when building wooden furniture that will be used outdoors, always apply some type of finish to protect the surface from the elements. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure and mark two 2-inch-by-6-inch-by-8-foot boards into three pieces each 45 inches long. Measure and mark a 2-inch-by-4-inch-by-10-foot board into four 15-inch pieces (legs) and four pieces at 12 inches (leg braces).

2

Put goggles on. Set up a circular saw. Cut along the marked areas on the wood.

3

Take one of the 45-inch boards and draw a freehand arch that is 3 inches high at the center. Set up a jigsaw and cut along the arch.

4

Sand all cut surfaces of the wood with 80-grit sandpaper.

5

Stack two leg braces on top of one leg and line up edges. Drill through all pieces of wood with a 3/8-inch drill bit. Repeat the process with the other three legs. Place one of the leg braces on a flat surface and run a carriage bolt up through the hole. Add to this one of the legs and top with another leg brace. Repeat with the other three legs, and don't tighten the bolts until both legs have been attached to a set of braces.

6

Stand up leg frames 36 inches apart with the threaded end of the bolts facing inward. Place the arched piece of wood on top of the leg frames, lined up with the back edge of the top. Secure with 3-inch-long deck screws by going through the top and into the leg frames. Repeat with the remaining top pieces.

7

Sand the whole project with 240-grit sandpaper. Apply finish if desired.

How Much Room to Set Up Pool Table?

Pool tables are popular for family game rooms, though they can require a large amount of space. Space needed is dependent primarily upon the size of the pool table, which may be from 7 to 10 feet long and up to 4 feet wide. The most common table length is 8 feet. The length of pool cues must also be taken into account, as they too, come in multiple sizes. As a general rule, allow at least 4 feet on all sides of the table -- more if the players are using the longest cue size. Does this Spark an idea?

42-Inch Cue

For a 42-inch cue, the smallest size pool cue, the pool table would require a minimum of 11 feet by nearly 15 feet to allow the players ample room to move around and use their cues comfortably.

48-Inch Cue

As expected, the longer pool cue requires more room. For an 8-foot pool table with players using a 48-inch cue, the room should be at least 12 by nearly 16 feet in size.

52-Inch Cue

More space is important as the cue gets longer, as this prevents the player from knocking the back of his cue onto the wall. Players using 52-inch cues require approximately 12 1/2 by nearly 18 feet for proper playing space.

58-Inch Cue

The longest size cue, at 58 inches, requires a minimum space the size of 13 1/2 by approximately 17 feet.

Table-Based Designs Vs. CSS Designs

The first Web pages on the Internet contained little more than text and hyperlinks. As the Internet's popularity grew, however, Web design outgrew the current HTML standards and the capabilities of available browsers. Designers needed a way to create complicated Web designs that Internet Explorer and Netscape browsers would display the same way. Out of this need came table-based design, in which designers used HTML table tags -- meant for displaying tabular data -- to create the structure for a site's design. Since around 2002, however, Web professionals began considering table-based layouts as a poor coding technique.

Background

Early in 2001, the influential online publication A List Apart published an article titled "From Table Hacks to CSS Layout," which sparked a heated debate among Web designers. Many designers and programmers were reluctant to stop using tried-and-true table-based designs. In 2001, browser support for CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) was limited. Internet Explorer 6 was released the same year and had the best CSS support for its time, but that support included many bugs. The most infamous IE6 bugs -- the "box model bug" and "double margin bug" -- wreaked havoc on otherwise well-coded CSS-based layouts. For these reasons, it took a few years for designers to drop table-based coding for CSS-based coding.

How Table Layouts Work

Table layouts use HTML table tags to create a structure for the site's graphics and contents. The classic example is of a three-column layout with a heading and footer. In a table-based layout, designers use HTML tags to create a table with a two-column-wide cell on the top and bottom rows. The table's middle row contains three cells, and each cell is a column for the site. Attributes that are no longer used in HTML 4 and up allowed programmers to control spacing, padding, width and height of table cells.

How CSS Layouts Work

Layouts controlled by CSS properly separate content from presentation. This means that the HTML file contains the content -- text, images, etc. -- while the CSS defines where that content appears on the page. Designers can link one CSS file to every page in the site and, as a result, be able to change the whole site's design by changing that one CSS file. The standard CSS replacement for table tags in HTML 4 and XHTML is the

tag, although HTML 5 introduces new

and

tags that carry more meaning in their names than

. The CSS file uses the class or ID attribute to target specific

tags.

Why Table Layouts Are Bad

Table-based layouts require changes to every page in the site whenever the design is changed. Even if a table-based layout uses some CSS for style, to change the layout structure, changes to every page are required. When updating a table-based layout, finding the content to edit is more difficult in the maze-like code of tables nested inside tables. Web designers might charge extra for the time it takes to edit table-based layouts, or they will suggest scrapping the current site altogether. Another result of table-based layouts is bloated code. Large websites with heavy traffic cannot afford bloated code because of bandwidth costs.

Ideas to Fix a Patio Table With Broken Glass & Tile

A broken patio table is a pain to fix, especially if the table top breaks. Buying a new piece of glass is expensive because you need a piece large enough to fill out the table. Plexiglas is cheaper but gets scratched and dusty in the outdoors. Fixing a table with broken glass and tile is a cheap alternative that gives your entire patio set a fresh new look. Does this Spark an idea?

Crazy Mosaic

For a crazy mosaic, you need tiles of different colors and broken glass. Wear protective gear because the edges of the glass and ceramic are quite sharp. This idea is an ideal way to get rid of old tile you have around your house, like leftovers from a remodeling job. The broken glass can come from old bottles or even old dishes and cups from your kitchen. If the pieces are still intact, place them in a large bag, and crush them with a hammer or heavy rock. You also need a large piece of wood cut to the same dimensions as your table top or a piece of Plexiglas. Apply grout or adhesive to your new table top, and apply the broken glass and tiles. Apply a layer of grout on top of the tiles to protect the pieces and ensure each piece stays in place. Once you wipe off the old grout and let it dry, your table is ready for use. Consider adding a clear sealant on top to protect the tile and glass from the elements.

Artfully Designed Table

Use the old broken glass and tile to create a design or picture on your table. Unlike the mosaic, where you apply tiles in any pattern, here you have a set design. Sketch the design directly on your wood or Plexiglas table top, and coat with tile glue or glue designed for working with glass. Press each one of your glass or tile pieces firmly onto the glue. Add a border of plain white or neutral colored tiles around your central design. As with the mosaic design, add a clear coat of sealant to the tiles once finished.

Repurposed Table

If you have an older table, consider repurposing the piece into a garden bench. Cover the table with a new top, and decorate as you like with the broken glass and tile. Turn the table over, and reduce the size of the legs. Measure the height you want, and mark this height on each leg before cutting. Place the table in your garden as a new piece of furniture for guests to set beverages on.

Snooker Table Vs. Pool Table

Snooker and pool are similar games. The basic concept behind each game is that a number of balls must be knocked into one of six holes on a table by the player. While the tables used for playing both games are similar, there are a number of slight difference between the two table types.

Size

Pool tables are generally eight feet long, while tournament tables are nine feet long. Snooker tables are longer than this, with American snooker tables having a length of 10 feet and British tables having a length of 12 feet.

Pockets

The pockets on a snooker table are all the same size, and are all smaller than pool pockets. The corner pockets on a pool table are actually smaller then the table's side pockets. Additionally, the sides of a snooker table pocket create a "curved gateway" which leads into the pocket. The pockets of a pool table do not have this shape.

Cushions

Pool tables have different cushions than snooker tables. Most pool tables use a "V-shaped" cushion while classic Snooker tables use a "L-shaped" cushion. These cushions are located on the side of the pool table, between the pockets.

Height

Classic snooker tables are generally two inches higher than both American snooker tables or any pool tables.

Cloth

The cloth on pool and snooker tables is different as well. Snooker table cloth is generally fuzzier than pool table cloth, which makes for much more forceful shots in a snooker game.

How to Make a Glass Table

Making your own glass table is a worthwhile project that can be done by using readily available materials. You can finish this project in one weekend. There are inexpensive materials you can use in order to assemble a beautiful piece of furniture such as a glass table. By creating your own glass table using a planter or pot as a base, you'll end up with a piece that is both practical and beautiful. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Think of what type of table you want to build. It can be a dining table, a sofa table, side table or a coffee table. For this project we shall make a coffee table for a living room.

2




Go to a nursery or garden center near you. Look for a pot that is about 15 to 18 inches high and around 30 to 35 inches wide. There are a lot of choices to choose, but pick the one that has a wide body and wide opening. It can be made of clay, stone, ceramics, concrete or resin. If you choose a pot made of resin, you can add river rocks or gravel inside to keep it heavy so the finished table would not wobble. It can give a sort of Zen-like look when people see through the glass top.

3

Buy a round beveled tempered glass approximately 12 mm thick and around 48 to 40 inches in diameter. You can buy your glass from a glass company or you can go to salvage yards to look for old glass tops you can reuse. If you can also go to the glass cutters and then give them your specifications, they can cut the glass for you. You can choose a clear or smoked glass, or a tinted glass in any tint color of your choice. Then choose either a single-beveled or double-beveled glass for your glass top.

4

Practice safety when handling glass to avoid breakage and injury. Wear work gloves and safety goggles if you will attempt to cut the glass yourself using a glass cutter. Wrap the glass with pads and styrofoam for protection and secure it so it doesn't fall and break when transporting from the shop to your home.

5

Place the pot of your choice at the center of your living room sitting area. You may want to place it close to your sofa table, chairs and love seat groupings.

6

Put the round beveled tempered glass on top and adjust the positioning. To prevent from toppling, put silicone clear adhesive. By adding at least four or six round beads of silicone clear adhesive spread evenly around the top rim of the pot's mouth, then placing the glass on top carefully at the center you will be able to secure it in place. Let the silicone set before attempting to use the coffee table. Place a heavy item on top of the glass to help set the adhesive quicker

How to Make a Kitchen Cabinet Island With a Table Top

Building your own kitchen cabinet island does not necessarily require the skills of a master carpenter. You can build an island by re-purposing a few old cabinets and then customize the island to suit your needs. Many homeowners choose to design their custom islands with a table top that can be used as extra work space. Adding this feature to your kitchen island is not difficult, and it can greatly add to the functionality of the finished product. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Select two or more identical wooden cabinets to use as the base for your kitchen cabinet island. These cabinets should be about as tall as the desired height for your island. The length of your island will depend on the length of your cabinets -- for a longer island, use three cabinets rather than two.

2

Check the cabinets to be sure they are sturdy and tighten any loose screws by hand with a screwdriver. When finished, slide the cabinets up against each other so they are side by side, all facing the same direction.

3

Attach the cabinets to each other by driving 2-inch wood screws through the side panels of each pair of adjacent cabinets from the inside. If your cabinets have doors, you can simply open the doors to access the inside. For cabinets with drawers, you may need to remove the drawers.

4

Measure the length and depth of your kitchen cabinet island base with a measuring tape. The space on top of the cabinets will become the main workspace of your island and the table top will extend from the back of the cabinets.

5

Draw the measuring tape outward from the back of the cabinets to determine how deep you want the table top to be. Add this measurement to the depth of your cabinet base to find the total depth of your island top. You may choose whether to cut the island top to the exact length of the cabinets or to add a few inches to create an overhang.

6

Have the professionals at your local home improvement store cut your table top to the dimensions you just determined or cut the table top yourself. Choose whatever material you prefer for your table top. Good options for table tops include butcher block, hardwood, medium density fiberboard and plywood.

7

Paint or stain your table top if you are not satisfied with its natural appearance. Once the paint or stain has dried, apply two or three coats of clear varnish or polyurethane to protect the surface from minor damages and water stains.

8

Lay the table top flat on top of the cabinet base. Adjust the table top to achieve the desired overhang at the front, back and sides of the cabinet base.

9

Measure the thickness of your table top and add 1 inch to the measurement to determine the proper length wood of screws to use in securing it. Drive these wood screws through the table top into the cabinet base every 6 inches to attach it.

How to Build a Large Outdoor Table

Outdoor tables can be used for dining, entertaining and other activities. Purchasing a large table can be expensive and you may not be able to find the exact size desired. It may be wise to build one yourself instead of buying the table. This gives you the opportunity to design your own, allowing you to customize the size and appearance according to your taste. Building an outdoor table will take some work but it may be more cost-effective than buying one. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Design a layout and make a blueprint that includes the measurements for the desired length and width of the table. The tabletop boards will run the entire length of the table. The apron boards will create a square that the tabletop boards will rest on. The support boards will lay in the middle of the square created by the apron boards to support the tabletop boards.

2

Cut the boards according to your desired dimensions. The side apron boards and support boards will measure the same length. Measure the tabletop boards to be slightly longer, allowing a small hanging lip, if desired. The side apron boards should measure the desired width of the table. Measure the legs to the desired height of the table.

3

Line up the side apron boards and the support boards with equal width between them; this will equal the desired width of the table. Use wood screws and a drill to attach the end apron boards to the ends of the side apron boards and the support boards, creating a square support system for the tabletop boards.

4

Attach the tabletop boards on top of the square support using wood screws and a drill. Leave a 1/2-inch gap in between each board.

5

Center the leg boards with one on each corner. Use wood screws and the drill to attach the legs firmly in place. Screw the legs on each corner.

6

Fill any screw holes with wood glue. Allow the glue to thoroughly dry.

7

Use the electric sander and sandpaper to sand down any rough spots on your table. The sander will also provide a smooth finish.

8

Paint the table, if desired.

How to Build Your Own Pool Table

Purchasing a pool table for your home can cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000 or more. Fortunately, with time, patience and a few tools, you can build your own pool table for a fraction of the price. By measuring the room you'll be putting the pool table in, you'll be able to build the table to your own specifications. You'll also be able to build the pool table to a height that is comfortable for you.

Instructions

1

Measure the room you want to house your pool table. Make sure there is enough space to accommodate the pool table with four feet extra on each side. Determine the size you would like to build. Standard pool tables come in three sizes: seven, eight, and nine feet. A seven-foot table is 78 inches by 39 inches. An eight-foot table is 88 inches by 44 inches. A nine-foot table is 100 inches by 50 inches. Standard pool tables are roughly three feet tall.

2

Cut the flat wood into the size you would like for your pool table. Measure and mark the length and width of the intended table dimensions. Use a table saw. Ensure that the wood is perfectly flat. Sand the edges.

3

Cut the pockets out of the flat wood with a scroll saw. Make the pockets circles with a diameter between 4 inches and 5 inches. Cut four corner pockets. Measure and cut two pockets in the center of each long side. Sand the edges.

4

Cut the legs for the pool table out of the wooden beams. Make them all exactly the same length.

5

Place the legs upright on the floor where the four corners of the pool table will be. Move each leg six inches toward the center to avoid interference with the corner pockets. Attach the table top to the legs with three screws per leg. Add L-brackets to the underside to increase stability.

6

Cut six pieces of 50-inch wood strips for the ledges of the pool table. Cut spaces in the strips for the pockets. Secure the strips to the edges of the table with a screw every 12 inches.

7

Spray the surface of the pool table and the inside edge of the ledges with pool table adhesive. Lay the felt over the table without letting the felt fold or kink. Remove any air bubbles with a rolling pin. Make sure the felt is applied to the inside edge of the ledges. Cut excess felt off with sharp scissors. Secure the outside edge of felt with staples for extra security.

8

Use a staple gun or screws to secure the nets to the pockets. Make sure each net can hold at least four billiard balls.

9

Use a level every few inches down the entire length of the table. Make sure the table is completely level. If the height of a side needs to be adjusted, place wedges under the legs as necessary.

How to Turn a Pool Table Into a Dining Table

Pool tables and traditional tables both take up a significant amount of space in the home. Many rooms are simply not large enough to hold both items and still have any room for walking. A creative way to account for this is to quickly convert your pool table into a dining room table when the situation calls for it. If you do this, you'll get twice the usage out of a pool table and save on space. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure your pool table with a tape measure. Standard pool tables are 8 feet long and 4 feet wide, but you need to know the exact size. Find out the length and width of the whole tabletop, not simply the area of the felt. your cover will go over the entire top.

2

Go to a billiards store and explain that you need a pool table cover and give them the dimensions. There are several options at a billiards store, such as heavy-duty, multifold vinyl covers, covers made of leather or those made of hard plastic. Remember, you will need to store the cover somewhere when not in use, so a cover that folds up can be very beneficial. In addition, you can search online for a cover if you know your dimensions. Go to a hardware store as well if you need more ideas. Employees can offer you creative solutions using a wood cover.

3

Place the cover on the pool table and make sure it fits. Put a tablecloth over the cover and your table will barely be recognizable as a gaming table anymore.

4

Fit your table with chairs, settings and food to complete the conversion.

8Ft Vs. 9Ft Pool Table

Pool tables are used to play cue sports, such as billiards, eight ball and straight pool. The game of pool has been considered a common tavern sport since the 1500s. The last major improvement upon the pool table was in 1845, when John Thurston was granted a patent for billiard cushioning made out of rubber, cork and leather.

History

Pool was originally played outside on a lawn. The object of the game was to shoot balls through a course of hoops and knock over a cone-shaped object. The game was eventually played on tabletops because it was more comfortable for the players. The first recorded pool table belonged to King Louis XI of France in 1470.

Identification

Eight-foot pool tables come in two sizes: 4 feet by 8 feet and 4.25 feet by 8.5 feet. The dimensions of the playing surface of a 4 feet by 8 feet table are 44 inches by 88 inches, and 46 inches by 92 inches for a table that's 4.25 feet by 8.5 feet. Of these two tables, only the table that's 4.25 feet by 8.5 feet is recognized by the World Pool-Billiard Association.

Expert Insight

A 9-foot pool table, which is 4.5 feet by 9 feet, is considered the standard professional or regulation-size table and is also recognized by the World Pool-Billiard Association. The playing surface dimensions of a regulation-size pool table are 50 inches by 100 inches.

Considerations

The necessary room dimensions for pool tables depend on the size of the table. For example, the minimum room dimensions for a table that's 4 feet by 8 feet are 17 feet, 4 inches by 13 feet, 11 inches.

Fun Fact

The felt covering on pool tables is green to represent the green lawn where the game was originally played.

Pool Table Games

Impress your friends with your pool prowess by learning and practicing a variety of pool table games. Pool tables find homes in bars, houses and pool halls worldwide. Most bars generally charge about a dollar in quarters per game, while pool halls offer an hourly rate. Familiarize yourself with house rules (minor tweaks in a game's rules) whenever you play with a new group for the first time to avoid needless arguments later on.

Eight Ball

You may know eight ball as the classic "stripes versus solids" game. To set up, rack all 15 balls with the eight ball in the center spot. Generally one player will rack and the other will break, switching off with each game. One player aims to sink balls one through seven (solids) while the other goes after nine through 15 (stripes). Once you've made all the balls in your set, you go for the eight ball to finish the game.

Whether you're solids or stripes is determined by which ball you (or your opponent) sink first. As a general rule, you should call all of your shots except those that are obvious. If you make a shot without calling it or hit your opponent's ball first, the shot counts but you don't get to take a second shot. The game ends when one player sinks the eight ball. Note that the following conditions result in an automatic loss: sinking the eight ball prematurely, scratching on your eight ball shot, hitting your opponent's ball first on an eight ball shot or shooting the eight ball into a pocket other than the one you called.

Nine Ball

Nine ball is played using only balls one through nine. Rack the balls in a diamond shape with nine in the center and one in the front. You can sink the balls in any order, but you must hit the lowest-numbered ball on the table first during your shot. For instance, you could sink the two ball on your first turn so long as you hit the cue ball into the one ball and then into the two ball to the pocket. You win the game by sinking the nine ball. You don't have to call your shots, and when your opponent scratches you're free to place the cue ball anywhere on the table.

Cutthroat

If you've got three players, cutthroat is the ideal pool table game for you. You rack using all 15 balls and each player is assigned five balls: one through five, six through 10 or 11 through 15. Cutthroat basically plays out as a "last man standing" kind of game, as the first player to sink both of his opponents' balls wins.

If you're playing in a pool hall, at home or another venue with non-coin-operated tables, add this rule to the game: Whenever a player scratches, each of his opponents has a ball returned to the table.

Specifications for Pool Table Lights

The World Pool-Billiard Association maintains specifications for lighting used above tables in sanctioned competitions. Although there are no rules requiring such lighting standards on home or commercial tables, many players want to practice in conditions as similar to tournaments as possible. The specifications set forth the amount and distribution of the light on the pool table, but not the type of lights or the materials used in the light housing. Does this Spark an idea?

Light Intensity

All parts of the table should be illuminated to at least 48 foot candles. This includes the railing, corners and the center of the table. While it takes a light meter to accurately measure exact light intensity, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration says four 40 watt fluorescent lights mounted in a 9-foot ceiling generate 50 foot candles at table or desk level. The lights themselves should not be brighter than 485 foot candles when viewed directly as this causes temporary blind spots. The area around the pool table, including spectator seating, should be lit to a level of 5 foot candles.

Light Placement

Lights over pool tables should be no lower than 40 inches above the playing surface if the light fixture is movable and 65 inches above the table if the fixture is fixed. The referee is the only person allowed to move the light during a competition.

Reflectors

The World Pool-Billiard Association recommends using screens or diffusers below the lights along with a reflector above the lights. These devices diffuse the light creating even illumination across the entire playing surface. Regulations prohibit any bright spots on the playing surface.