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What Is the Best Billiard Table for Home Use? Read Our Pool Table Reviews.
Choose a pool table of the right size, type, design or style, color finish, and material, and carefully consider any other features it may offer. Also consider product warranty and the amount of space you have available. Find out if one of our recommended pool tables is what you’re looking for.
Related: 4 Steps to an Awesome Game Day Party
Our Top Choice
The MD Sports Arcade Billiard Table is designed for quality tournament-style performance in your family game room. Designed with sturdy legs and given MDF wood construction, this pool table is strong and durable with PVC laminate and tricot polyester for smooth ball rolling. Want to play more than pool? The
MD Sports Multi Game Combination Table Set makes it possible to play Table Tennis, Slide Hockey, Pool, and Foosball in the same space with interchangeable tops.
MD Sports 7' Arcade Billiard Table Set with Internal Ball Drop Pockets - Other Styles and Sizes Available
Features
MD Sports is a brand with a focus on manufacturing sports equipment for outdoor and indoor recreational use by your family. The company designs and manufactures products of high quality and the best value in the market. It takes pride in its innovative products in fun designs for all-family use. The brand attributes its success to integrity and quality.
The MD Sports Arcade Billiard Table is built with MDF wood and PVC laminate on the body and rails for scratch resistance, durability, and an attractive look. The deck is made of 18mm-thick particle board for support, strength, durability, and smooth rolling of balls. It also features a sturdy leg design with tailor-made leg levelers and internal drop pockets for the balls.
This pool table also comes with various accessories such as two chalks and brush, two cue sticks, a billiard ball set, and a triangle rack. It comes with an instructions manual to support product assembly.
Here are a few other MD Sports pool tables to consider:
- Medal Sports Springdale 7.5 ft. Billiard Pool Table with Cue Set and Accessories
- MD Sports 96 in. Square Leg Billiard Table
- Medal Sports 24” Table Top Pool Table
- MD Sports 8’ Traditional Authentic Billiard Pool Table with Accessory Kit
This 7’ tall table comes in black with a red top and white patches on the table corners and legs.
Best Value
The Hathaway 6’ Portable Pool Table is designed for portability and use in smaller spaces. It comes with a steel leg system that folds easily and custom leg levelers for stability. If your game room is tight on space but you want to play more tabletop games, check out the
Hathaway Maverick Table Tennis and Pool Table combination.
Hathaway Fairmont 6' Portable Billiards Table - No Assembly Required, Choice of Blue or Red Felt Top
Features
Whether you love playing pool with friends or as a family, this pool table comes in handy with all the features and accessories you’ll need for fun entertainment. Hathaway focuses on manufacturing high-quality products for prolonged use. The brand is popular and featured on numerous lists.
The Hathaway 6’ Portable Pool Table comes with a 66 by 33 tabletop. It’s designed for portability and features a foldable leg system with custom steel leg levelers for stabilization. The body is built with poly-sealed MDF with a blend of wool and polyester for durability. The chrome-plated corner castings feature rope net pockets to hold balls and are given a matte black melamine color of cabinets for a classic look.
The melamine top rails are 5-inch wide and durable with built-in round rail sites. It also features I-cushions for fast action, a set of billiard balls, two cues, two chalks, a table brush, a triangular rack, and a polyester storage bag resistant to rips. It also comes with a 180-day limited warranty for protection from manufacturing faults.
Here are a few other Hathaway pool tables for your consideration:
- Hathaway Hustler Pool Table
- Hathaway Newport 7 ft. Pool Table Combo Set with Benches
- Hathaway 40 in. Sharp Shooter Table Top Billiard Table
- Hathaway Park Avenue Billiard Pool table Combo Set, 7-Feet
This 6’ pool table comes with a blue tabletop to suit your taste and love for this color with relaxing effects.
The Empire USA Signature Pool Table comes with handcrafted solid maple wood legs and frame for an attractive and warm personal touch and increased durability. It comes with DIY installation-friendly instruction. Prefer a more modern design? Check out the
Barrington Urban Professional Billiard Pool Table. It's a high end pool table with a unique design.
Empire USA Signature Series The Empire Pool Table with 1-Inch Slate Top – Also Available with Assembly
Features
Empire USA first opened its doors in 1980 and later started its California facility based in Montclair in January 2009. The brand manufactures world-class pool tables for commercial use. The tables are handcrafted for a personal touch and stylish look based on the highest standards in the industry.
The Empire USA Signature Pool Table comes with a 1” slate top (3 pieces) and handcrafted legs and frame made of solid wood maple. The slate top is also given a wood finish for smooth installation. It also comes with a high-quality leather pocket and a DIY instructions manual, although professional set up is recommended.
Here are a few other Empire USA pool tables to look out for:
- Empire USA Signature Series The Cullin Pool Table with 1-Inch Slate Top
- Empire USA Signature Series The Clawson Pool Table with 1-Inch Slate Top, 8-Feet
- Empire USA Signature Series The Pavillion Pool Table with 1-Inch Slate Top
This 8’ pool table comes with handcrafted legs in solid maple wood and a dark cherry finish for a natural touch.
The Playcraft Sport 40” Pool Table is a mini pool table designed for kids. It comes in MDF construction for durability, stylish cherry laminate finish for enhanced appeal, and 3 tabletop colors to choose from. Looking for a full size, high end pool table? Consider the
Playcraft Yukon River Premium Slate Pool Table. This 8' billiard table features rustic styling, weathered hardwood, artisan joinery and steel framework.
Playcraft Sport Bank Shot 40-Inch Pool Table - Miniature Billiards Table Available in 3 Colors
Features
Started by Mel and Herb in 1975, Playcraft Sport manufactures high-quality and valuable game room products. Founded on superior workmanship and value, this brand has grown over the years to include more products in its portfolio. As a leader in the home recreation market, it designs billiards, shuffleboards, hockey products, and other game room products of top quality.
The Playcraft Sport 40” Pool Table comes built with MDF for durability and given a cherry laminate finish for added style and eye-appeal. The green billiard cloth gives your table a green finish. With just the legs to be attached, the table is easy to assemble. It also comes with various accessories such as a set of billiard balls, two cues, a cue ball, a ball rack, and chalk and brush.
Here are a few other Playcraft Sport pool tables to consider:
- Playcraft Bryce 8’ Pool Table
- Playcraft Sport Bank Shot 40” Pool Table with Standard Legs/Green Cloth
- Playcraft Sprint Blue Cloth Pool Table, Black/Grey
- Playcraft Yellowstone 7’ Pool Table
- Playcraft Sport Bank Shot 40” Pool Table with Standard Legs/Green Cloth
This pool table is available in red, green and blue table tops to choose from.
This Tabletop Pool Table requires minor assembly and comes ready for use out of the box for unending family fun. If you want a slightly larger mini pool table, take a look at the
Rally and Roar Tabletop Pool Table Set. Either set offers enough surface area for a one-on-one game of pool but won’t take up space in a playroom, game room, living room, dorm, or bedroom.
Miniature Tabletop Pool Table Set with 1 Triangle, 16 Balls, 2 Cues, 2 Pieces of Chalk and 1 Brush - Small Billiards Game Table with Accessories
Features
With two great pool tables in the market, TandS is a popular brand for its affordable high-quality pool tables. The products are well-rated and can be used by children as young as four years old.
The TandS 30” Tabletop Pool Table comes with wooden legs for durability and stabilized use. It comes ready to use with minor requirements for set up. The table is also accessorized with two cues and one chalk and a brush. With proof of your purchase, you can easily find replacement parts all over the U.S.A.
Best Home Pool Table Guide - What to Look for in an Indoor or Outdoor Pool Table for Playing Billiards
Whether you are a pro pool player or just want a great addition to your gaming room, a good pool table becomes a necessary addition. Pool tables have evolved over the years to become more accurate and even become aesthetic furnishings for rooms because of the unique designs they have. A pool table is a great addition to a home because it creates an avenue for bonding and spending time together as a family.
Pool tables are designed for indoor or outdoor recreational use and are available in varying sizes, brands, styles, color finishes (especially the table tops), types, and materials. Some pool tables are designed for you to use at home and others are for commercial use.
A pool table is also a great way to make your home favorable to all your relatives and friends. You can shoot pool together and enjoy competing against each other as you converse and enjoy each other’s company. Also, while many pool tables can be used by the whole family, a well-designed pool table for children can often encourage kids to get involved as well.
If you’re looking to sell your home, having the best pool table is also a way of increasing the value of your property. People who respect fun and aesthetics in the house will consider a dedicated gaming room to be an important addition. This is because they know they might spend a lot of time there relaxing and enjoying games with family, whether that’s a friendly game of air hockey or maybe an arcade-style basketball shootout.
A pool table is also an important addition to a business, especially a bar or restaurant. It’s a good way to attract customers initially and to keep them coming back and staying for longer periods of time. And you don’t have to worry if balls are lost as they can easily be replaced.
Video: Learn to Play Pool in Ten Minutes
Short Introduction to the Fundamentals of Pool. | Courtesy of FargoBilliards
Price
Pool tables come in different prices mostly depending on the construction of the pool table, the materials used, and the size of the table. Some table designs are made for accuracy while others are made for aesthetic appearance. There are some cheap pool tables on the market that might be tempting, especially to first-time buyers. However, such pool tables should be avoided because they’re less likely to last a long time.
The price of pool tables can range anywhere from $50 to $5000 or more. You’ll obviously want to buy a pool table you can afford. However, if you expect it to be a decent one, then you can expect to pay in the thousands.
Features
When looking to purchase a pool table, the most important factors to consider are the accuracy and the features. You’ll also want a table of the right size and finishing to blend into your existing interior décor. Another important factor to consider is the material used to make your chosen pool table; find one made from sturdy materials for strength and durable use.
Here are some of the features to look out for when choosing a pool table:
- The slate of the pool table
- The felt material of the pool table
- The cushioning or rails of the pool table
- The legs of the pool table for stability
- The pockets of the table
- The construction and material of the frame
- The right size of pool table based on your needs
Whether you are purchasing the pool table for your family or for your business, the right table will provide loads of entertainment for years to come.
Construction and Design
When it comes to the construction and design of your pool table, it’s important to consider some main things including type, material, color, size and accessories. Let’s delve into those in more detail, shall we?
Type – There are different types of pool tables categorized depending on the kind of game that’s played on the table. The most common is the pocket billiards table. This kind of table comes with six pockets: four at the edges of the table and two at the center of the rails. This table usually comes with a green felt and is the most easily recognizable kind of pool table. The other kind of pool table is the snooker pool table. This one is usually larger than the first kind because it’s played using 22 unmarked balls and one cue ball.
The table also has six pockets similar to those of the pocket billiard table. The last uncommon kind of pool table is the carom billiards table. It has no pockets and is much smaller than the pocket billiards table. The game on this table is played using two cue balls, three balls, and a red ball.
Materials – The materials used in the construction of pool tables are also important because they determine the sturdiness of the table and how long it might last you. The most common materials used in making pool tables are wood, rock, plywood, fiberboard, honeycomb, and clay.
The material should also enhance the accuracy of the pool table. The heavier the material used in the construction, the more stable the table becomes. This means a few pushes and bumps here and there won’t have a significant effect on the balls on the table. They would just shake slightly while maintaining position as opposed to moving all over the table.
Color – Traditionally, the color of the felt material on the pool table is green. This, however, isn’t the only color that’s used on the felt material with other colors being red, blue, gray, and others. These colors are used because they aren’t bright and don’t affect the players. They also contrast well with the color of the balls except a few that might have a different shade of the color blue or green.
Most tournaments have adopted a certain hue of blue for the games. The choice on the color will depend on the preferences of the owner and the décor of the house, especially when the table is meant to look like a piece of furniture.
Size – The different types of pool tables come in different sizes depending on the type of play. They are available in seven feet, eight feet, and nine feet table sizes. The choice here depends on the amount of space you have available.
If you’re limited on space, you might want to consider the seven foot table. However, if you have enough space, the nine footer would be ideal. When considering the right size, it’s also important to look at other furniture in the room where you intend to place the table; you want to make sure there is enough room for the players to move around.
Accessories – Pool tables come with accessories to allow you to enjoy the game immediately after you have the table. You’ll get the cue balls, cue sticks, racks, brushes, balls, coaching DVDs, and chalk. The accessories vary from one manufacturer to another, hence you should buy a table that comes with the must haves for you.
Video: How to Change Your Pool Cloth
Tutorial on Replacing a Pool Table Cloth. | Courtesy of Venom Trickshots
Performance and Ease of Use
You need a pool table that’s easy to set-up before you can engage your friends or family in a game. Make sure it’s strong, sturdy, and durable with a perfect finish to enhance your interior décor. To ensure that the table maintains accuracy and is not destroyed when not in use, it’s important to maintain certain care practices.
Don’t place heavy items on the table or jerk it back and forth. The cushions on the rails and the felt should be inspected for wear and tear and replaced if need be. Check that the slate has not moved to affect the accuracy of the game. You should also ensure your pool table is protected by a warranty from manufacturing faults. Look out for a user manual to help you learn how to use your table if you’re a first-time buyer.
Get the Best Pool Table of 2023!
Whether you want a pool table for your kids, the whole family, or one for commercial use, there’s one out there to meet your unique needs for recreation. We hope with our review of five of the top pool tables, you’ll be in a position to pick the right table to meet your unique needs. In case you need something different, check out our other pool table reviews.
Our Top Choice
MD Sports Indoor Pool Table Set
Best Value
Hathaway Fairmont Portable Pool Table
Empire USA Signature Pool Table
Playcraft Sport Bank Shot Mini Pool Table
Indoor Mini Tabletop Billiards Set
Pool Table FAQs
How to move a pool table?
How to move a pool table, you have to disassemble it, and carry the slate, rails, felt, and legs separately. When you reach the destination, you have to reassemble the different parts to make a pool table. When moving a pool table to a closer place, you may use furniture sliders for the job. Check out our review for more on pool tables.
How to refelt a pool table?
If you want to refelt a pool table, you must lay out and line up the felt. After securing the felt to the sides, felt the areas around the pockets. Then reattach the rail cushions and fresh pocket liners. That simple, and you have a revamped pool table.
How big is a pool table?
A pool table measures ten by 5 feet with a playing surface of 9.32 by 4.65 feet. The height of a standard pool table can be 75 to 80 centimeters.
How much room do you need for a pool table?
The size of the room you need for a pool table depends on the size of the table. In that case, the enormous pool table will sit at 18 feet by 13 feet, inches. However, nothing stops you from making the room more significant than that.
How to clean a pool table?
To clean a pool table, you may use a vacuum cleaner and a brush. Once you have scrubbed the surface using a brush, vacuum it to remove all dust particles. It is advisable to start brushing the pool table from the center going to the peripheries. Alternatively, you could clean up spills as soon as they occur using a dry towel. Where a spill has caused stains, use white vinegar to get rid of them. Finally, you may also clean a pool table using a felt pen cleaner.
