We just bought an Olhausen pool table,it was not all one piece slate. Is that bad?

Question

It was 3 pieces

Answer 1

This is completely normal.  I'm guessing that this table is larger than a typical bar-size table (3 1/2' X 7').  I assume that the slate is 1 inch or greater in thickness.  Not only would it be very difficult to move such a large slate around if it were only one piece, but it would be extremely heavy.  I worked briefly at a billiards supply store and I helped set up my own table.  My table is a 9-footer and has 1 1/4" slate, and let me tell you, each section is HEAVY.  It also came in three pieces.  Usually only bar tables have one piece slate.  They often have only 3/4" slate as well.  Not to just repeat the other answers, but it is true that it's fairly easy to level the slate.  The seams are sealed up, usually with wax, and if it's done properly, it's nearly impossible to feel the seams through the cloth.  Relax, you made a good purchase.  How does it feel now to be able to play whenever you want to?  Priceless.  M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.

Answer 2

three piece is far superior to a one piece slate , a one piece is really only reserved for cheap or bar style tables , a three piece slate you can level each piece indivually to the frame with wedges under the slate liner and it can be perfect , a one piece will never be perfect , you cant effictivly level  the slate , if it has a crown or dip in one end what ever you do to fix that spot will ultimately effect the other areas of the piece somewhere ......Thre piece is the way , Olhausen make a top notch table, and the slate they use is the best , they use genuine Italian slate , manafuactured by OIS ..good stuff ......

Answer 3

they say a 3 pc is easier to level. i have a 1 pc and thats what i was told when i bought mine.

Answer 4

Most pool tables are built that way for ease in transporting as a kit. As long as you line up the pieces of slate perfectly and maintain the level of the completed table, there's no reason it shouldn't give satisfactory service. Feel the joint with your fingers. There should not be any difference in feel.

Answer 5

3 piece slate is good..they make it like that so it won't break when moving it.

All pro tournament tables are 3 piece slate

Answer 6

Many old tables were manufactured with one piece slates.  They were difficult to transport, hard to level (try shoving shims underneath a one piece slate over 700 lbs), and also had the tendency to break in transport.  The newer three piece slates are easier to transport, install, and level.