Wooden Pool Table? What would you recommend?

Question

I have a pool table but I'm not sure if it is wood or combination wood-slate. It cant be slate because it is light (compared to slate) and it was cheap (again compared to slate)...Is there anything I could do to switch out from wood to slate? I am way out of money and I'm trying to figure out how to get a good table for 300 or less. What makes a slate table any better then a wooden table? The tables at bars seem pretty crappy sometimes...mine is cleaner atleast....thanks all for you answers

Answer 1

You're not going to get a 'good' table for less than $300, and you're not going to be able to just buy slate that will fit your table. Start filling the piggy bank.

Answer 2

Your pool table is probably honeycomb or pressed wood. Both are very cheap and poor alternatives to real slate. It would be very difficult , if not impossible, to switch your table over to slate because the bracing isn't made to hold the weight of slate. You would practically have to rebuild the whole thing. Slate tables are better than wood because slate does not warp or change shape in any way and if finished properly slate is as smooth as glass. It is just the perfect surface to play on. It's true that some bar tables are pretty crappy. Like Johnny said this is mainly due to cheap cloth , balls and poor upkeep. You also have to figure that a lot of people that play on the bar tables are smoking and drinking and a lot of that ends up on the tables too. Not to mention the fact that the bar tables are always being bumped into and moved around. As far as getting a good table for 300 or less , thats gonna' be tough but not always impossible. A lot of times you'll see someone who is moving and they don't wanna hassle with the table so they will sell it really cheap or even give it away on a you want it you move it basis. I've seen this happen more than once. As a matter of fact my brother bought a really nice 8 foot brunswick for 100 bucks because the old guy decided he didn't want to play anymore and needed to free up space in his basement. So keep your eyes and ears open and you may just run across a great deal somewhere. Good luck to ya!

Answer 3

if your interested in a good cheap slate table, go to ebay, type in pool table, then towar top right dropdown menu, click nearest first, and that will bring up the tables closest to you 1st. i have bought a few off ebay under $300, just keep a lookout everyweek for them, 1 will come around. bar tables usually go way to high, make sure b4 u bid on the table, consider if its a 3 piece or 1 piece slate, and if its possible to move a 1 piece table to your basement ect. a 1 piece table= the rails unscrew off from the side, and lift the slate out of it, to make moving much easier, depending on, if you have stairs to move it up and down. i have move a 3 piece slate with no problen with a furnature dolly, by sitting it on its side, and taking the legs off.  ask the person who is selling it, if you have to move it upstaires, or carry it through several rooms. i've ran into 2 nightmare moves, moving a 1 piece old brunswick out of a basement. but there are many good tables, to find on ebay under $300(ask questions about dead rails ect) just be patient, and find about 3 friends with a strong arm, and a weak mind to help you move it. Watch your fingers!!! and plan it carefully!!!

Answer 4

Your best shot at a cheap yet good table is wait patiently for someone selling in a hurry for what ever reason. Death, divorce, moving out of town etc.

Answer 5

According to data Brunswick produce the best Billiard table.

You can decide according to your preferences, especially if you have experiences on many type of Billiard table.  I have already played to many type of Billiard table. I play Pool and Snooker so I know about  table condition. Remember the cheaper, the lower quality you will have..You should also consider  table speed and pocket receptivity.  In addition you should select finest cloth too.  I recommend Simonis.

Answer 6

Sounds like good money after bad cuz.

If your a serious player wood aint gonna get it.

Your right most bar tables are junk because of cheap cloth-balls -house sticks or all combined.I saw a bar last week with duct tape on a cushion. Mine are better than that but if more than a $10 game ill go to a poolroom .