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Pool Table Research
3 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Pool Table
- Background on pool tables
- Features and functions of pool tables
- How to find the best pool table for you online
This short guide was created to help you understand the basics of shopping for
pool tables online and to help you choose the right pool table for you.
Background on pool tables
There are many reasons why playing pool remains a very popular pastime across America.
A game of billiards is a combination of skill and chance, allows players to improve
their skill with practice, does not require strenuous activity, and can be played
easily by the young, old, and everyone in between. Pool games can be played individually
or at the center of social gatherings. They can be played anytime and without anything
other than the pool table and proper lighting. Because they offer so much diverse
entertainment, pool tables are finding their way into more and more homes every year.
Whether you're looking for a pool table for your kids to play on (and probably beat up!)
or a custom pool table made from 100% Hardwood. You will be able to find the right pool
table for you online. Today's makers and sellers of pool tables use the Internet as a
primary way of distributing their pool tables, and shopping for a pool table online
is a great way to research and compare several types and make sure you find one that
will work for you based on your desired budget and features.
Features and functions of pool tables
As mentioned above, pool tables come in a wide range of styles and prices. There are
two main categories of pool tables, which we'll call 'entertainment' and 'traditional'.
The main difference between entertainment and traditional pool tables is the playing
surface- this is the material base that is used under the felt. Entertainment pool
tables typically use wood as the playing surface, while traditional pool tables use
slate as the playing surface. Because entertainment pool tables use wood as the
playing surface, they are smaller (5' to 8' long), lighter, cheaper, and less
durable than traditional pool tables. Entertainment pool tables are usually in
the $150.00- $500.00 price range (although you can pay upwards of $800.00 for
specialty entertainment pool tables that have such features as an anti-warping surface.
Entertainment pool tables are usually light and not as durable as the traditional Pool Tables.
In contrast to entertainment pool tables, traditional pool tables are larger (8' to 9' long),
heavier, more expensive, and more durable. Traditional pool tables usually start at around
$1800.00, most are within the $2,000.00-$3,000.00 range, and you can even spend upwards of
$6,000.00 for customized or luxury pool tables. Traditional pool tables are sold through
specialty pool table retail stores and online by us and may require installation by trained
professionals. Because buying a traditional pool table is more of an investment, you should
consider the specific features of the traditional pool table more carefully. Here are some
of the main features and components to consider:
Size- the proper size for your pool table is determined both by the size of the room or
area the pool table will be in and the length of the pool cues that will be used. You
want to make sure that the players have enough room to comfortably make shots from all
sides of the pool table. Below is a chart that cross-references the recommended pool
table size with the minimum recommended room size:
| Table Size |
48" Cue |
52" Cue |
57" Cue |
60" Cue |
| 7' |
15'4" x 12'2" |
16' x 12'10" |
16'10" x 13'8" |
17'4" x 14'2" |
| 8' |
16'4" x 12'8" |
17' x 13'4" |
17'10" x 14'2" |
18'4" x 14'8" |
| 9' |
17'4" x 13'2" |
18'4" x 13'10" |
18'10" x 14'8" |
19'4" x 15'2" |
Construction material- the vast majority of traditional pool tables are
built with wood, but some use metal or a hard and durable plastic frame.
For those that use wood, you want to find out if the wood is solid wood, (
Campran uses 100% Hardwood for our tables) or if any veneer, particleboard
or laminate is used. Many wood pool tables will also use heavy gauge metal
brackets to provide additional support. (Campran does use metal brackets to
attach the legs to the cabinets so that no warping occurs and so that the
table is sturdier). Generally, solid wood pool tables are more expensive
than those that use veneer or laminate, and some pool table makers will build
a pool table in any number of exotic woods.
Color/Finish- for traditional wood pool tables (and some metal or plastic pool
tables), you will often get your choice of wood stain finish (pecan, oak, mahogany,
etc.) to complement the room that the pool table will be in. You can also choose
the color of the felt that will be used on the playing surface. There are 20
choices of felt to choose from. Often, the choices for finish and felt are quite
extensive. (921,000 different combinations to choose from to get exactly the pool
table you want)
Pockets- the choice of internal or external 'drop' pockets is for the most part a
personal preference. Internal pockets usually propel the billiard balls through a
channel system into a collection tray at the end of the pool table. This makes
retrieving billiard balls for the next game much easier. External pockets are usually
made of high-grade leather and collect only the billiard balls that have been sunk
into that pocket during the last game. This requires the players to go around the
pool table and collect the billiard balls from each pocket prior to break on the next game.
Aesthetics- traditional pool tables are typically placed at the center of a given room or
area and garner a lot of attention. For this reason, it's important to consider the
aesthetics of a given pool table. You want to make sure that your pool table is
attractive to you and that you'll enjoy having it in your home for lots of years.
Your choice of aesthetic details can make a big difference in the look- and cost-
of the pool table. Some examples of design details include: hand-carved legs,
rail style, mother of pearl inlays, details carved into the wood, exotic wood
and other accents, and so on.
Levelers- since not all floor surfaces are perfectly flat, many pool tables come
with built-in levelers that allow you to adjust each side or corner of the pool
table so that the playing surface is perfectly flat.
Accessories- in addition to the pool table itself, there are other accessories that
are required to play a game of billiards and some accessories that aren't required
but might add to the enjoyment of your pool table. Of course, you'll need pool cues,
billiard balls, a triangle and some chalk, but other available accessories include a
9-ball diamond, bridge cue, cue rack, table brush, under rail brush, chalk holders,
tip repair covers, table covers (both plastic and 'dining room' covers that turns
the pool table into a dining table, and so on. (Campran offers a free 19 piece accessory
kit as well as the dining table pool table option)
How to find the best pool table for you
Naturally, the choice of the best pool table for you will be based on your particular
situation, budget, and needs. Once you know what specific features and functions
you want from your pool table, you will just need to find some or all of the pool
tables that match your needs and begin comparing them by other factors:
Price- of course, price should be a consideration for any purchase you make,
including pool tables. However, don't make price your only criteria for choosing
the best pool table for you. Remember that buying a pool table can be like
buying a future heirloom, so don't skimp on the cost if you think you might
regret it later. You should know that some pool table manufacturers mass-produce
their tables, and other manufacturers do not have any pool tables in stock and
only build custom pool tables. (Campran builds only custom tables to meet your
needs exactly)
Selection- finding just the right pool table for your needs is important, and there
can be a significant difference in selection among online pool table stores.
Some sites that sell pool tables are 'factory direct' stores, which means that they
are selling only the product(s) they make. Other sites act as dealers and sell a
wide range of pool tables from a variety of manufacturers. Even if you know exactly
what you want, don't just stop on the first site and pick something- do a little
bit of browsing among sites first. As you visit the various pool table sites, check
out the selection as it might surprise you how many different products and options-
and prices- are available.
Timing- timing can be important for getting your pool table, especially if you are purchasing
a custom table that will be built or modified to your specifications. When shopping pool
table sites, find out how long it takes to build and ship the pool table, when it
will be delivered, and if expedited shipping is possible.
Guarantee/returns- find out if there are any warranties or guarantees on the pool table
or on the overall satisfaction of the service. Find out what these guarantees cover
and what the remuneration is if something goes wrong. If applicable, make sure to
find out how the pool table will be serviced or repaired, both within and beyond
any warranty period. Many pool table manufacturers will include a lifetime guarantee
on their products, but make sure that you understand where this coverage ends.
The best guarantees include free replacement of the slate if it breaks for ANY reason,
including misuse or abuse. (We guarantee and warranty our pool tables for a lifetime)
Customer service- the better the online pool table store, the better the customer service
they will provide. Look for pool table sites that have extensive FAQ sections, have a
friendly interface, and several options to contact customer service (via email, chat, or
by phone, etc.). Find out what hour's customer service is open and how long the response
time is.
Shipping and installation- shipping costs add to the total cost of anything you buy
online, including pool tables, but this cost is usually offset to some degree because
you typically don't need to pay sales tax as you would in a retail store. Compare shipping
costs among online pool table sites as they may vary; some sites will charge you separately
for shipping, and others will include it in the final price. If applicable for your particular
order, you might want to find out if shipping insurance is included or available as an
option. Finally, you need to find out if the pool table will be shipped assembled or
unassembled and if the company will provide installation services. Sometimes this cost
is included in the final price, and sometimes you will be charged extra for it. Due to
the heaviness and the fact that the pool table will need to be leveled carefully, you
might want to spring for the professional installation if possible and affordable.
To go a step further in finding the right pool table for you, it might pay to ask your family
and friends if they have had any experience- either good or bad- with specific pool table
makes or models. In addition, you may consider brand name as a criteria. Generally, the
best-known and most successful businesses are those that do a good job, earn repeat business,
and earn a good reputation over time.
In conclusion, we hope you have found the information we have put together for you useful.
We suggest that you use the information in this guide as a starting point in your search
for the right pool table for you. If you have any further questions or concerns please
do not hesitate to contact us directly at: customerservice@campran.com.
Or click on the live chat button located on the bottom left corner of our website
so we can help you make the right decision when purchasing your new pool table.
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