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Playing pool is a great way to improve your balance and strengthen your core. It also improves hand-eye coordination and can help you focus on your goals. It can also improve your mental health and is a great activity for people of all ages. It can also help you make friends and strengthen your bonds.
Adding a pool table to your home is a great way to add beauty to your home, and it can also provide hours of entertainment for your family and friends and bring you closer together. Even kids can enjoy playing this cue game and improving their coordination. Plus, this playing accessory can increase the value of your home.
More on the history of this cue game see here:
In any case, the pool table will provide a central focus in your home. And remember it’s quite costly. So you have to choose it with the utmost attention. There are several aspects to keep in mind before purchasing a pool table to make it a wise investment.
Measure Your Room
The first step before you go out and check out pool table offers is to measure your room. That way, you’ll know how much space you have to accommodate the playing setting and any extra furniture and accessories. It should be enough to move freely around and play billiards smoothly.
The minimum area size is based on the table’s dimensions and the cue’s length. The standard cue length is about 55-57 inches, and there should be enough room so you can trigger your cue freely.
Playing Surface
The first thing you should look for in pool tables is the material used for the playing surface. And the best among many options is definitely slate. This fine-grained metamorphic rock, derived from volcanic ash and clay, has a low water absorption index. So it’s practically waterproof, which is crucial for durability.
The next thing to look for is the slate thickness. It can range from 3/4″ to 1-1/4″ slate, but Watson’s best pool table is one inch thick. A thicker slate will be more stable and less likely to crack, especially when screws are tightened. But it can make this structure quite heavy and tricky to transport.
If you are looking for slate alternatives, you can choose between slatex, plywood, fiberboard, and honeycomb. But none of these will provide as smooth and accurate shoots as slate. And although most manufacturers have addressed problems with these materials, you should avoid subpar-quality pool tables.
Legs
One of the most crucial parts of a pool table is the legs. They must be sturdy enough to support the frame weight, which is about 90% of the overall weight of this structure, and extra stress from players. Plus, they should last for a long time.
There are two basic types of legs: post legs and two-piece legs. The latter two are considered to be the industry standard. They are made of solid pieces of wood and will prevent a pool table from tipping over.
Remember to choose the legs wisely, as they will be the basis for a flat, level playing surface. They must also be well-attached to a frame that will hold the slate and beams and give you support and stability while playing.
Frame
The frame is a large rack that’s the main support structure in any pool table. So looking for a solid, durable frame with robust joining techniques is essential. Frame materials can vary, but hardwood is generally the best choice. It might be a costly purchase, but it’s a wise investment.
The center beam on the frame is also important. It should provide excellent slate support; otherwise, it could sag and distort the playing surface. Some smaller pool tables may have double center beams, which is fine for thinner slates. But 1″ and up slate layers call for quad-beam constructions for even better framing.
Cloth
Choosing the proper cloth for a pool table is essential, and many materials are at your disposal – cotton, marble, nylon, plastic, polypropylene, etc. In any case, the final choice will depend on your personal preferences and budget.
Once you learn the game rules, you need a playing surface that provides good playability, traction, and overall playing performance. Best billiard flats usually feature wool-nylon cloth with a tight weave, which is a long-lasting and fast surface.
Regular felt is cheaper, and it comes in different quality grades. Also, you can choose between different cloth colors. Still, it’s a bit slower and less durable. Plus, it needs frequent brushing.
You can find many different pool tables at sporting goods and department stores. So try several models in person o see which one suits you best. Also, ask lots of questions and perform a thorough inspection, and you’ll be happy with your purchase.
