Types of pool tables according to brand, material and mechanism

Billiards is one of the popular games that has been around for many years. Many of the billiards fans want to have their own table at home to spend time with their family and friends playing their favorite game.

One should choose the billiards/pool table sensibly to get the best out of the game. A wide variety of billiard/pool tables are available on the market today, designed to meet the needs of different individuals/groups.

You can make a better purchase decision if you have (at least basic) knowledge about them. In this article we try to give you basic information about the different types of pool tables segregated according to brand, material and mechanism.

Basic Types of Pool Tables

Basically, there are two types of pool tables that are used to play billiards. They are the English pool tables and the American pool tables.

• English Pool Tables – English pool tables are typically between 6 and 7 feet long and are used primarily in clubs and pubs. The balls on these tables are small in size, measuring between 1.5 and 2 inches, as are the pockets. The center pockets are open, allowing players to hole out from even tighter angles, while the corner pockets or “jaws” are narrow.

• American Pool Tables – Compared to English tables, American tables are larger, typically 7 to 9.5 feet long. Even the balls and pockets are large; they can easily accommodate balls up to 2¼ inches. Unlike the jaws at English tables, here the jaws are wide, making it easy to play shots along the wings. The central pockets are not as open and allow for a straight cut style instead of angled shots.

Billiard tables according to brand and material

The playing surface under the cloth of a billiards board, usually called the “bed”, is the main component that decides the playability and accuracy of the game. To make these beds, different materials are used, depending on which the cost and durability of the table vary. The following are three popular types of billiard beds.

• Slate bed tables – These tables are made of thick slates whose thickness varies from 19mm to 30mm. Slate bed covers are used on larger, more expensive tables that sometimes accommodate 2-3 beds. These tables provide an excellent, even playing surface that makes it easy for balls to roll smoothly in precise directions, which is why they are the only table surfaces used in tournaments.

Slate beds are more durable than any other top and are resistant to water and humidity. The fabric attached to this top can wear off over time, but it can be easily replaced. The only downside to these caps is that they are very heavy, making transportation and installation cumbersome.

• Slatron Overbed Tables – Slatron Overbed Tables, made of a synthetic material called slatron, are a synthetic alternative to slate beds. Slatron is made up of a layer of plastic that surrounds a particle board. Although the quality of slatted beds is much lower than that of slate beds, they are more durable than any other synthetic beds. These beds are less expensive, lightweight, and therefore easy to transport and set up.

The downside to slat table beds is their tendency to deteriorate over time, causing the table to warp. In addition, since they are light in weight, the pool table may tip over when someone leans heavily on it. However, good quality slatron tops last longer and cost less compared to slate tops.

• MDF Bed Tables – Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) bed is another type of synthetic bed that is used as an inexpensive alternative to slate beds. MDF surfaces are made by compressing small pieces of wood or sawdust under heat and pressure. They are like the particle board used in slatron beds. MDF beds are also lighter, and repairs are also affordable.

If you want to buy a pool table at a low price, these synthetic tabletops are good options. Also, they come in small sizes, so they can fit in small rooms. However, to protect them from deformation and wear, sufficient care must be taken: they must be stored away from water, humidity and very humid environments.

Pool tables based on the mechanism.

Some pool tables will have a built-in mechanism that makes it easy for players to retrieve balls or control play. In general terms, they are of two types:

• Drop-down pocket tables: no mechanism is used in these tables. The balls just go and sit in the pockets. After each game, the players must retrieve them from the pockets. American pool tables often have hanging pockets.

• Ball Return Tables: At these tables, once the balls are placed, a built-in system sends all pocketed balls to the collection chamber, where the balls will be lined up by number. All balls remain in the chamber until the next game starts. There are two types of ball return tables available:

— Free Play Tables – After the jackpot, the balls return to the holding area at the end of the table. These tables are ideal for use in homes, workplaces, and clubs.

— Coin Operated Tables: These tables are similar to free play tables, except for a simple built-in mechanism. The player needs to insert a coin to retrieve the balls and play a new game. The mechanism can be electronic or mechanical. Coin operated tables are usually found in commercial places.

Pool tables designed for homes

In addition to traditional and commercial pool tables, there are some tables specifically designed to fit into home settings.

• Pool Dining Table – If you’re running out of space, a pool dining table is a big help. As its name says, it is a table for eating as well as for playing billiards. It is specially designed in such a way that it can be used for both purposes. By simply adding the table top, the pool table becomes a dining table. To play pool, you can easily remove that table.

• Folding pool table: You can play wherever you want if you have a folding pool table. The folding leg system of these tables helps you to fold them when they are not in use. Folding tables are usually made of MDF, which makes them lighter and therefore easy to move.

• Outdoor pool table: If you want to have your pool table in your garden or lawn, you can opt for an outdoor pool table. These tables are made with weather-resistant material like marine plywood that can withstand the elements.