Slate Pool Table Construction

Slate pool tables are widely considered to be the only option when choosing a pool table. Not only do professionals swear by the consistency and accuracy of shots when played on slate beds but most amateurs and home players will choose a slate bed pool table for these same reasons. While the material used for the construction of the playing surface is very important to the overall quality of the table it is far from being the only important factor; many choices in the construction process combine to give the best quality pool table.

Hardwood Tables

The frame and the legs of the pool table are the most visible aspects, along with the felt. While other options, including MDF, exist the use of hardwood materials is generally considered to offer the best looks and the best quality. Wood used in the construction of the table will ultimately depend on the design you choose and will normally be determined by the look that wish to achieve but can include walnut, cherry, and oak. These materials have the benefit of being considerably more robust and better looking than veneers and MDF type products.

Pool Table Frame

A wooden frame is applied above the legs and the more beams and cross beams that exist the stronger and more resilient the table is likely to be. Two beams running down the length of the table and two cross beams offers an extremely robust design that will easily cope with the weight of the slate and the weight of people lying across the table to take long shots. The width of the frame itself is an important consideration and the thicker the better in most cases.

Slate Or Non-Slate?

Next comes the slate or other material for the bed of the playing surface. There really is no substitute for slate if you’re looking for a good quality game and a table that will last. Even under the most rigorous of normal usage, a slate bed will not chip, warp, break, or disfigure but the same can not be said of wooden or synthetic materials. These less expensive but lower grade materials not only warp and bend over time but are prone to damp, the cold, and even regular use.

Modern pool tables tend to use 1” thick slate because this offers the ideal combination of strength and weight. Older and considerably heavier and more expensive tables used slate that was over 2” thick making them incredibly difficult to transport or move. 1” thick slate offers a very high standard of play while trimming some of the excess weight.

Rails And Cushions

The rails are also an important facet in pool table construction. A cushion, a cap, and a sub rail combine to create what many would consider to be the most important part of the table. Live gum rubber is used in professional pool table construction in order to ensure there is no loss of speed or transference of spin when the balls hit the cushion.

Finally The Felt

Finally, the felt should be woollen or a natural material and usually the thicker and the tighter the knit of the material the better the quality it offers. Felt is available in an almost baffling array of colours so that your pool table or billiard table can be designed to match the rest of your billiard room or games room.