Pool is one of the most popular games all over the world. The sport can be played in bars and there are even world championships where the best pool players come together to test their skills.
Having your very own pool table can definitely take away some of the boredom and even relief some work stress when you get home after a long day at the office.
There are various types of pool tables and they all fall under different price ranges for you to choose from.
Many of the features will be great for improving your game, while other tables should be great for simply having a little fun with friends at a party, but a pool table is definitely something that you should look into buying if you want to spice up your man cave.
We have set out to find the best pool tables and also look for the pool tables that will offer you the best value for your money.
These pool tables are all good for having at home and with a few modifications, they can even be used in your pub if you own one to bring in a little extra income.
But before we dive into the top pool tables, you will need to understand how to buy the best pool table when you are searching for one on your own.
There are certain features that are really important and then a few that will only be great for more of the advanced players, but let’s look at a few of these important features:
Pool Table Buying Guide
Professional pool tables can be really expensive and therefore, we have set out to show you some of the features that you will need to consider looking for in your cheaper pool table to ensure that you still get great value for your money.
Having all of these features will also be expensive, therefore, you can choose the table with the features that you need to save you a few bucks.
Type
There are two types of pool tables that you will have the opportunity to choose from. These two tables are the American pool tables and the English pool tables and both of them vary quite a bit as you will see later on.
Size
The size of the table must be taken into account and while the 7-foot table is the most common because it does not take up as much space, the pool tables can go up to 9 feet long.
American pool tournaments are usually played on the 9-foot tables and they also offer a great opportunity for you to play some snooker as well. The average pool cue is 4 feet long and this must be taken into account and we recommend having a 14 by 11 feet room at the minimum to fit your pool table in.
Pool Dining Table Option
The pool dining table is a little different from the standard pool table and it offers much more leg space underneath.
These tables are also a little cheaper than your average pool table and they will offer you great multifunctional use and also improve the space usage in the home as less space will be wasted.
Construction
There are two types of construction to choose from. The first type is the wood laminated MDF style. These pool tables are cheaper and they are not made from high-quality woods.
Plywood is used most commonly. The slate bed tables are more durable and they are made from solid wood. The wood can be of your choosing, but they are more expensive.
The slate bed will also allow you to customize the style of the table much more.
You’ll also read about “K-66 specifications”. K-66 is a table perimeter bumper profile which is the industry standard and it’s the only cushion profile approved by the Billiards Congress of America.
Added Accessories
When purchasing a pool table, you will receive a set of balls depending on the table and the game and also a cue to start with as well as a triangle.
Even so, there are even more accessories to choose from and we recommend adding accessories like specialized brushes as well as snooker ball to have some fun.
With these five features, you can really simplify the choice of the table that you want to buy. We do consider the dimensions to be really important, especially since it will have an impact on your playing experience.
One of the hardest choices is usually between American and English pool tables, so let’s have a look at the difference.
American Pool Table vs. English Pool Table
American Pool Table
The American pool table is a little bigger than the English pool table and this is because the balls are bigger. The cue ball is usually 2 ¼ inches and will be hard to pot on the English pool table.
The pockets are also a little wider in design and this will be the best pool table to start out with.
English Pool Table
The English pool table is a little smaller in terms of the pockets and it features a furry design that will slow down the game.
The cue ball is 2 inches big and even though this might not seem like a big difference, it does have a huge impact on the play. English pool also uses a smaller cue to play with and this is around 6 to 8 mm wide.
Now that you have a better understanding and more knowledge on how to choose the best pool table, it is time to look at the best pool tables and how they can help you improve your game and also provide great fun for the family.
Best Pool Table Reviews
1. EastPoint Sports Masterton Billiard Pool Table
Dimensions: 87 inches L x 50 inches W x 31 inches H
Here’s a table that excels in the arena of VALUE. While some tables can have a price point of well over $1000, the Eastport is less than half, but still offers hours of serious fun.
When I say SERIOUS fun, I mean fun that adults can have on a decent table that doesn’t feel like it was purchased from Party City or Wal-Mart. It’s sturdy and features traditional style ball and claw legs and parlor style drop pockets.
The scratch-resistant LusterLong finish is strong enough and durable enough to pass the test of time (and children!). Its built-in leg leveling system is a real convenience when you’d like a well-calibrated/leveled table.
You won’t just get the table, but a nice assortment of accessories like 2 Wooden Billiard Cues, 1 Set of Billiard Balls, 2 Pieces of Billiard Chalk, 1 Billiard Triangle, and 1 Table Brush.
The ideal room size (uncluttered) for this table would be around 13 feet by 17 feet. Keep in mind, however, the price point of this table should warn you that it’s not exactly a high-end competition table with stellar quality parts.
The legs are a composite plastic, and a number of purchasers have been disappointed by details like ease of assembly (or lack thereof) and the quality of the side bumpers (more dead than other tables).
Pros:
- Saves a little space
- Really affordable
- Looks great!
- Easy to level
Cons:
- Can be complex to set up
- Not the best for improving your game
- Construction quality is not 100%
2. Fat Cat Reno 7.5’ Pool Table with Dark Cherry Finish
Dimensions: 89.5 x 50.5 x 31 inches.
Equipped with a very durable one-inch-thick Accuslate playing surface, this table from Fat Cat is specifically engineered to resist warping. It’s a super stong table! To back that up, there’s a 7-year surface warranty!
The burgundy wool cloth complements the cherry finish and oak-toned accent panels. The whole table is equipped with K66 rubber bumpers and 6-inch rails with beveled legs and maple wood veneer with a cheery finish, make this table look and perform way above average.
That said, the price does reflect this higher level of both luxury and quality! The French-style drop pockets really add to the overall look and style of this table.
Leveling pads are standard on all the feet, which will move the corners up or down and that makes it easier to play properly on an uneven floor.
This table offers several accessories including two 57″ two-piece cues (hardwood), one rail brush, one set of 2.25-inch billiard balls, one resin triangle, and two pieces of chalk.
Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Strongest and most sturdy table of all our options
- Includes all the added accessories to get you started
Cons:
- Extremely heavy
- Will need a large room
- Expensive … ish
3. Hathaway Hustler 7 or 8 foot Pool Table with Blue Felt
Dimensions: 87-in L x 48-in W x 32-in H
The Hathaway Hustler comes in a little more expensive than our #1 option but less than our #2 option. It’s a good choice for someone with a moderate budget but wants a “real” pool table with a quality name and a pool hall “feel” to it.
It looks pretty good I’d say and it features K-66 gum rubber bumpers or cushions. It’s made of high-quality MDF, and features independent leg levelers, chrome corner connectors and lots of accessories.
They would include (2) Two-piece 57″ pool cues, 2.25-in pool balls, racking triangle, and cue chalk. It’s covered with level 3/4 in. thick CARB certified MDF with blue felt.
This U.S. designed table offers a 180-day manufacturer warranty. Overall, based on price vs. quality and customer feedback, we’d give this table a cautious “buy” rating.
However, as you’d expect, it’s not without its detractors. No table option gets a 5-star rating, and there are purchasers who have not been happy with the Hathaway table. Be sure to read all the reviews on Amazon and weigh the odds for yourself.
Pros:
- Looks Great
- More than 3/4 of purchasers give it a 4 or 5-star (out of 5) rating
Cons:
- Overall quality issues seem to come with some tables according to Amazon customer feedback
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4. Mizerak Dynasty Space Saver 6.5’ Billiard Table
Dimensions: 82.3 x 46.5 x 9.5 inches
The Mizerak Space Saver is a much-needed answer to the overwhelming “elephant in the room” (kind of literally!) when you walk into a games room and are greeted by nothing other than a huge billiard table.
Some are up to 10 feet long. Mizerak has designed this table to bring you the feel and fun of a traditional pool table in a reasonably-sized package of only 6.5 feet.
Rubber perimeter cushions offer excellent rebound qualities and the leg levelers allow for precision installation. Pockets are not isolated so you don’t need to walk around the table to get the balls.
It features a rail system that leads balls to the end of the table where gathering them is easier. The bamboo laminate finish looks rich and refined and goes with most interior decors.
The double-sealed MDF play surface resists warping, but it’s not perfect. A set of balls wth a triangle and chalk/brush/table cloth are all included.
We like this table for its overall value and easier use given the smaller size (and more manageable price tag!).
Pros:
- Nice looks
- Easier to fit in a “normal” house
- Lower price
Cons:
- Not great to practice if you’re looking to tweak the finer points of your game on a regular-sized table
5. MD Sports Billiard Table Set
Dimensions: 7.5-foot Titan is 89 x 50 x 31 inches while the 7-foot Arcade is 84″ x 48″ x 31″
MD Sports makes some good tables but we really like the Titan (not pictured). You can see a photo HERE. We would definitely consider the MD Sports table to be a “higher-end” or “luxury” table.
The table is considered “heavy-duty” and is made of 18mm thick laminate felt (really strong) and medium density MDF for the aprons, rails and base.
Featuring K-66 spec. wood bumper guards and a set of standard drop pockets for an authentic pool table look and feel. The oversize leg-levelers add versatility and ease of use to the process of setting up your table for use on nearly any floor surface.
With this table, you’re ready to play pool at any time you see fit! The kit has a set of billiard balls, two chalks, two cue sticks, a triangle, and a table brush. You don’t need to wait and purchase extra accessories to start playing immediately.
Pros:
- Nice looks
- Sturdy build
- Lower price than other “high-end” tables
Cons:
- Uses MDF (like most others) rather than a higher-end material
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
Pool tables are great to have when you entertain guests, but we also consider it to be a specialty item. Pool tables should be taken care of to increase the longevity and we hope that you managed to find the ideal pool table for your needs.
We would like to thank you for reading this article and we hope that you are now able to buy your very own pool table with all the right knowledge of the features.
We would also like to encourage you to let us know if you agree with our list and if you think we might have missed any of your favorites.
