Best Pool Tables for Your Home

Pool is one of the most popular games in the world and for a good reason. It’s ideal for families, friends, and workspaces because anyone can play and learn. In this guide, we’ll look at the best pool tables in 2020 and explain what features you should look for. 

Whether you want to introduce a fun addition to your games room or are searching for a kids pool table to keep your critters entertained, we have all the information you need. So, let’s get started. 

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Review of the Best Pool Tables

We’ve done our research and have put together a list of the best pool tables. So, which competitors made the cut? 

Best Design – EastPoint Sports Masterton Billiard Table

If you want to add a touch of class to your games room, then we can’t fault EastPoint Sports on their stunning billiard table. The 87” table is perfect for commercial and home use, with the manufacturers combining practicality with aesthetic appeal. The top rail has a LusterLong coat to give the table extra durability, and the clawfoot design creates an elegant look. 

Included with the table are balls, cues, a triangle, and chalk. We love the EastPoint Sports table because of how good it looks, but appearances aren’t everything. Is it the most attractive table? Absolutely. But, what’s it like to play on the table? Honestly, there are better billiard tables around and we wouldn’t advise professionals to buy this table. If you’re willing to compromise on the quality of the felt then this pool table is excellent for adding some style to your games room. 

Specifications

• Dimensions: 87″ L x 50″ W x 31″ H
• Weight: 200 lbs

What We Like:

• Beautiful design
• Inexpensive
• LusterLong coat adds durability
• Accessories included

What We Don’t Like:

• Thin felt
• Not suitable for professionals

Best for Your Games Room – Rack Taurus Pool Table 

This heavy-duty pool table is ideal if you want to practice some complex shots. It can hold a lot of weight, and families will enjoy playing billiards. Not only do you get two Maplewood pool cues, but the company will also send you an extra one for free upon request. The manufacturers combine functionality with attractive design elements to create an appealing billiard table. 

Overall, we can’t really fault Rack Taurus’s pool table. It works well, can withstand heavy use, and is ideal for families. One minor issue is the table surface isn’t of the highest quality and professionals might not enjoy playing on it. 

Specifications

• Dimensions: 96” L x 53” W x 32” H
• Weight: 304 lbs

What We Like:

• Beautiful design
• Comes with three cues
• Lifetime warranty

What We Don’t Like:

• The surface is medium-quality
• Not suitable for professionals

Best for Outdoors – Snow Shop Everything Outdoor Billiard Table 

It’s not always an option to have a billiards table in your home, especially if you don’t have space. Luckily, Snow Shop Everything has a genius solution in the form of their outdoor billiard table which comes with a free ping pong set. Made from aluminum, the table can withstand a range of weather conditions including snow, rain, and frost. 

The table surface is also very durable, and it comes with a weather-proof cover. But wait, aluminum isn’t very attractive, is it? Snow Shop Everything adds wicker elements to improve the aesthetic appeal and we have to say it looks great. Most importantly, the billiard and ping pong combination is perfect for friends and family to enjoy during all seasons. 

Specifications

• Dimensions: 84″ L x 48″ W x 29″ H
• Weight: 158 lbs

What We Like:

• Withstands severe weather conditions
• Fantastic for friends and family
• Comes with ping-pong set

What We Don’t Like:

• Rain can affect the quality of your game 

Best for Moving Around – Hathaway Fairmont Portable Pool Table 

If you’re looking for a pool table you can store away when it’s not in use, then look no further! The Hathaway Fairmont pool table is perfect for people with limited space requirements, especially if you don’t want to buy an outdoor table. It comes with folding legs, meaning you can keep it in small spaces and grab it when you want to play. 

The pool table has stainless steel legs, and levelers to ensure you can play on any surface. It comes with accessories, but you might need to invest in better quality cues. While the frame is very durable, the felt can wear down quickly, but it’s fine for recreational use. Overall, we love this table and think it’s ideal for college dorms, and families. 

Specifications

• Dimensions: 76″ L x 43″ W x 32″ H
• Weight: 110 lbs

What We Like:

• Folding legs 
• Can be moved by one strong person
• Ideal for recreational use 

What We Don’t Like:

• Low-quality cues 
• The felt wears quickly

Best for Pros – Barrington Premium Billiard Table 

Barrington is renowned for its stylish designs, and their pool tables are no different. The stylish wooden look is available in a range of colors and finishes, which makes it an ideal addition to your games room. More importantly, this billiard table is designed for pros and the manufacturers don’t skimp on using quality materials. 

With competition-grade felt and K66 safety bumpers, professionals and serious players will love the level surface, which means you can perfect your game at home. You don’t need to worry about assembly, because the legs come ready-made. Honestly, we can’t fault this elegant table at all – but like most premium quality tables, it comes with a hefty price tag. 

Specifications

• Dimensions: 99″ L x 54″ W x 32″ H
• Weight: 381 lbs

What We Like:

• Stunning design
• Competition grade felt
• Ideal for professional use 

What We Don’t Like:

• Expensive 

Best Hybrid Table – HearthSong Pool/Golf Game 

We know all too well that kids need to be entertained and HearthSong has come with a quirky solution with their integrated pool and golf game. So, how does it work? Well, the green mat rolls out, and there’s a selection of pool balls and obstacles. Kids can choose whether they want to play the course, or use the clubs as cues for a more traditional game of pool. 

Older children might get bored of the game quite quickly, but the obstacles make it more fun. It’s not traditional, but if you’re looking to buy an entertaining pool table for kids, then we definitely recommend this one. 

Specifications

• Dimensions: 78″ L x 57″ W
• Weight: 11.37 lbs

What We Like:

• Fun design
• Easy to store
• Includes obstacles 

What We Don’t Like:

• Not a traditional billiards game 
• Older kids might get bored easily

Pool Table Buying Guide 

There are lots of things you need to consider when buying a pool table. Variations include British or American tables, which have considerable size differences. American tables are often larger and have a smoother playing surface, but British style tables offer a slow and tactical game. 

The Types of Pool Tables

There are so many pool tables around; it’s essential to consider which is best for your needs. Some tables are more decorative, while others focus on a practical approach. 

Outdoor Tables – Suitable for all weather conditions and usually come with a protective cover. 

Folding Tables – Ideal if you want to save space and move the table around. 

Combination Tables – Some tables double as a dining area, and others include other games such as ping-pong. 

Traditional Tables – If you want a table that focuses on aesthetics, then traditional tables usually have a wooden finish. 

Mini Tables – Miniature tables are perfect for young children, as they’re easy to use and enable them to practice their skills. 

Which Cloth Should I Look for?

The cloth (or felt) is the most critical part of the table because the quality will impact your game. In general, the felt in home tables is lower quality than commercial or professional tables because they’re used less. Most tables comprise of either napped or worsted cloth. 

Worsted cloth offers players a faster game because it provides a smooth playing surface. Napped cloth is the less popular choice because it makes the ball move slowly and decreases accuracy. The most significant advantage of napped cloth is it’s good for practice because you’ll build your skills. 

What Frame is Best?

With pool tables, the felt covers a slate panel, which is the playing-surface. As you can imagine, the frame is central to how well the rest of it works. The best pool tables will have wood attached to the bottom, with cross beams for added support and stability. 

It’s important to remember that some tables might cost less, especially if they use cheap materials for the frame. But that doesn’t mean you’ll save money. A poorly made frame will ruin your game and leave you searching for a new table. 

Are the Legs Important?

The legs hold around 90% of the weight of the table, so yes, they’re a vital component. Some pool tables come with leg levelers, so you can adjust to playing on a tricky surface. The two main leg types are:

Two-piece Legs – Joined legs that detach from the slate, with two types of locking system. Always search for two-piece legs with a quad-locking system instead of a single lock for extra stability. 

Post Legs – Made from wood, post legs offer maximum durability and aesthetic appeal. They’re not detachable but are the favored choice for most buyers. 

Should I Buy Accessories? 

It’s uncommon for a pool table to come with no accessories, but they can be of poor quality. In general, the balls are fine, but the cues might need to be replaced with better ones. The best pool tables also come with a triangle, chalk, and a ball rack. 

If you want to save money, look for tables that come with all of the accessories, but be prepared to spend money if you’re an amateur or professional player. 

How Much Should I Spend on a Pool Table?

The money you’re willing to spend on a pool table impacts the overall quality. It’s no secret that expensive tables often perform better, but this isn’t always the case. There is such a thing as over-pricing, so when you’re looking at pool tables, be sure to read the reviews. 

If you’re buying a table for recreational use, there are plenty of cost-effective options available. Consider these questions before you make a purchase: 

• Is the table durable? 
• What material do the manufacturers use?
• Does the table have good reviews?

Find a balance between what you want and what you can afford so everyone can enjoy the pool table. 

Pool Table FAQ’S 

How Much Space Do I Need for a Pool Table?

That entirely depends on the size of the table. Professional grade tables will take up more space, but there are lots of models around. It’s also vital that you think about if you’ll have enough room to play correctly. Remember, you’ll need extra space for the cues. 

How Much Maintenance Will my Table Require? 

You should always make sure you know how to care for your pool table. Wooden designs need to be kept dry, and the playing surface should be replaced every few years. There’s not much maintenance involved but check your table regularly. 

Why are Some Pool Tables so Expensive? 

As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. If you’re only interested in a functional table for recreational use, then there’s no point in spending a lot of money. But if you want the table to have a wooden finish and intricate design features, then you can expect to pay a lot more. 

The Bottom Line 

Pool tables are an excellent addition to your household and can provide hours of fun for the whole family. You must think about why you’re buying a table and what you’ll use it for. There’s no point spending a fortune on a table that’s just for recreational use, but low-prices often mean you’ll compromise on the overall quality. 

Now you’ve seen the best pool tables; it’s time to make a decision! Whether it’s for your kids, the family, or your commercial property, billiards is one of the most popular games in the world.