The Best Pool Tables of 2021 And How to Pick One
Pool is one of the best table games ever made, we absolutely love it. In case you’re looking to buy a pool table, we thought it would be useful to give you some tips and guidelines.
That way, you’ll buy the best pool table for the money, and more important, for your specific needs and wants.
Pool is getting more and more popular over the years, if you want to read more about the rules of pool, read this article from wikipedia.
In this post we will cover –
- What to look for when buying a pool table?
- What are the dimensions, size and weight of a standard pool table?
- What are the 5 best pool tables for your money?
Quick tip: not sure which size pool table will fit your room? read our pool table size guide.
Lets dive right into it.
What You Should Look At When Buying a Pool Table?
When buying a pool table, there are a few factors you want to look at.
First, it really depends on where you’re planning to place your pool table.
If its a pool table for home use, you probably want a higher quality than if you’re buying a pool table for a bar.
Unless of course, you own a high-end bar where people actually care and won’t burn your pool table with their cigars.
Either way, we always recommend a higher quality table and pay a little more rather than paying a few hundred bucks less and make a mistake.
Lets talk about what to look at when picking the best pool table.
*Quick tip: need extra pool sticks? we reviewed the best pool cues of 2021 recently, read it here.
1. The Quality is CRUCIAL
Do NOT buy a low quality pool table, just don’t. You’ll end up with a table that brakes down fast, and the pockets will probably rip and won’t hold the balls.
You want a well made, sturdy pool table. A good tip is to buy a pool table that is built with hardwood. These tables will be heavier, look fantastic, and are safer to play on (they won’t fall).
The pool tables pockets should be well made preferably trimmed with leather, that way the wont get torn easily from the impact of the balls falling down.
AVOID plastic pockets, they break easily and are generally terrible.
The surface of the pool table (the “play area”) should be made of worsted wool. The cheaper tables are made with a blend of wool-nylon that is a little thicker (usually bar tables).
2. The Price is Important, But Don’t Look For The Cheapest
Of course, you want it to be affordable, but not too cheap, remember, cheaper isn’t necessarily better as you’ll get a lower quality table.
For us (and probably for you too) value exceeds price. You would rather pay more and get more than pay less and get a table that won’t last you more than a few months.
3. The Brand and Warranty
Buy a table from a well known brand that will stand behind their product. That will guarantee you a solid warranty in case anything happens, and can possibly save you money and stress!
Confused? no worries! we actually picked the best 5 pool tables for you so you won’t have to go through the headache, find them by scrolling down this article.
What Are The Dimensions, Size and Weight of a Standard Pool Table?
Before we talk about the best pool tables we thought it’ll be important to briefly go over the dimensions, size and weight of a pool table, so you’ll prepare the right space for it.
The standard pool table comes is anywhere from 7-9 foot long.
The weight of a standard pool table is anywhere from 650-900 pounds.
We thought it’d would be useful to post the table below for easier planning of space depending on the pool tables’ dimensions, so refer to it.
Table Size
Ideal Room Size for 58" Cues
Actual Playing Surface
Table Size
Ideal Room Size for 58" Cues
Actual Playing Surface
Now that we got that out of the way, lets reveal our top choices for pool tables.
What Are The Best 5 Pool Tables for Your Money?
These are our favorite pool tables, to make it easier on you, we will briefly review them and give you a link you can buy them from (you can thank us late, haha ).
Specifications:
- 23 PIECE SET includes the 100” Hawthorne Barrington Billiard Table; 2 cue sticks; 2 chalk cubes; 1 triangle rack; 1 felt brush; 15 numbered billiard balls; and 1 cue ball. This handsome claw foot pool table completes any game room.
- FAMILY FUN that develops physical, mental and emotional control in people of all ages. From your youngest child to your great-grandmother, billiards is a leisure activity that anyone can learn and play.
- STRIKING ball and claw leg design is richly ornate. With its exquisite styling and detail, this game table is sure to become the focal point of indoor activities in your family room or man cave.
This one is a fantastic table by the well known Barrington brand. Leather pockets, well built and just an eye-candy. This table will last you for a long time and its absolutely recommended.
Specifications:
- GAME ROOM FUN: This traditional billiard table makes for a great addition to any family living area - easily set-up this table in your basement, man cave, or living room for long lasting entertainment the entire family can enjoy.
- INCLUDES EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PLAY: 2 wooden billiard cues, 1 set of billiard balls, 2 pieces of chalk, 1 triangle, 1 table brush.
- TRADITIONAL POOL TABLE STYLE: Table features claw feet and parlor style drop pocket design featuring scratch resistant luster long finish that resists wear over time.
Another great table is the one by eastpoint. Well made, looks stunning and very smooth. We absolutely love the wooden legs, this one is sturdy and recommended. Its 87 inches and looks very luxurious. Its also very affordable which is important.
Specifications:
- ON-SITE DELIVERY AND PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION: Delivery and installation included. Your table will ship directly to an Authorized Dazadi Certified Installer. The installer will then contact you to schedule an installation appointment. Your order can be delivered and installed to you within 4-6 weeks of placing your order. Delivery is not available to Puerto Rico, Alaska, Hawaii or US cities requiring ferry service. Extraordinary delivery requirements may necessitate an additional fee.
- ENSURES RELIABLE PLAY: The Toscana has a quality 3-piece, 1-inch thick slate which allows a more accurate leveling, no warping and better ball roll in every game. The frame is made of sturdy dense fiber wood with birch veneer and scratch-resistant onyx finish.
- STYLISH CLASSIC DETAILS: The slate pool table is supported by 17.5-inch, dense fiber wood, square tapered legs with veneer and carved accents. It even has 5-inch thick solid hardwood rails with mother-of-pearl inlays, K66 rubber bumper cushions, and parlor-style drop pockets with shield. Pool table felt cloth is a 75 percent wool and 25 percent nylon blend and bathed in stain-resistant solution. It comes in rich Green, Blue, Red and Camel colors.
This is probably one of the best pool tables on the list. The reason we ranked it 3rd, is just because its a little pricey and not everyone can afford it (around 2K) however, if you have the extra money definitely get it.
Its absolutely stunning, sturdy, well made, and so fun to play on (we did!).
Specifications:
- FREE ON-SITE DELIVERY AND PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION: All our items ship for free. Delivery is not available to Puerto Rico, Alaska, Hawaii or US cities requiring ferry service. Extraordinary delivery requirements may necessitate an additional fee. Your table will ship directly to an Authorized Dazadi Certified Installer. The installer will then contact you to schedule an installation appointment. Your order can be delivered and installed to you within 4-6 weeks of placing your order.
- BEAUTIFUL FINISH AND CLASSIC DESIGN: This billiard playing table features a beautiful Espresso finish and a Contender colored woolen cloth. You can choose from a variety of cloth color variations: Green, Regatta Blue, Merlot and Sahara. It also has a classic profile, an arched baseframe, carved corners, and solid wooden ball and claw legs - features that make it suitable for any game room.
- DURABLY BUILT: This 8 foot long pool table is made from superior engineered wood products with select veneered hardwoods. It is also assembled using high-torque bolted construction and state-of-the-art heavy gauge steel fastening systems for rock solid performance during fun pool games with friends and loved ones.
This beautifully designed pool table by Brunswick is an absolute stunner. Besides the great design, its very fun to play on, its big enough, and very well made.
A table thats built to last and won’t be an eye-sore in the middle of the room, we highly recommend it for home use or high-end pubs.
Specifications:
- EASY TO TRANSPORT: This gorgeous table includes durable, steel legs that easily fold for transportation and storage. The included nylon carry bag is rip-resistant, keeping your table safe and secure while it’s on the go.
- FAMILY FRIENDLY: The Fairmont’s compact 6-foot frame is perfect for kids learning the game. Adults will appreciate its high-quality construction and simple space-saving design A perfect addition to any game room gym or office.
- NO ASSEMBLY REQUIRED: Every table ships fully assembled and ready to play. Simply unfold the legs and get the fun rolling.
This is a very cute foldable pool table, we thought it deserves to be on the list for those who are looking for a foldable pool table and don’t have the extra place.
The good thing is you can also place it outside and play wherever you want. That being said, of course its not on the same level of quality of the pool tables we picked above.
Also a great choice if you’re buying a pool table for kids.
The Bottom Line
We hope this post helped you pick the best pool table, and please make sure to let us know if you have any questions or need help!
Pool is a fantastic game and buying a table is a great idea, its also a beautiful piece of furniture and adds character to the room.
Remember : make sure you have the right space for the pool table. The last thing you want to do is order a pool table that is too small or too big for your space.
Also, define the purpose you want the pool table / billiard table for, are you going to play often or just once in a while ? is it more of a furniture piece or for kids to play (and ruin)?
Last, we ask that you share this post via social media (facebook, twitter, or whichever one you use) so we can keep growing TableGamez.com and provide more awesome posts like this one!
