Pool Table Cloth - Wool Cloth and Speed Cloth

Pool Table Cloth - What is the difference between wool cloth and speed cloth?

Pool table cloth has a rich history. Before the introduction of pool tables in the UK in the 1960s, the traditional cue sports game was snooker. This game was almost always played on 100% wool cloth with a directional finish (nap), a characteristic that has influenced the choice of cloth for pool tables.

Pool, in contrast, has its roots in the USA and is still primarily played on non-directional cloth (speed cloth) in both the States and Europe. This geographical influence is a key factor in the choice of cloth for pool tables in these regions.

The UK version of pool is a hybrid game using smaller balls, smaller pockets, and, in most cases, woollen cloth with a nap. This is due to the influence of snooker on British pool.

Both types of pool table cloth provide excellent games but offer a very different playing experience. The nap cloth, which has raised fibres then steamed into lying in one direction, provides a slightly slower surface that is faster with the nap and slower against the nap, like playing with and against the grain. On the other hand, speed cloth has no directional nap, making it faster. It also means that every shot is played at the same speed, making it a very consistent surface.

One is not better than the other, as both surface types require good cueing skills. It is purely a matter of choice.

Our company takes pride in being a supplier of some of the world's finest cloth. As the main UK importer of Simonis speed cloth, we offer a championship cloth that is renowned throughout the world as the finest speed cloth on the market. We also maintain close relationships with Hainsworth and Strachan, who produce the finest woollen cloths, ensuring our customers can access the finest cloth to play on.

If you require any advice on pool or snooker cloth, require colour swatch samples, or have a question, please feel free to contact us. Our experienced staff would be more than happy to help.