Pool Table Cloth and Snooker Cloth

What are the differences between pool and snooker table cloth?

We are often asked what the main differences between pool and snooker cloths are. Below is an essential guide that outlines the differences.

Pool table cloth and snooker cloth—There are many different types of cloth available for pool and snooker tables, and we would like to explain some of the differences!

Snooker is the most straightforward game, as all professional games are played on 100% wool cloths with a napped finish.

What is a napped finish?

A napped cloth is quite simply raised fibres set in a particular direction. A piece of snooker cloth is a bit like a lawn that is cut to a level. Instead of the fibres standing upright, they are set through heat treatment to lie in one direction. This means if you run your hand in one direction, it will be very smooth, but if you run your hand in the other direction, you will raise the surface, and it will be rough.

Top snooker players know that the speed at which they play the ball depends on whether they are playing up or down the table (i.e., with or against the nap). The raised fibres also help control and arrest the cue ball and influence the spin and swerve. This is why pool and snooker tables covered in wool are always brushed in the direction of the nap to maintain its qualities.

From time to time, tables are also ironed using a special iron to help set the nap after use. Never brush a wool cloth in a scrubbing motion, as you will damage the fibres and spoil the quality of the game.

For leagues and competitions, the majority of UK-style pool tables are covered with wool-napped pool cloth, but most American tables and an increasing number of UK tables are covered in worsted cloth, which is a mixture of wool and nylon and is commonly known as "speed cloth."

The most popular speed pool table cloths are 70% wool and 30% nylon. They have no nap (or non-directional) and produce a much faster game. Controlling the cue ball requires a different type of skill. The nylon content also makes the cloth much harder to wear.

So, whether you are a traditionalist or want a faster game, the choice is yours, and we can provide cloth to suit your tastes.

Pool Tables Online are the leading distributors in the UK and Ireland for the world-famous Simonis speed pool table cloth, which has been produced for over 300 years. See our page here if you are interested in the history of Simonis, one of the world's oldest cloth suppliers.