Pool Tables Online Regular Asked Questions

Pool Tables Online - Can I ask you a question?

Pool Tables Online: As suppliers of slate bed pool tables, we speak to members of the public all day long, and apart from questions specific to the customers' own requirements, we are asked the following questions 'FAQ'S' on a regular basis.

Some customers have had non-slate tables, which are often produced in the Far East and have many specifications. As these are so different from UK slate bed pool tables, it is natural to want to know the following:

Question - Are your tables proper pub-size tables?

Answer: Yes, they are. Most of the tables we sell for the home are made by manufacturers of coin-operated pool tables, so it makes sense for them to use components like slate and top frames in both home and coin tables.

Question - Are your tables league-size?

Answer: Yes, they are. The accepted league size table in UK pubs is the 7ft x 4ft table, although the leagues and associations also take the small 6ft x 3'6inch size because of the smaller room area of some UK pubs.  Tinier pubs would be unfairly restricted from entering many competitions if they could not fit a 7ft table into their space.

Question – Are the balls full size?

Answer: Yes, they are. The UK pubs use 2-inch Object Balls and 1-7/8 inch Cue Balls, which are the same on our UK slate bed tables.

Question – What about the cushion rubber?

Answer: The cushion rubber has lots of bounce, so the ball response is the same as when you get on a pub pool table. Most of our cushion sets will last between 6 and 8 years in the home environment.

Question – What about the cloth on the tables?

Answer: Well, first of all, we do not use cheap pool cloth. The baize is not like the inferior felt used on card or poker tables, or even on some cheap pool tables, for that matter. Our home tables on Pool Tables Online are all fitted with professional billiard cloth designed to be hardwearing and provide the optimum game. Whether it's Hainsworth or Strachan 100% wool-napped cloth or the faster-speed cloth from Simonis, it is all designed specifically for the tables we sell.

Question – Are the tables heavy?

Answer: Yes, they are. They weigh between 200 kg and 260 kg, which 100 kg is down to the slate. That's why we recommend a professional install.

Question – What space do I need?

Answer: As a rule of thumb, you ideally need 4 feet all around the table. So, for a 7ft x 4ft table, you would need 15ft x 12ft. If you don't have 4 feet all around, don't panic! We have cues from 36 inches, 42 inches, 52 inches, and 57 inches. So, for that one tight spot you have, we have a cue to fix it.

Question – Can you install it upstairs or downstairs?

Answer: Yes, we can. Tables come in three parts: Cabinet, Slate, and Legs, so most locations will allow a straightforward installation. If the space is too tight, we can supply the table in total kit form and assemble it from scratch in your house. A surcharge for this service applies.

Question – What is the difference between a UK pool table and an American table?

Answer: In a nutshell, the American table is bigger in every aspect, including the cabinet, playing area, pockets, and balls. For example, the full-size American league pool table is 9ft x 5ft, and the ball size is 2-1/4 inch compared to the UK 2" ball. Most pubs use the smaller UK-style tables because of space constraints, and the fact that the UK game has a skill level ratio to that of Snooker appeals to the British player.

At Pool Tables Online, we are always happy to answer pool-related questions. Please just give us a call or get in touch through our website - www.pooltablesonline.co.uk