Al’s Blog

There are many reasons people need to move a pool table.  Doing it right will save lots of backache and possibly heart break.  Any good home model table, except coin-ops, are 3 piece slate.  The slate should be removed from the baseframe before the table is transported.  The slate weighs 300 to 600 lbs in total so to try to carry the baseframe and the slate in one piece is awkward and could seriously damage the slate, baseframe on someone’s back.  It is simple and easy to remove the slate and transport each piece.  Baseframes, whether unibody or knock down are then easier to manuever thru doorways and out of the location. Most manufacturers, in their warranties state that the table be moved only by certified manufacturer approved technicians.  This negates the table lifetime warranty.  Getting the table back together leveled and flattened is another matter all together.  I’ll cover this later.

Cloth can last anywhere from 3 months under heavy use, to 20+ years if used sparingly.  Under average recreational use (3 to 5 hours per week) standard non-worsted billiard cloth needs to be replaced every 5 to 10 years.  The best grade (23 oz. per square yard, worsted wool) billiard cloth from companies like Championship, Simonis, Forestman, ec. should last 10 years or more under these conditions.  Players who strike the ball very hard on most shots, practice heavy english, do jump/masse’ shots, or play longer hours will not get this type of cloth longevity. 

If the cloth develops tears, holes, divits, or any serious marks that effect the roll of the billiard balls, it probably needs to be replaced.  Like many things, personal preference is all that really matters.  Serious players replace cloth once per year just to keep that “fresh” bite and roll on the ball.  Cloth comes in many grades from poor to tournament grade worsted wool.  I’ll discuss grades and characteristics in a later post.  A recover from a good, insured, professional installation technician should cost between $250 and $600 depending on the table style, cloth used, and part of the country you are in.

“I have a pool table and no one uses it.” We hear that comment regularly.  What people need to think about is the real purpose for the game room.  Parents envision kids playing competitive, challenging, and social games other than mind-numbing video games.  Empty nesters want adult entertainment for their friends in a room stocked with classic games like billiards, darts, shuffelboard, and more.  Many men want to capture the feeling they had in their youth shooting pool at the bar or club, so they create a “man-cave” for themselves. 

If you keep the end goal of the “Game Room” in mind, focusing on your vision of how the room will be used, you will make better decisions when you buy things like a pool table, television/home theater system, or home bar setup.  If you focus too early on price and “getting a deal” you are likely to end up getting a deal on the wrong stuff for you and your family.  For instance, many people blow the entire budget on a “built in bar” with all of the bells and whistles.  Without the quality game tables and entertainment activities to go with it, the bar does not get used nearly as much.  The more “toys” in the room the more it will be used.  Your best bet is to make notes when you are in a freinds fun game room, Surf the Internet, or visit a specialty retailer for ideas.

Too many people put in a pool table without proper lighting.  Over-All brightness is not as important as eliminating shadows on the balls and having consistent light over the entire play surface.  It is difficult and risky to hang a pool table light after the table is in place.  The light fixture needs hi-wattage bulbs to be effective (at least 75 watt) and proper height over the table is essential.  Ideal height is 64-70 inches from the floor to the bottom of the light shade.  High wattage bulbs in the 100 to 150 watt range require a porcelain socket.  Tin, or other cheap metals will overheat with high wattage.  Of course these are just guidelines, all that really matters is how happy you are with “seeing” the balls on the table.  If you find yourself missing long cut shots, especially on the 8 Ball, look at your lighting situation and consider investing in a good fixture from a company like Toltec, Landmark, or Ram Lighting.

Every day we deal with people confused about gameroom items. From pool tables to theatre seats, to card tables.  Anything to do with your gameroom at home.  So I will attempt each day to comment on a question or concern of the day.  Or anything that strikes my fancy.  I also invite you to join in as long as your comments are honest, in good taste and pertain to the topic.

Welcome to my blog.  Please stay tuned, as I will begin adding content soon.