Pool Table Buying Guide
1. Can I see the pool table before buying?
Some of our suppliers have showrooms and appointments can be made on your behalf
2. What pool table brands do you distribute?
We distribute the main UK and European pool brands such as DPT Pool Tables, SAM Pool Tables, Optima Pool Tables, Supreme Pool Tables, Gatley Pool Tables and Dynamic Pool Tables.
3. What table should I buy - UK Style or Original American Style
The American Game of Pool is the original game and is still played in the USA and most parts of the world.
The American game is played with 2 1/4" object balls (i.e. spots and stripes numbered 1 to 15) and with the same size cue ball.
The pockets are also much bigger on American pool tables and two balls can pass side by side into a pocket to make it a great potting game. The other feature of the USA specification pool tables is the cloth which is a speed cloth without a nap for a very fast game.
The UK game is very different and is played in most pubs, clubs and leagues throughout the UK.
It has a smaller playfield and smaller pockets for a more skilful game and comes in 6ft x 3ft 6inches and 7ft x 4ft sizes
As well as having a smaller ball set than the American tables the slate bed playing surface is usually covered in a wool napped cloth that gives the average player more control of the cue ball and this type of cloth still outsells the no nap variety although some players prefer the faster napless cloth (speed cloth).
The balls for the UK coin tables are 2" object balls with a 1 7/8" or 2” cue ball. The pockets are smaller and are only the width of one and a half object balls hence the extra skill required
4. Will the table pool table fit my room?
Take a look at our Pool Table Room Size Guide to make sure your room is large enough.
5. Can I have a personalised pool cloth?
Yes, we can recover your slate with the pool cloth of your choice. We can also print a totally personalized cloth from any image.
6. What comes with my pool table?
Every pool table comes with a complete set of equipment needed to play the game, 2 cues, a set of balls, triangle, and chalk. If we install then you get a much larger bonus pack of accessories including extra cues, brush, PVC cover, spare cue tips and rules
7. Do I need other things?
We recommend that you buy a brush to improve the lifetime of your cloth (see "Table maintenance"), and lights. You can also look at our cues for a higher quality cue and our cue racks and scorers. If you are creating a games room don´t hesitate to call for advice.
8. How to install my pool table?
The pool table installation is usually quite straightforward although we would always recommend our own installation by our own trained fitters as the slate bed tables are very heavy. Our fitters would position the table, level it and leave it ready for play. If you choose our installation we will also give you a free accessory pack worth over £60
9. How to level my pool table?
Levelling a pool table is dependent on the type of pool table. On some tables the bottom foot plate that meets the floor turns and screws in and out, allowing you to change the table level with a twist of that foot. On other tables you have to slide a thin piece of material (shim) under the leg or slate.
Generally, if you have a few strong people and a level, levelling a pool table is not very complicated. Have two strong people raise up the side on which the leg is that you need to adjust and slip your shim under or screw the leg up or down. Place a spirit level across the width of the table at one end and screw the table feet up or down until level. Repeat at the other end of the table, across the width, corner to corner. Finally place the level down the length of the table and raise or lower one end of the table by means of the levelling screws, adjusting both feet at one end by equal amounts until level along the table. Check levels again and repeat if necessary.
Now that you have the table fairly level, you can test it by rolling a cue ball slowly at various places on the table and see if it rolls true. Make your final adjustments based on the roll.
If you put your pool table on a carpet, wait some time for the table to settle into it before levelling.
Caution: Do not try to do this without the proper number of people in the proper physical condition to help. Even a "light" pool table is quite heavy and could harm somebody. If you are not sure call us.
10. Pool table maintenance
After your table is installed, regular maintenance will maintain the quality of the cloth. It is recommended that the table be fitted with a cover to protect the table when in not in use. The pool cloth should be brushed regularly, always brushing from the baulk end, down the length of the table in the direction of the nap.
11. Do you sell coin operated tables?
Yes, we have a wide variety of coin operated models. If you are an operator or use your table for commercial purposes, we have special offers for you on coin operated tables. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information.
