How many of you have dreamed of having a beautiful pool table as the centerpiece of a magnificent game room in your home one day? Owning a pool table could be a game-changer at any house party and will allow you to garner some serious skills!
In this article, I will cover how much a pool table costs, as well as the different sizes, customization options, and more. So let’s get started, and you will be potting 8-balls from the comfort of your own home in no time!
HOW MUCH DOES A POOL TABLE COST?
So, you are considering getting a pool table, but will it fit your budget? It is the million-dollar question, but thankfully it does not have a million-dollar answer!
If you go to cheaper, everyday stores, you may only need to part with $200 to $300, but if you go to a specialist pool table manufacturer, you could spend up to $10,000. That said, most people spend around $1,000 to $2,500 for a decent quality home-use pool table.
Why such a range in price? That is due to the wide range of factors that affect pool table prices, such as size, materials, and customization options.
FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE PRICE OF A POOL TABLE
Without knowing the different factors that can cause the price of a pool table to increase tenfold, it will be tough to understand why someone would spend up to $5,000 or more for a pool table. So, let’s break it down.
SIZE
Excluding tiny kid’s size pool tables, most pool tables for home use are between 6 and 8 feet long. Tournament standard pool tables used in professional pool halls are 9 feet long and are also available for purchase but are not very commonly found in homes, simply because of their size. Naturally, the bigger the table, the more you can expect to pay.
BED SURFACE
No, we are not talking about your sleeping arrangements! The bed is the name of the flat surface under the cloth on which the game is played.
Low-end tables will have a bed made of plywood or MDF. These are reasonably durable, but the material will wear out much faster than more expensive pool tables. A pool table with an MDF bed will almost always cost less than $1,000.
Mid-range to high-end tables will have slate or rock beds; the thicker the slate, the better the table quality. Slate pool tables are much more expensive, but they are incredibly durable and will last a lifetime.
CLOTH MATERIAL
Any pool player worth their salt can tell the quality of a table by the cloth covering the bed and rails. Called baize (not felt), it is made of woven wool or a mixture of wool and nylon, usually weighing around 22 ounces. A good quality pool table will have a tightly woven, lightweight baize with little friction.
Most cheap bar tables will have a slightly heavier, thicker baize, but the thinner and lighter the cloth, the better, allowing for a more finessed, precise game. These thinner baizes are therefore more pricey.
A cheaper pool table cloth can cost around $100 to $200, but tournament-level pool baizes can cost up to $1,000!
RAILS MATERIAL
Another material used in pool tables is rubber, which is used for the rails (or cushions). The rubber is vulcanized but can be natural gum or synthetic, and natural rubber is almost always pricier. Depending on the sport, the cushions have specific shapes – known as profiles; American Pool has a K-66 profile, while snooker uses L-77.
POCKETS MATERIAL
The pockets of a pool table can be made of several different materials, such as leather, plastic, and rope netting. High-quality pool tables will generally have leather pockets, which are the most expensive, while cheaper bar tables will use plastic drop pockets. Plastic and rope pockets are much more affordable than leather ones, but you may need to replace them eventually.
QUALITY OF WOOD AND OTHER MATERIALS
The most affordable pool tables are made of fiberglass, plastic, or cheap wood, such as red oak, maple, cherry, or walnut. These tables are much more affordable than those made entirely of high-quality wood, but they sacrifice durability and will wear out or need repairs much faster.
Pool tables made with genuine mahogany or other rare and durable hardwoods are incredibly long-lasting and may also be designed with beautiful and intricate carvings. That said, pool tables made with rare hardwoods will be on the high end of the cost spectrum at around $5,000 to $10,000.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
Even if your pool table is made from good quality materials, it may not last as long if it is not made by an expert craftsman. Pool tables require a lot of precise measurements and woodworking, so it is vital to ensure you purchase one from a reputable dealer.
A pool table from a sports store will cost significantly less than one that is specially crafted by a pool table maker.
CUSTOMIZATION
Do you want the baize to be a particular color? Do you want your favorite sports team’s logo right in the middle of the table? Or maybe you want a custom size or type of wood that the manufacturer will have to specially order?
There are many ways to customize a pool table that can make it unique. Sports stores and pool table retailers won’t give you these options, but specialist table stores and manufacturers often give you a choice of customizable features or even the chance to design your table from scratch.
Customization is where the cost of your pool table can increase significantly. Simple customizations may only add a few hundred dollars to the overall cost, but complex carvings or designing your pool table from scratch can cost MUCH more than purchasing a pool table from the stock.
Here are some examples of customizations you can add to a pool table:
- LED lighting
- Customized color of the pool cloth
- Custom wood type
- Custom table dimensions
- Complete custom design
- Pull-out draw that holds cues and pool balls
ADDITIONAL COSTS TO CONSIDER
So, you have your lovely new table. What next? Presuming you are not planning to just walk around admiring it, you might need some other equipment, which are other costs to consider.
BALLS
In the vast majority of cases, you will not have to worry about the balls as they will be included in the table costs. If you do need to purchase a set, you can buy standard American pool balls for between $30 and $150.
When you fancy adding a set of snooker or English pool balls to your collection, you can expect to pay a similar price.
If you are after balls with a custom design, you can expect to pay at least $150.
POOL CUES
For the professional pool player, there is nothing more important than their cue; they treat it as an extension of their arm!
If you are just planning to play for fun, you don’t need to think too hard about what type of pool cue to invest in, but if you are serious about the game, then a good quality cue is beyond important. Alternatively, a specific design of cue that matches your table might be a good choice if aesthetics are crucial for you.
Maple and ash are the standard woods used, but it is the finish and design that often bumps the price up. Prices start at around $25 for very cheap options, but I recommend getting a pool cue that costs at least $50 to $100. Professional-level and premium options can cost over $500.
OTHER ACCESSORIES
Here are some of the other pool accessories you’ll need.
- Pool rack (Triangle): $15 to $50
- Pool chaulk: $10 for a 12 pack
- Spare cue tips: $5 to $20 for a 10 pack
- Case for cue sticks: $15 to $100
- Brushes and cleaning kit: $10 to $30
- Pool table cover: $30 to $100
- Shelf for pool cues and supplies: $40 to $200
- Lighting: $100 to $200
POOL TABLE MAINTENANCE COSTS
Once you’ve purchased your table, you will want it to last!
Always keep your pool table covered when not in use, and brush/clean the table, balls, and cues often to keep everything in tip-top shape.
You can also keep your cue in its case or invest in a wall rack and shelf.
The most serious pool enthusiasts may consider investing in a table vacuum and iron to keep the baize in prime condition. Billiard irons can be found for around $300 and a vacuum specific for pool tables for around $250, though most cheaper, hand-held vacuums can do the job just as well.
You may also consider hiring a professional pool table cleaner to service and clean your pool table once or twice a year. This can cost between $50 and $300, depending on what services are needed.
REPAIRS
Over the lifespan of your pool table, you will likely need to replace and repair certain parts. The most common repair needed on a pool table is resurfacing or refelting as the cloth baize will be the first thing to wear out on most pool tables. Here are some common pool table repairs and how much they cost.
- Refelting: $150 to $500
- New Pockets: $100 to $250
- Replace or repair bed: $250 to $1,000
- Full restoration (for antique pool tales): $500 to $2,000
TYPES OF POOL TABLES AND THEIR COSTS
Caption for photo: The Queen Victoria Jubilee billards table was built in the late 19th century and was sold by Harrods in 2009 for $1.6 million.
There is a pool table out there for everyone, from young kids to the pros! Here are the main types on the market.
KIDS POOL TABLES
Ranging from tiny 36-inch pool tables that young children can set up anywhere to 4-foot multi-game tables, kids pool tables can range from $40 to $250.
BASIC POOL TABLES
Smaller in size and made of less durable materials, low-end tables can be bought for $100 to $500 but will not have the shelf life of their better-quality counterparts.
MID-RANGE POOL TABLES
These pool tables cost around $500 to $2,000. This is where we get into good-quality tables. For serious pool players who do not have the biggest budgets, this is where you can find some excellent, affordable tables.
PROFESSIONAL POOL TABLES
Professional-level pool tables are 9 feet long, use a high-quality, lightweight baize, have a one-piece slate bedding, and are made of durable hardwoods. These are only for serious pool players with a high budget, as they range from $2,000 to $10,000.
ANTIQUE OR CUSTOM POOL TABLES
These pool tables are the cream of the crop and have a massive price range from around $3,000 and up. For example, the world’s most expensive snooker table sold in 2009 for $1.6 million. Antique pool tables that have been restored can sell for astronomical amounts, and as mentioned earlier, custom designs can really ramp up the price.
WHERE TO PURCHASE A POOL TABLE
Buying a pool table is not as difficult as you might think. If you are new to pool and you aren’t looking for a high-quality option, you can even look at places like Walmart, Amazon, Academy Sports, and Ali Express. They have a wide range of options, and you can easily see what is available for your budget.
For a better quality guarantee or customized tables, head to a specialist billiard table manufacturer or seller. A big selection of local companies will come up when you Google “pool tables”, and you will be mesmerized by the fancy designs and terrific craftsmanship!
FAQ
WHAT’S THE AVERAGE PRICE OF A POOL TABLE?
There is a significant range of prices. The average cost of a good quality pool table is around $1,000, and for that price, you can find a decent quality, 7 ft wooden table. Larger tables with custom wood and features can cost up to $5,000 and more.
It is possible to find bigger tables for less than $1,000; it just depends on what features you want to prioritize. We suggest shopping around and getting quotes from various pool table sellers to ensure you get the best price!
WHAT IS THE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF A POOL TABLE?
This depends greatly on the quality of the pool table and how well it is maintained. If properly cared for and maintained a good quality table can last 50 years, but if you are allowing people to sit on it, spill drinks, and you don’t take care of the table, it may not last much more than 50 days!
IS IT WORTH HAVING A POOL TABLE AT HOME?
If you are a pool enthusiast and have the space for a pool table, consider investing in one. While they are a big investment, nothing will help you get better at pool more than having a table in your own home.
Pool tables make for fantastic home features that are great for socializing or relaxation. Level up in your new hobby, practice for tournaments or host your own “pool parties”, the possibilities are endless!
I am also a huge fan of travel and music and have started personal blogs about travel and music.
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