Which pool table?

There are a few things to consider when purchasing a pool table that have an effect on the price and quality of your table and therefore, your game. Note that the term "pool tables" refers to the table used to play billiards, snooker, and all other cue-sports similar to this. The differences between these games are the rules and sets of balls used, not the table itself.

Pool tables are constructed in a wide variety of sizes and there can be great variation in the quality and construction methods used. The main reasons for the range in sizes in pool tables for sale are simply that an authentic full-size table is huge and a consideration of the various costs of a full-size table. Pool tables are invariably a perfect rectangle with the width being half the length. A standard full-size English Billiards table measures 12' long, and, therefore, 6' wide! These days it is not difficult to locate tables measuring nine, eight, and seven feet long respectively, which are more realistically suited for people's homes.

When buying a pool table it is important to consider the construction materials used. Of these the surface is by far the most important feature. If you're after a basic, cheap table, new discount pool tables which use a wooden surface with cloth overlay can be found for less than US$400. However, if you are after a more authentic table, which will ultimately give you a much better game, then there is no substitute for slate. Any serious cue-sports enthusiast will not settle for anything less than a slate table which will not flex or suffer the deformities that wooden-surfaced tables are subject to. Slate is a very hard, dense stone which is quarried and cut into single, solid slabs the full size of the table, machined to near-perfect flatness and covered with cloth to make the surface of the table. Unless subjected to absolutely brutal punishment it will not chip, dent, flex, or be affected by moisture. The slab used for tables will vary anywhere between a full 2 ?" thick for much older tables and, more recently, about one inch in thickness. Generally speaking the thicker your slab the better, however, the biggest drawback with slate tables is that they are truly monumental in weight, especially for larger, older tables. These can weigh as much as 1000 pounds! Along with such a large, heavy cut of solid stone come increased handling and construction costs.

Other things to consider when assessing the quality of a table include: The grade of cloth used - good tables use a woolen cloth; the sturdiness of the frame and type of wood used in the construction, particularly the legs; how well the pockets and netting are made, what the netting is made of, and whether they use real leather guards. Finally the quality, feel, and bounce of the bumpers running along the inside edge of the table. Brunswick pool tables are an example of a respected brand that performs well for all these tests of quality, with more than 150 years of experience to their name.

The cost of authentic, full-size slate tables reaches well into the thousands of dollars which, for most people, is not a realistic purchase, assuming you have room for it in the first place. However, if you're after cheap pool tables there are a few options open to you: For real discount pool tables you can go with the wooden-based tables mentioned earlier. Their surface may dent, warp, and may make for a less enjoyable game as time progresses but they're highly affordable. If you're unwilling to settle for lower quality, and you have a bit of ability with your hands, consider looking for cheap pool tables in the classified advertisements in your local paper or online that may be in a state of disrepair. If you're willing to put the work in, so long as you can find a table with a slab intact, you can more or less rebuild or restore the rest of the table from the ground up and re-cover it yourself. In this way, you can have a quality slate table for a fraction of the cost of a new one but every bit as good.

Fortunately ball sets are getting cheaper and cheaper these days, with little reduction in quality. The same cannot be said for cues, unfortunately, so you should always remember to look down the length of a cue to see if it has bowed before buying it. Finally, you don't want to be peering at your table in the dark. Consider purchasing a set of good overhead pool table lights to ensure you get the most from your table.Jeff King writes on many consumer topics. There's more about tables at Table Land

Pool Tables - Fun For The Whole Family

Did you know that the first pool tables made an appearance in nineteenth century horse racing betting- poolrooms? Strange but true...though at that time the game was known as Billiards and tables were put up there for people to kill time between races. Because the game was set up in 'pool rooms', it was eventually named pool.

In those days pool tables looked a lot different from their present Avatar. They were just ordinary tables where the balls kept rolling off (Didn't they see it coming?!) To handle this problem wooden railings of about 4-6 inches wide were added to the sides and viola! You could shoot pool like never before! Later the table went through further modifications, customizations and improved over the years to evolve into its current form. Though Pool or Billiards as it was known then, has always been seen as a "bad boys' " game, it is today one of the most popular sports across the globe.

If you too, are looking out for a good quality table, settle for nothing less than a solid hard wood with a slate surface. We recommend slate over veneer or wood because it levels perfectly and offers a smooth playing experience. Whether you want a standard size 8 feet X 4 feet table or a tournament 4 1/2 feet 9 feet one remember to check the quality of the surface fabric, which could be either wool or a woolen blend.

Slate tables could burn a hole in your pocket with prices starting from above $ 950 but nonslate is more affordable hovering around $350. Again this varies according to the size and the quality of wood and other materials used. To make life easier, try online auctions and stores to get a good price and no-hassle shipping. There are also always great deals going on online, so don't rush into buying one without shopping around first.

Ken Wilson for http://www.pooltable-information.com

Pool Tables ? Fun For The Whole Family

Did you know that the first pool tables made an appearance in nineteenth century horse racing betting- poolrooms? Strange but true?though at that time the game was known as Billiards and tables were put up there for people to kill time between races. Because the game was set up in ?pool rooms?, it was eventually named pool.

In those days pool tables looked a lot different from their present Avatar. They were just ordinary tables where the balls kept rolling off (Didn?t they see it coming?!) To handle this problem wooden railings of about 4-6 inches wide were added to the sides and viola! You could shoot pool like never before! Later the table went through further modifications, customizations and improved over the years to evolve into its current form. Though Pool or Billiards as it was known then, has always been seen as a ?bad boys? ? game, it is today one of the most popular sports across the globe.

If you too, are looking out for a good quality table, settle for nothing less than a solid hard wood with a slate surface. We recommend slate over veneer or wood because it levels perfectly and offers a smooth playing experience. Whether you want a standard size 8 feet X 4 feet table or a tournament 4 1/2 feet 9 feet one remember to check the quality of the surface fabric, which could be either wool or a woolen blend.

Slate tables could burn a hole in your pocket with prices starting from above $ 950 but nonslate is more affordable hovering around $350. Again this varies according to the size and the quality of wood and other materials used. To make life easier, try online auctions and stores to get a good price and no-hassle shipping. There are also always great deals going on online, so don't rush into buying one without shopping around first.:

Ken Wilson for http://www.pooltable-information.com

The Appeal of Pool Tables

Pool tables can be found in lounges, restaurants and sport clubs worldwide. Their appeal seems to be universal; people of all ages, races and countries will agree that playing pool is a fun way to pass the time. For some, playing pool is even more than that. If a person if really good at pool, they may turn it into a lucrative side job by betting. So, it's easy to understand why the business of selling pool tables can be very lucrative. Both individuals and businesses buy pool tables often, whether it's for a home or a bar.

When you go to purchase pool tables from a seller, you will be faced with many choices. The tables come in a few different sizes and colors and vary in price range. The nicer the table, the nicer the fabric and the higher the price. Some people like to match the fabric on the pool table to the colors in their home, but that costs extra. There are many different brands of pool tables to choose from as well. Make sure that you check around and find out which has the best reputation before you buy. The salesperson will be glad to help recommend a brand and will let you know the prices on the tables you're considering.

Once you've decided on your pool tables, you can either load them up that day or have a professional bring them to you. If you don't have the space or the desire to set it up yourself, why not just let someone bring it to you? It's much more convenient and you won't have to deal with the hassle of getting it to your home or business. It's customary to tip the person that brings it to you, especially if they did a good job. Now that you have your pool table, invite people over and have a great time.

James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest. Read more at www.best-pool-tables.info

Pool Tables: Which Type Should You Choose?

A pool table is a rectangular table. It has six pockets and consists of cushions bounding the playing area. The standard size of a pool table is 4 1/2 x 9. Wood is the major element in the construction of a pool table. Oak and cherry wood tables are preferred for professional pool players, while plywood or pine is recommended for other customers. The quality of wood contributes to the strength of a pool table.

Pool tables are purchased all over the world for a number of reasons. People buy pool tables for commercial purposes, for private recreation, for clubs and they are even purchased for pool competitions. These competitions can be announced at national as well as international levels.

Pool tables are available in varied shapes and styles to suit the requirements of the customers. Pool tables are inclusive of many accessories and parts, which complement to their class and quality.

The History of Pool Tables
The history of pool is quite debatable. The reason for debate is related to its origin. Some people believe it was invented in Persia, while the others believe that it was invented in England or France.

Pool was not played on tables in its earliest version. It was played on lawns. The purpose of the game was to knock over a cone-shaped object by shooting balls through a course of hoops.

The game was then played indoors on the floor. As a result of constant bending, players suffered from back pain. Then it was thought that the game should be played atop a table and this is how pool tables came into existence.

With the game shifted atop tables, another problem was faced by the players. The ball kept rolling off the tables. To solve this problem, wooden rails were attached to the edges of the pool tables, to keep the balls on the table.

In 1600?s rubber strips were added to the wooden side rails. These rubber strips acted as cushions for the balls to give them bounce, when the balls hit the edge of tables. To add to the comfort of players, a thin green wool cloth was used to cover the tables. This provided the players with precision and accuracy in their shots. The color green was used as the cloth as the games was initially played in grass.

Next the whole concept of playing pool changed. To make the game more interesting, two round holes were cut in the table ends. The purpose of the pool changed from knocking the cones over to knocking the balls into the holes. Underneath the pool tables were attached pocket size bags to prevent the ball from falling on the ground.

The pockets in the pool tables kept on evolving till the six-pocketed pool table was born.

Types of Pool Tables
Pool tables are available in many shapes, styles, sizes and colors. Generally pool tables are of three types: cost efficient style, finely hand crafted wood designs and designs of new age pools.

Cost Efficient Styles
Cost efficient tables are ordered and required for clubs, pubs and pool hall owners. These pool tables are used by club and pub owners to attract more customers to their place. Almost all public houses have pool tables today. These pool tables are cheaper than the other pool tables. These tables are readily available in the retail outlets. The material used in these pool tables is hard, but it gradually wears down.

Finely Handcrafted Wood Designs
These pool tables are in a class of their own. They are made for residential game rooms or private pool clubs. The pool tables are made to order and the purchaser gives the manufacturer the finer details of the desired pool table. The wood commonly used in these pool tables is cherry or oak. These tables have detailed cushions, corners and legs.

New Age Designs
These pool tables are especially made to suit the modern day quality and requirements. These pool tables can be made of glass, brass, wood or chrome. These tables have multicolored sides, legs and tops. Modern club and pub owners, clientele based office owners are generally the purchasers of these tables.

Pool tables are available for everyone, according to their requirements. The cost of a pool table also varies accordingly, with the cost being inclusive of the quality, class and type of the pool table.

 Olga Sen writes articles on a number of different topics. For more information on Pool Tables please visit http://www.pool-tables-guide.com/ and for additional Pool Table articles please visit the following article page http://www.pool-tables-guide.com/pooltable-articles/

Pool Table Lights Guide: How To Light Up Your Game

The proper pool table lights is critical to playing your best game of pool. The ideal pool table light fixture is attractive, unobtrusive, and provides just enough illumination without creating a glare. Choosing the right pool table lights for your home need not be difficult. Just keep a few points in mind.

The Best Pool Table Lights for the Job

The most effective pool table lights cover the entire length of the table. Measure your pool table before you start shopping. The majority of pool table lights fixtures available have multiple globes in order to direct several points of light at the table, usually two, three, or four globes. Multiple globes on your pool table lights fixture also help to eliminate any glare. Some fixtures contain multiple globes within one larger fixture.


Traditional vs. Contemporary Pool Table Lights

Pool table lights come in a wide variety of styles and finishes. Traditional, Victorian, Tiffany-style lights are popular pool table lights. These fixtures, modeled after designs by the famous glass artist, Louis Comfort Tiffany, are made of small panes of glass joined with lead piping. These colorful glass pieces are put together to form all manner of designs, logos, and slogans.

Tiffany-style pool table lights are available in one long shade with several bulbs inside the globe or in multiple shades along a single, metal bar. They may be elaborate, multi-color showpieces or relatively simple, one-color pool table lights fixtures.

Other traditional fixtures of pool table lights come in black or brown wrought-iron fixture with alabaster glass shades. Most often the pool table lights fixture is crafted into a scrolled design with multiple glass shades. This style of light fixture is also widely available in bronze, brushed pewter, and brass finishes. pool table lights made from ooden fixtures, too, can lend a warm and homey touch to your poolroom.

Contemporary pool table lights can give your room a clean, sleek, modern look. Bar pool table lights in chrome and brass with simple, smoked glass shades can create such a look. Some pool table light fixtures insert a vibrant touch by adding green, red, and blue colored glass shades.


Something a Little Different

Customize your pool table lights by adding a college or professional sports logo. Tiffany-style lights often incorporate the logo into the glass motif whereas solid glass shades can be etched with your favorite teams logo. Cheer on the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, the Colorado Avalanche Hockey team, or the New England Patriots right from your recreation room.

Military logos are also popular designs for pool table lights. The Marine Corps, Navy, Army, and Air Force insignia are all available, both in Tiffany lights and in solid etched glass shades. Also consider Jack Daniels logo pool table lights or perhaps one with the Harley Davidson logo.


The Technical Stuff

Installing your pool table lights should be relatively easy for the weekend home remodeler. There must be a secure place onto which to mount your pool table light fixture and that it has its own separate electrical box. As with any electrical project, turn off the electrical current before you start working on mounting your pool table lights.

The correct light bulbs go a long way to ensuring your pool table lights fixture is safe as well as creating the right mood. 60-watt bulbs are recommended although some of the pool table lights with multiple shades might look better with 40-watt bulbs instead.
Where to Shop
The Internet has made shopping for pool table lights much easier. A typical search yields hundreds of online retailers of pool table lights. Browse through thousands of pool table lights, right in the privacy of your home. Many Web merchants even offer free shipping and live online customer service. Expect to pay from $150 for simple bar pool table lights to over $1000 for an elaborate Tiffany-style light fixture.

The right pool table lights can give your poolroom that ambiance of casual elegance or rustic charm that you desire as well as providing the lighting necessary to play your best game of pool. Shop carefully; consider all your options, and youll enjoy your pool table lights fixture for many years to come.
Richard Aubin is the publisher of the bi-weekly pool playing tips newsletter, full of tips, tricks and practical advice you can use to improve your pool game. Get his free 7 day consistency and concentration course - Visit http://poolplayingtips.com