Articles | Billiards Tables 101: All you need to Know about Billiards Tables

Billiards tables otherwise known as pool tables are tables on which all cue sports or games wherein a cue stick is used, are played. They're usually tables that provide a flat surface commonly made of slate with pockets or holes on each corner and the middle sides from where the balls used in play can be pocketed or deposited into.

Billiard tables have a long history of tradition. They are thought to have originated from the croquet family of games that slowly developed into the indoor game we now know today. In fact, the green cloth of the table is thought to be a reminder of the color of the lawn from which the game used to be played on.

Billiard tables in the early years of the sport were rarely even and were not standardized. Add to that fact that early balls were made of wood and clay and it's not hard to imagine how hard the game must've been before everything was standardized and better balls and tables were made and developed.

Today, billiards tables are made and manufactured out of hard wood. They are tough and long-lasting, covered with synthetic or a wool/nylon blend that provides a smooth and durable playing surface, and are softened with molded gum rubber cushions the allow the fastest rebound for billiard balls. Billiard tables today are a product of improved technology and craftsmanship that is the result of years and years of billiards play.

Parts of a billiard table

Surface - the playing surface of a billiards table can either be made of slate, wood, or plastic. Most experts prefer slate, and it is in fact the approved playing surface by the Billiards Congress of America as the only official playing surface for tournament play.

Cabinet - this is the base of the table and is the foundation of all billiard tables. It covers the surface, cloth, and frame of the table providing the basic make-up of the table. It can be made of solid wood or plywood although solid wood is preferred as they are stronger, tougher, and allows for decorative carvings.

Pockets - these are the holes where the balls are sunk or pocketed. They are located on each corner of the table and on each middle side. Pockets can be made of leather, plastic, or vinyl. The best pockets are made of leather and lined with thick cotton frills. They can be simple drop pockets or complicated pockets with a return mechanism that allows for dropped balls to roll downward into a series of chutes and collect in the ball return section of the table.

Fabric - this is the cloth covering the surface of the table. It is incorrectly thought of as felt but it is not really felt but rather a combination of wool and nylon or synthetic nylon. The best fabrics are those made of durable grade fabrics that are at least a quarter inch thick.

Cushions - the BCA requires K-66 style cushions. These are cushions that are canvas-backed and uses grade A rubber. They provide better rebound quality for the billiard balls.