What Kind of Table Do I Have?

Pool Tables come in all shapes, sizes and a wide variety of designs from a whole host of companies and brands. Because of this, every service job is a little different and having an experienced mechanic work on your table is something we highly recommend, even if it’s someone other than us. Because of these differences in tables, some tables require a lot more time and effort to complete the job, some a little less, and as such it helps anyone quoting service work to know what they are up against. The goal here is to line out the various sizes, styles and types of tables that are out there so you as the owner have all of the information you need to make informed decisions and for us to be able to quote the job accurately.

Table Sizes

Pool Tables found in the US typically come in 4 main sizes: 7 Foot, 8 Foot, Oversized 8 Foot and 9 foot pool tables. To measure, you are looking for the distance between the nose of the cushion, where the balls would hit the rail on the table, in inches.

7 Foot - 39x78 or 40x80

8 foot - 44x88

OS 8 Foot - 46x92

9 Foot - 50x100

Table Types

Most pool tables fall into a few various types, but within those types there are an infinite number of styles. We will lay out the various kinds of tables, as well as attempt to explain why different tables require different amounts of work, and as such effect bids for services.

Furniture Tables

Technically speaking, you could say that any pool table is a “furniture” Table. However, there is a certain type of table that we slot into this category, and it also happens to be the most popular kind of home table out there. They are easy to produce, easy to work on and are what most people think of when it comes to a pool table in the home. They usually have 4 legs, a body that doubles as the frame and the support system for the slate, simple rail design and leather pockets on the outside. If it has leather pockets on the outside, odds are incredibly high that it’s a furniture table.

Tournament Tables

Tournament style pool tables are designed from top to bottom to provide the best pool playing experience. They typically play faster and run longer when set up right, they are incredibly stable and usually remarkably durable to make them better suited for commercial or pool hall use. They might not look as nice to some homeowners as a typical furniture table and they might cost more money, but they will definitely play better pool. These tables have more parts, pieces and fasteners holding them together and take significantly longer and more attention to detail to set up, move or recover than a standard furniture table with leather pockets. Because of this extra time, it is very common for rates to be higher with these pool tables.

Bar Box/Coin Op Tables

Coin Operation tables, referred to as “Bar Boxes”, are typically found in bars or commercial establishments, but are becoming more and more common in home as well. They have some distinct advantages but also come with some drawbacks as well. These tables, produced by the likes of Valley, Cougar, Dynamo and Diamond Billiards, are all incredibly durable, and usually very easy to work on. They are designed to be recovered many times in their lives, and parts are usually easy to find. Instead of the standard 3 piece slate like found in home tables, these have a single piece of slate inside of them supported by hearty framing, which makes them ideal for garages or shops. They also have a ball return system, which some players really like but can be loud inside the home. These tables move as a single piece. They are tipped on their side onto a cart and rolled into a trailer. As such, they really can’t be taken up or down any stairs.

Antique Tables

Antique refers to any pool table made over 70 years ago. Pre 1950 era. These tables were designed much differently than modern tables, and as such provide their own unique challenges for service work. They are almost entirely 9 foot tables, but there are some over sized 8 footers to be found. Antique tables are easily identified by the “Rosettes” in the side of the rails and leather pockets. Everything about antique work is done on a case by case basis. Anything that is 70 years old, in some cases well over 100 years old, can be temperamental and very difficult to work with. We can always get them up and playing well, it just always takes a very long time, and as such the price point for work can vary drastically. We are always happy to help with these and work with the best antique mechanic on the west coast.