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Buying A Used Pool Table

If you're in the market for a used or new pool table here is some information on your potential purchase. We feel that buying the right pool table for your needs is the most important factor in selecting the right one.

If you are buying a pool table for your home the selection will be different from buying one for a bar or pool hall. There are many quality brands of pool tables that can be purchased for the home that are relatively inexpensive and are still in excellent condition.

Brands such as Olhausen, Connelly Billiards, Golden West (some models), Brunswick (some models) are very good quality pool tables for the home.


The best thing about buying a used pool table is the fact that most of them were installed from a dealer and usually there is no damage or wear to a used pool table besides the felt wear. A pool table stays in good condition because it has no moving parts to wear and is not generally subject to abuse. One can really find some excellent deals on a used pool table if they have time and patience to do a little research about pool tables in advance.

We have found that the buyer that is impulsive has a very high risk of getting a terrible deal. Pool tables are always available in most areas and if the buyer shops around they can save hundreds of dollars on one.

This website caters to the general population of people who just want to find a used pool table for recreational purposes. Our reviews of pool tables are not meant to direct the professional or serious pool player on the purchase of a used pool table, those players fit into a different category of buyers.

Used Pool Tables Guide

Consumers Guide to Purchasing a Used Pool Table

Everyone is hoping to find an attractive, good quality, low priced used pool table. Unfortunately, the tables which meet those criteria are usually sold by the owner to family, friends, neighbors or coworkers.

That generally leaves the over-priced, worse for wear and the least desirable pool tables to be advertised in the local newspapers for sale. It is also easy to overpay for a used pool table. We have seen used pool tables that sold close to retail price, but without the benefit of a professional installation or warranty. Many uninformed buyers have automatically presumed that a used pool table bought from the classifieds of a newspaper will be a much better deal than purchasing new. Hopefully after visiting Hotshots and reading this guide it will allow you to make an informed decision.

The odd time a good used pool table at a fair price does make it into the classified articles for sale section of a newspaper. If you are lucky enough to spot one of these, here are a few things to check into before laying down your hard-earned money.

Snooker or Pool Pockets
This is a very important aspect of purchasing any pool table. Snooker pockets are smaller, the balls are smaller, the cues are lighter and the cue tip sizes are smaller. Not many people under the age of 45 will want to play with small balls on a table with tight pockets. We receive a few calls every week from people who have purchased a snooker-pocketed table, wanting to know what it would cost to convert is to a pool pockets table. In most cases it can be done for just under $2,000. It is important to remember to purchase a pool table with pool pockets. Avoid pool tables with snooker pockets, as they are not true "pool" tables and you will have trouble reselling them at a later date. If you are uncertain what to look for, please come by Hotshots anytime and we will gladly show you the difference between pool and snooker. This advice applies only to all 4'x8' and 4½' x 9' size tables. If you are considering tables that measure 5'x10' or 6'x12' size tables, the opposite applies. These are proper snooker table sizes and it only makes sense to purchase them with snooker pockets.

Pool Table Sizes
The best way to determine the size of a used pool table is to actually measure the inside playing area. The two most common sizes are a 44"x88" playing surface for a 4'x8' table and 50"x100" playing surface for a 4½'x 9' table. Be very careful if the table measures anything else since you may be looking at a 3½'x 7', a 4'x8' oversize or even a 5'x10' table. Make sure you are not measuring the outside of the table since it does not indicate the playing surface - rail widths can vary in size. Measure the inside where the ball comes to rest against the cushion.

Condition of Billiard Cloth and Cushions

You will be able to see if the billiard cloth is in good condition and if the color suits your home décor. If it doesn't, then budget at least $150 just for the cloth alone - this does not include the installation. What is not so easy to see is the condition of the slate and the rubber cushions beneath the cloth. Rubber cushions deteriorate and may need replacing if they have lost their bounce. The slate may be warped or cracked. Cushion and slate condition is difficult to determine prior to disassembly.

Condition of Table and Slate

Often tables with impressive names on them such as "Cliff Thorburn" or even many brand name tables are in reality a cheap import from the Orient. They will have thin slate, poor quality cushions and mediocre quality. It is important to ensure that the table was actually built in North America using quality materials and not just an off shore import sold by a North American company. If the seller is representing the table as being made from solid wood, ensure that it is not just a wood laminate or veneer. The thickness of the slate should be at least 7/8" and preferable Italian slate rather than some of the less expensive non-Italian slates available. Ideally the slate should have a liner attached to cushion the pressure of screwing the slate to the bed of the table.

The slate in addition to being screwed to the body around the perimeter should also be screwed in the middle of the two joints where the three pieces of slate fit together. A few years ago a Canadian manufacturer didn't screw the slate to the bed and instead used a floating slate system. It did not function well and did not meet industry standards. Slate must be screwed down to avoid moving and to provide a stable playing surface.

Accessories

Used pool cues will usually have some warping and often need new tips. Budget on replacing the cues with new straight ones. Some of the balls may be chipped - it isn't necessary to replace the full set, you can always purchase individual balls and save some money that way. Sometimes the pool table cover needs replacing. If it is a quality fitted cover, budget $100 for a new one.

Moving and Installation

Taking the table apart to move it is not technically difficult. Be aware that there are three pieces of slate, each weighing over 150 pounds, and you must be very careful when carrying it. Even if only one piece breaks, all 3 will probably have to be replaced due to mismatching - a very expensive proposition. Carrying slate is also awkward, especially when stairs are involved - it is very easy to hurt your back when carrying a heavy and awkward item that does not provide anything to grip onto.

Reassembling the table is far more complex than taking it apart. Proper leveling and cloth installation is of paramount importance. The table is only as good as the installation. Be careful when re-stretching the bed cloth - it is easy to have the cloth tear when it is being stretched. The older the cloth, the more likely it is to rip apart. Using qualified billiard table mechanics makes quite a bit more sense. Not only can you save yourself possible injury, you will also end up with a properly installed pool table.

The cost of moving a pool table will depend on several factors - distance of the move, size of the table, etc. Be prepared to spend upwards of $600 when you include new cloth and all taxes.

Your Décor and a Used Pool Table

For many people, any old pool table in their home will do. The main objective is to have something for the kids to play on. In that case the above suggestion and cautions should be most helpful in assisting you on how to spend your money wisely. For many others, when they do finally find a used pool table that they like, they may not be as pleased with it when they finally bring it home. Quite a bit of money is being invested in hardwood floors, wood moldings, leather furniture, bars, large screen video systems and lighting. In a room where quite a bit of thought has gone into the décor, a used pool table that does not compliment the room really looks out of place. Please keep in mind that the only visually "naked" piece of furniture in that room is the pool table, since it is usually in the center of the room and surrounded by lots of walk around space. With this last statement, we do show our bias. After all, we are in the business of selling new pool tables. But we also recognize that the majority of our customers already have a lot invested in that room and the pool table is possibly the final purchase. It is the icing on the cake, often the most important single piece of furniture in that room. If price is the main motivation, then keep looking for a used pool table. Call us if you need it moved or new accessories once you do locate one that you like. But if you have and nothing used is really worth investing in for your home, then visit us a Hotshots to view our large selection of furniture quality billiard tables.

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