Pool Table Styles

From manufacturers to style tips

Pool tables are pocket billiards tables used for such games as 8-ball, 9-ball, straight pool, and one-pocket. A typical pool table features six pockets, one at each corner and another at the midpoint of each of the longer sides. Most pool tables are rectangular in shape and feature a playing surface made from slate or a composite wood variant. This surface is typically covered with green "felt," i.e. a product called Baize made from woven wool or a wool and nylon blend. Pool table sizes vary from 3 1/2 feet by 7 feet to 4 1/2 feet by 9 feet.

Pool table manufacturers

Brunswick is one of the oldest and most respected pool table manufacturers. The first Brunswick pool table was made in 1845, and Brunswick Billiards is regarded today as one of the finest manufacturers of contemporary and traditional pool tables. Pool table styles manufactured by Brunswick include casual, competition, European, and arts & crafts.

AMF Billiards is a pool table manufacturer known for their extravagantly ornate and elegant pool tables. The AMF Renaissance line includes such models as the Royal Augustan, made from Carpathian elm burl, zebrawood, and Brazilian rosewood, with a design that incorporates graceful Roman arches and a hand-rubbed piano finish. AMF also manufactures pool tables with contemporary designs under its AMF PlayMaster line.

Olhausen is a pool table manufacturer that produces a wide range of pool table styles and themes. Olhausen's laminate pool tables are a cost-efficient alternative to solid wood pool tables. Olhausen is also licensed to produce pool tables featuring such brands as Harley-Davidson, Budweiser, NASCAR, and Jack Daniels.

Contemporary, antique & outdoor

Pool table styles primarily fall into the 3 general categories of contemporary, antique, and outdoor. Contemporary pool tables usually feature simple and sleek lines and a variety of manufacturing materials, including mica or veneer laminates, vinyl melamine coating, and walnut, cherry, or mahogany wood finishes.

Antique pool table designs employ a much busier and sophisticated look, with solid wood construction and intricate woodworking. Laurel, ash, and rosewood are just a few of the many varieties of wood that can be used in the construction of antique pool tables.

Outdoor pool tables use the latest waterproof and weather resistant composite materials to provide you with a low maintenance alternative to indoor pool tables. Gameroom Concepts Unlimited is a leading manufacturer that uses rust-resistant aluminum frames and a durable acrylic fabric known as Sunbrella in the construction of its outdoor pool tables.

Pool table style tips

Along with the size of your prospective pool table, there are many other style considerations to keep in mind:

How thick is the slate playing surface? The thicker the better

What percentage of live gum rubber is in the cushions? The higher the better

What material are the rail caps made from? Avoid vinyl laminate

Design aspects are important also. A quality pool table will last you a lifetime. You'll want a table that can stand alone as a decorative item. Compare tapered frame pool tables and straight frame pool tables. If a pool table uses leather, make sure it's dyed rather than painted. Doing your research will ensure that the pool table you purchase will just as good ten or twenty years from now as it does today.

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