Pool Tables

Which pool table size fits your room?

The size in feet gives you a rough idea, but what counts for your room is the playing surface. Not every 7 ft pool table is the same size: the NORTH Gardone 7FT has a playing surface of 186 x 95 cm, the Buffalo Dominator II 7FT 198 x 99 cm. From the playing surface, allow roughly one cue length of clear space on each side. For the Dominator II, Buffalo gives a recommended room size that works out at the playing surface plus about 150 cm all round, just a little more than a 145 cm pool cue:

• 7 ft (playing surface 198 x 99 cm): approx. 500 x 400 cm
• 8 ft (playing surface 224 x 112 cm): approx. 524 x 412 cm
• 9 ft (playing surface 254 x 127 cm): approx. 554 x 427 cm

If your room is just a bit too tight, a shorter 120 or 130 cm cue helps with shots close to the wall.

Slate or MDF: what’s the difference?

The playing surface determines how the ball rolls and has the biggest effect on what a pool table costs. Slate pool tables such as the Buffalo Dominator II have a 25 mm three-piece slate bed, K66 cushions and Simonis cloth; the NORTH Essence has a one-piece slate. An MDF hobby pool table such as the NORTH Gardone, with a one-piece 21 mm MDF bed, is easy to assemble yourself, and you level it with the adjustable legs. If you play often and want a flat, stable playing surface, choose slate. For the occasional game, MDF is an accessible place to start.

At home, outdoors, in a bar or as a dining table

• Pool table as a dining table: a pool dining table comes with a table top. On the NORTH Essence 7FT it comes in two parts and stores in a holder under the table. Lexor Dinner, Milano and TopTable Dinner with benches are other options.
• Outdoor pool table: an outdoor pool table such as the NORTH Versilia 8FT is weather-resistant, has 25 mm three-piece slate and outdoor cloth, and can stay outside all year round. Cornilleau and Lexor also have outdoor models.
• Bar or club room: the SAM Magno Sport comes in 6, 7 and 8 ft with a coin mechanism.
• Competition level: the professional range includes the Buffalo Pro-II with drop pockets and the Lexor X-treme II Pro-Series.

What’s included?

Check what comes in the box with each table. The NORTH Gardone, Essence and Versilia come with two cues, pool balls, a triangle, chalk and a brush. The Buffalo Dominator II comes without accessories; for that there are accessory kits from brands including Aramith and TopTable Playcraft. Add a table tennis top and your pool table doubles as a ping pong table.