A Short Guide to Slate Pool Tables
A pool table can provide hours of fun and excitement in any home or business. If you're looking for a long-lasting, durable option, check out the new and pre-owned slate pool tables available on eBay. These tables come in several sizes and heights with either a thick or thin layer of slate on top.
How much slate do the tables have?One thing to consider when looking at slate pool tables is the thickness of the slate. The slate will sit on the very top of the table but below the felt. It provides a smooth playing surface and keeps balls from rolling across the table before you hit them. Some tables have a 1-inch thick layer of slate. Other tables have between 3/4 and 1-1/4 inch of slate. If it uses a thin sheet of slate, the table will likely have plywood or another similar material below the stone for extra support.
What are some of the leg features you should consider?A pool table is only as strong as the legs on its base. Those legs are what support the weight of the table as well as anyone who leans or sits on it. Tables that come with anchor legs should feature at least two pieces of metal that secure those legs to the table's base. Tables with permanently attached legs are more durable but also tend to be more expensive.
What should you look for in a slate pool table?Some of the features to look for in affordable slate pool tables include:
- Felt: Not all pool tables use felt, but most companies refer to the cloth on the top as felt. A traditional pool table uses green felt, but you can find new and vintage slate pool tables with playing surfaces in a variety of colors on eBay.
- Frame: Pool tables feature different types of frames. One is a solid frame that uses slate attached to the top with glue. There will be a varying number of cross beams used in the frame too. Most tables will have between two and four beams.
- Rails: Slate pool tables have rails that wrap around the top of the table. Some use plywood with a wood veneer, while others use solid wood. The rails add durability to the table and keep balls from bouncing over the sides. The rails have open areas that allow the balls to land in the pockets.