Related Articles
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
A beloved bar game or rec room game, pool (or billiards) offers a balance of physical activity, focus and skill (plus it can be played after a few drinks) making it the ideal sport for parties and hanging out with friends.
Although most of us associate pool with nights of imbibing at the local watering hole, the game actually has some real benefits. It’s not strenuous, but walking around a pool table and stretching for shots is far more healthy than sitting on the couch or playing video games. This makes billiards a great companion for watching sports or movies with friends. Pool also provides some mental benefits as well by sharpening focus and improving critical thinking.
But the most important value of pool is that it’s plain fun for all ages. It’s a vessel for hanging out or bonding with the family, making it a worthy investment for any household.
However, upgrading your home with a pool table is no small task. The tables are large and often pricey, so buying one requires some consideration. To help with the search, we’ve created this pool table buying guide with few of our favorite options on Amazon.
What to Know Before Buying a Pool Table
Size: Pool tables come in either seven, eight or nine-foot sizes. Seven-foot tables (also known as bar-size tables) have a playing field of 39 x 78 inches. Eight-foot tables are standard size with measurements of around 44 x 88 inches. Tournament size nine-foot tables have a playfield of about 50 x 100 inches.
Which size you pick depends on your skill level (bigger tables for better players) and how much space you have. Here’s the basic room size needed for each table:
Seven-foot table: 16 x 13-foot room
Eight-foot table: 17 x 13-foot room
Nine-foot table: 17 x 14-foot room
Style: Although pool tables aren’t usually bought for decoration, they’re still a bulky piece of furniture that should be good-looking. We chose pool tables with a few different styles to match your home’s current decor.
Assembly: Pool tables can be a hassle to assemble, but some are easier than others. You’ll want to check for ease of assembly – especially if you won’t have anyone to help put the thing together.
