Here at Carolina Pool Tables Plus, we want everyone to have an enjoyable pool-playing experience, and a big part of that is choosing the right equipment. When it comes to the game, few things have a bigger impact than the table itself, and players have strong opinions on what should go under the felt. Among pro players, slate pool tables are often considered the only way to go, but more casual enthusiasts may find that other materials better suit their needs (particularly budgetary needs). In this article, we at Carolina Pool Tables Plus will go over the relative merits of slate pool tables versus their alternatives so that you can decide which is right for you.
- Slate – Slate pool tables have a number of advantages over those topped with other materials. In addition to its strength and durability, slate’s main quality that makes it so well-suited to this application is the way that it can be leveled with extreme precision (to within .0001–or one ten-thousandth—of an inch). In a game that’s all about positioning, keeping the playing surface level is essential to making sure that the balls don’t start rolling randomly, and slate pool tables are the best for accomplishing that goal.
- Slate Alternatives – The most common alternatives to slate pool tables are those made of wood, mostly fiberboard and plywood, but plastics are occasionally used as well. These tables are considered toys and will never play level and will not last long. They also are typically not designed to be re-covered, so once the cloth has worn out, the table will need to be thrown away.
We at Carolina Pool Tables Plus hope that this information helps you decide what type of pool table is best for you. If you would like further advice, just give us a call to consult with one of our experts.