Want to check out our bumper pool table models - click here.
]]>Each player or team of two players start on one half of the table. There are typically a set of five red and five white pool balls with one of each color balls having a dot on it. This ball is your starter ball and should be placed in front of your home pocket. Your home pocket is randomly decided on, but each pocket will have either a red or white rim inside it. This indicates which color balls are supposed to be shot at that pocket. If you are the player starting with the white pocket, you would setup the red balls on your side, two on the right of the pocket and bumpers, two on the left and the ball with the dot in front of your pocket. All ten pool balls should be setup in this manner before you begin.
Once you have the table setup, to begin both players shoot the ball with the dot on it at the same time. They play by hitting the ball to the right off the rail in such a way as to try to make it into their “home” pocket off the bank. If both players sink their lead ball shots, they both hit another ball simultaneously. Each player must make this first ball before they can start shooting their other pool balls. After both players have made their initial shot, if neither of them made the lead dot ball, whoever is closest to their home pocket shoots first. If they make it, they go again. After that lead dot ball is made, a player can choose to hit any ball they have left on the table. A player can choose to shoot their ball anywhere on the table, even using their ball to hit the opponent’s ball to take them out of a shot or using a bumper to bump a ball in from an impossible angle.
There are a couple rules that come up occasionally that need to be known. First, if a player hits their ball off the table, they are forced to place it in the middle of the table in between all the main set of bumpers. If you make a ball in your own pocket – the one you are supposed to be defending, your opponent gets to take any two of their remaining balls and pocket them. If you opponent only has 1 or 2 balls left on the table, they win the match. The winner of the game is the one who sinks all their balls in their home pocket (same color ring as their pool balls) first.
Legacy Billiards has multiple models of bumper pool tables available for you to choose from. To see our models, CLICK HERE
]]>This is only partly true as 7ft pool tables are geometrically the same as 8ft and 9ft tables (the width of the playfield is exactly half of the length.) The means the 7ft table angles and shots are the same. The difference is only in firmness of stroke and degree of error. (A longer shot will reveal a larger miss when or if the shot is off target) Otherwise, a 7ft table be just as challenging and offer the same enjoyment as larger tables.
Most coin-operated pool tables in bars and pubs are 7ft size. These tables are a little different as the pocket opening (called the “mouth” of the pocket) are much wider than most home tables. This allows for balls to be pocketed faster thus the games are shorter enticing customers to pay to play more often. Home tables are a little more challenging and offer play consistent with a professional style table the pros would play on.
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The basic rules of shuffleboard scoring are relatively easy to understand. The table is segmented into three scoring areas at gradually further distances. Each scoring area is labeled from closest to furthest, with a 1, 2, or 3 to determine the points awarded for reaching it. As pucks slide down the table, their placement in the scoring areas will determine how many points to award each team.
Additionally, teams can score a 4 if they manage to slide a puck to the end and have it hang over the edge without falling into the gutter. This is referred to as scoring a hanger. According to varying house rules, you can also score a 5 if a puck hangs over the left or right corners of the scoring end.
Once both teams have thrown all pucks, you’ll need to tally the score for that frame. This is where it can get tricky to keep track of points. To award points for a frame, you’ll need to have thrown the furthest puck on the table, meaning only one team can score per frame. However, even if you did throw the furthest puck that frame, only the ones that are further than your opponent’s pucks count towards your score.
Once you’ve tallied your score for that frame, you’ll need to adjust the scoreboard on the table. Most shuffleboard tables come equipped with an abacus scoring system. This system places 11 beads on a rod that all represent points. They consist of 9 black or chrome beads and 2 other colored beads (typically red or blue to differentiate teams).
All the beads will need to be in the center of the rod to begin scoring on the abacus scoring system. As you progress through frames and add points to your score, you’ll slide over one black or chrome bead for each point you earn. You’ll continue sliding over black or chrome beads until you score 10 points. Once you’ve scored 10 points, you’ll slide over one of the contrasting color beads to the end, which represents 10 points each. Once you’ve moved a 10 point bead, reset your 1 point beads to the center, and repeat the process until you reach the final score of 21 points. The winner has to win by 2 points.
Building out a whole game room in one go, with all the bells and whistles, is a luxury. For most people, the best advice would be to start with a single table — the one you know will get the most use. Once you’ve been using it for a while, you’ll be able to make better decisions regarding what could be added to improve the experience.
This also makes sense from a financial perspective. It’s far better to invest in a quality table and accessories that will play well and provide a quality gaming experience, vs. spending the same amount of money on several pieces of cheaper equipment that lack quality and durability.
This is critically important! It’s very easy to underestimate the amount of space you’ll need. For example, a full size pool table (4.5’ x 9’) played with standard-sized cues would require a space that is a minimum of 18' 4" x 14' 6”. Of course, using a smaller table and/or smaller cues would reduce the necessary space required. The bottom line — do your research and make sure that whichever table you buy — whether it’s for billiards, foosball, poker, air hockey, shuffleboard or table tennis — is plenty large enough to accommodate it. Also remember that you may want extra space to add more items later on, such as another table game, poker table, bar, etc.
Do It With Style
It’s immensely satisfying if your game room can reflect, to some degree or another, the personality and tastes of its owner. A search on Google or Pinterest will turn up tons of ideas for very cool, purpose-built game rooms in modern, classical, and retro styles. Of course, not all of us are able to invest in a coherent, ground-up style for a game room. For that reason, a lot of the furniture you’ll find tends to follow tried-and-true styling that’s designed to look good with a number of decors while still offering some flourishes that reflect the taste of the owner.
As mentioned above, initially the best option to go with would be the table you know will get the most use. With that in mind, let’s go through some of the options for your first gaming room table.
Pool Table
Pool tables are the quintessential centerpiece of game rooms and rec rooms in the US. As with all the best games, pool can be tons of fun for a relative newcomer while still offering challenges to those who have decades of experience.
However, a proper pool table (e.g. slate, hardwood construction) is likely going to be the most expensive of any game table investment. For this reason, we’d recommend putting some serious consideration and planning into a pool table purchase to make sure you get the most from your hard earned dollars. The upside is that a pool table has real longevity, often lasting multiple generations with proper care and a bit of maintenance, and the enjoyment a table can bring is unparalleled.
Considering the fact that it’s a long term investment, it’s especially important to make sure that you know what room size you require for the table and cue size you’re looking at. Check out our table size guidelines as a starting point
Dart Board
We’re placing this toward the top of our list as darts is easily one of the most affordable additions to a rec room. It’s a great option in that the game can involve a high level of skill and practice yet still feel accessible to novices who just want to play around. You can simply throw up a dartboard and start playing, or you can install a dartboard cabinet for a slightly more dedicated game room look.
Foosball Table
Considered by many to be the hallmark of many rec rooms, the popularity of foosball has been increasing worldwide. It’s a game that’s easy to learn for anyone from kids to grandparents, but it’s tough to master. A foosball table can also work well as a second table, as it requires notably less space than a pool table or ping pong table.
Table Tennis (Ping Pong) Table
All you have to do is jump on youtube to see that table tennis can be much more than a leisure activity. It’s also easy to learn the basics on how to play - you’ll just get a bit more exercise chasing down errant balls when you’re still learning. Depending on your game level, table tennis can certainly require the largest amount of space of any game tables, with the IFFT outlining a requirement for nearly 50 feet of space. However, the game can easily be adapted to smaller spaces. One great thing about table tennis is that you can buy a table tennis conversion top for a pool table, allowing you to maximize your game options in a limited space.
Air Hockey Table
This classic face-off between two players on a low-friction table has been an arcade staple since the 1970s. Some tables include an LED scoreboard to help keep track of the action.
Poker Table
While you don't really need anything more than a fold up card table, a dedicated poker table can add a lot to the experience while also making a statement that you're deadly serious about winning your buddies' cash. If we do say so ourselves, we offer some nice options here.
Traditionally, a basement has been a popular choice for setting up a game room, although family rooms are becoming an increasingly popular option. Over the last half century, living room use has declined, as the traditional family room has taken its place. In fact, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), one-third of homes built in 1999 have no living room at all. Meanwhile, the family room has evolved into the new place to gather with friends and family. A quality gaming table in the family room not only has the obvious utility, it can enhance the room’s decor.
Game Room in the Office: Work Hard, Play Hard
A game room doesn’t always have to be built at home - it's increasingly becoming a staple of the office environment where companies are realizing the value of employees bonding outside of strictly professional interactions. They make a statement about your brand and the culture of your workplace, making it attractive to a younger demographic of employees. Also, employees that ‘work hard and play hard’ tend to be more energized and focused, enabling them to produce better work results.
Condo Community
A game room is also a fantastic way to promote social interaction within your condominium. Living in a condo can be a cold experience, as residents often ignore each other in the hallways and elevators. But like children who meet in the playground, a game room gives adults a chance to interact and get to know each other, promoting a true sense of community within your condominium. Suggest it to your HOA, you may be surprised at how much enthusiasm the idea is met with, especially if you offer to spearhead the effort!
Buying a pool table is a big investment. While it’s undoubtedly exciting, buying on impulse is not the best recipe for long term value... more often it’s fuel for disagreement with a spouse or other interested party. Just like a pool cue should be considered an extension of your arm, the pool table should be the center of your playing universe. Whether you are a leisure player, someone who wants to improve their game, or even a league player, the pool table is where it all starts. Size and style are of paramount importance, depending on what you want to do, but it doesn’t stop there. Pool tables, like expensive cars, come with all sorts of bells and whistles to consider. It can all be a little overwhelming if you let it, but hopefully this guide will provide some clarity in getting you started in your pool table search.
To begin, let’s discuss the most important part of a pool table – the table top. This is the foundation upon which all your pool playing wizardry is unleashed. Picking the right material from the get-go will be the deciding factor in two crucial categories: money and purpose.
Generally speaking, a smart purchase is an informed purchase. One where the buyer knows exactly what his or her requirements are, and what does and doesn’t represent good value in their circumstances. In layman’s terms, you get what you pay for. Whether you are looking for cheap entertainment or an impressive center-piece for the most veteran of players, the table’s material from should be considered first and foremost.
As mentioned, the primary consideration of materials is how they affect the quality of play. However, pool tables are also an inThe materials below are listed in order from cheapest to most expensive.
Slate gets its own tier because it is universally considered the highest quality surface available. It is more expensive than the rest of the options but the payoff is considerable. It will not crack or warp under normal circumstances and the surface allows for a clean and smooth shot. Italian slate has historically been regarded as the most premium material from which to build a table, but in recent years Brazilian slate has also developed an excellent reputation.
In addition to the higher price, a downside to slate is that it’s pretty difficult to move around - whether that be a new furniture layout in the same room or a full move to a new house. It’s not impossible but the best bet is to plan thoroughly and then enlist some professional help with installation or moving.
The table cabinet is usually a large wooden frame, rectangular in shape and made from planks of thick hardwood. Be sure to educate yourself on the robustness of the joining techniques on any tables you’re looking at - it’s a crucial component of the table’s stability. Designs and materials can vary, but typically the slate (or synthetic) is supported by two cross beams as well as a center beam. Some tables might even have doubled up center beams but since the weight of the slate is distributed from side to side and not end to end, these could be considered redundant. Depending on the size of the pool table, the construction may consist of any number of legs or even a central pedestal.
The slate will lock down onto the frame in 3 sections which are leveled separately. Bumpers, or cushions, are then lined flush with the table rails and slate in a rectangular pattern along the edges. The table rails will contain grooves running the entire length of the sides and ends. Felt is then spread and stretched across the table in stages and then secured with wooden or rubber featherstripping that is hammered into the grooves. Finally, the pockets are secured to the corners and side rails with metal or carbon fiber brackets.
Being lighter, MDF and synthetic tables below a certain price point will typically employ plastic or particle board in elements of the frame.
The sheer size of a pool table means that it will command a lot of attention, making it important that you consider how any potential table complements (or clashes with) it’s intended home. While modern and unique tables are a great addition to specific decors, they typically require someone who has a real eye for detail in order to avoid mismatching. Furthermore, a good table should last decades so, if there’s any hesitation, we often recommend a slightly more conservative approach to the decision. Pool tables generally fall into three basic categories:
Before rushing out to make a purchase, it’s important to note if you have enough space. Most first-time buyers of pool tables underestimate how much space is required.
Even if the table will fit comfortably inside the room, there must be adequate room around all sides of the tables for players to shoot. You should consider what size of cues you plan to use and whether the table will be used by adults or children. You may also want some room for a rack or cabinet to store additional cues and balls.
Generally speaking, 8’ tables (8’ x 4’) are considered ‘professional’ size, whereas 7’ tables (7’ x 3’6”) are considered ‘bar’ size. Most pool table buyers will opt for the larger size if they have the space, because of a better playing experience and a more tournament style feel. On the other hand, another point to consider is that a 7’ table is the same length used in most bars. This means you won’t only save space at home, but if you like to shoot at bars you’ll own the exact same size at home.
Using standard 57” pool cues, an ideal room size for an 8’ table would be about 14’ x 18’. For a 7’ table, the ideal room size would be about 13’ x 17’. A good trick is that if you are tight on space you can consider using a slightly shorter pool cue.
If the pool table will be in a basement watch out for support beams that might obstruct play. Don’t worry too much about it though because even if a beam is present, there are ways to cope:
If money or space is not a problem and you really want to get serious about developing your skills, you may want to consider a 9’ (9’ x 4’6”) table. This table is more challenging to play on but if you have a lot of money and a large house you are probably good at overcoming challenges anyway. While the game might be more difficult at first, once you’ve gotten used to playing on a large table like this, the smaller bar sized tables will be a breeze.
For differing table and cue sizes, you can use the chart below to determine what kind of playing space each table requires. For more detail, visit our pool table size guide.
Whether you choose to go “cheap” or can afford to go all-out, know that purchasing a table is an investment. If you’re looking at slate tables with solid construction (our recommendation), the affordable tables easily run upwards of $2,000. That’s not to say a fun table can’t be had for less, but that’s the rough budget for a long term investment in a table that’s a high quality piece of furniture with a lasting, quality playing surface.
If you’re just browsing, a local dealer is often your best starting point as they can usually show you a variety of table styles and brands and speak to any specific questions you have on the spot. If you already have a good idea of what you’re looking for, or if there simply is no local dealer available, it’s absolutely possible to buy a high quality pool table online these days. The advantages to buying online are often a slightly lower price as well as the fact that your decision isn’t made with a salesman (no problem for some, a real pain for others). Regardless of whether you’re buying online or at a dealer, be sure to take your time. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you can think of and don’t assume anything - there are a lot of ancillary costs to pool tables which may or may not be included in the prices that you’re quoted. Finally, take your time before pulling the trigger. We love pool tables here. It’d be a shame not to get the longest lasting, best looking, and most fun table within your budget you possibly can!
First, check your existing nose height. This is the point of the rubber cushion where the ball would make contact. If your pool stable is a standard one that uses 2 1/4” balls, the nose height should be between 1 3/8” to 1 7/16” above the table surface. If your nose height is within that range, then it’s OK to replace your cushions with the same profile. Next, either cut the rail cloth to reveal the top side of the cushion, or remove the rail cloth to reveal the cushion.
K66 Profile: If your table is a non-Brunswick table, it likely takes a K66 profile, measuring 1 1/18” across the cushion top, and 1 3/16” high at the back. This is the cushion used on nearly all Legacy Billiards tables, for example.
K55 Profile: If your table is a Brunswick table and was made after 1975, then you likely require a K55 cushion, measuring 1 1/4” across the cushion top, and 1 5/16” high at the back. If your table is an older one, made before 1975, be sure to measure the back side of the cushion (the glue side), to check the size. Older K55 cushions were 1 5/16” at the back, but 1 1/8” on the top side.
Cushions for Brunswick 7 ft. & 8 ft. Tables
If you own an older, 7 or 8 ft Brunswick, your table may have propriety cushion profiles such as the Brunswick Centennial or Contender cushions. The cushion profile is shaped more like a number 7 than a triangle. The U56 profile is a lower cost option which can be found online.
]]>The main thing to remember when taking care of the cloth on your table is never, ever, ever use a vacuum on it. This is going to pull and stretch the cloth which dramatically decreases its' durability, not to mention affect the play of the table. Not much is more frustrating than having a shot lined up perfectly, only to have a wrinkle in the loose felt send your shot off in a completely different direction.
When you clean your felt, it's a good time to clean the balls too. For the balls, warm water with a little bit of detergent works well and rinses clean. Wet a towel, wring it out, clean each ball and set aside to air dry while you tend to the cloth.
For cleaning the cloth, begin by using a special brush to sweep the bumper railings debris on to the table and then sweep any debris or lint from the edges and around the pockets, towards the center of the table. Use straight motion with your sweep, don't go circular. You want to keep your motion going with the weave of the felt so it doesn't "pucker" or shift.
Once you've swept the bumper railings and edges and are ready to begin the full table sweep, begin in the middle and work towards each end. Remember to keep straight motions, no side to side or circular.
At each end of the table, lightly sweep the debris on to a piece of thin cardboard or dust pan. Make sure your dust pan doesn't have hard plastic edges or metal along the bottom that can accidentally snag or tear the felt. The ones with a soft, pliable rubber edge work great.
Some people use a vacuum attachment to clean the inside of the pockets. We recommend using a clean, damp towel to wipe them out. Don't even bring the vacuum out and you won't be tempted to use it on the felt.
If there is a spill on the table, it's best to clean it immediately with a dry, white, cotton absorbent cloth. If the spill is not recent, use a slightly wet, warm, absorbent cotton cloth. Water only. Soaps will leave a mark and some residue. Place the cloth over the area and let it do the work. Don't over-saturate the felt and don't rub- this will stretch the felt and weaken that area. Pat over the area until the spot is removed.
There are some commercial cleaners labeled for table top cleaning. They have been formulated to offer a "dry clean". Talk with a specially trained representative at your local Pool Table retailer to see if they have a product you would like to try.
]]>Your game room is already the most fun spot in the house, so naturally it can be the center for your “stay-cation” activities. Your pool table, shuffleboard, entertainment system or video games all serve as sources of entertainment. The return on your investment in a high-quality game room project is the hours of fun you can enjoy with friends and family. So save a little money, and kick back and relax in your own house.
You should plan your stay-cation the same way you would plan a regular getaway. Pick out the dates and pack your schedule with fun activities you can do throughout. You can have a pool or shuffleboard tournament on Tuesday, a movie marathon on Wednesday, and a cocktail night for the grownups on Thursday. It can be everything you’d enjoy at resort without the price tag.
A vacation is not just time spent away from work or school; it’s also a mindset. When you start your stay-cation, declare an embargo on chores and housework. If you start worrying about yard work, vacuuming or doing laundry, relax with a game of pool and a refreshing drink in the game room. Planning your time ensures that you won't let your stay-cation end up being a couple of boring nights in front of the TV.
If you’re a social butterfly, considering hosting a get together in your game room to close out your stay-cation in style. Start by hosting a pool or shuffleboard tournament or play pill pool, a billiards variety that accommodates up to 16 players at once. Take your party to the next level by serving drinks and refreshments at your home bar - an always popular option.
]]>1. Check the legs: Make sure they're level and even to avoid your puck sliding to one side.
2. Sway: This helps control the pucks speed. You'll want to raise up the end of the table just a little bit. This keeps the pucks from coming off the end of the table for more accurate play.
3. Climate: The hardware under the table keeps the playing surface at the right curve to keep your puck in the playing area.
You can hear more about these adjustments explained by Cris Gould in this Legacy Video.
Many manufactures don't take the care and attention to construction of the rails like we do. The hardware used in the construction of your table is going to make a huge difference in the play and stability of the table.
A TNut is a special piece of hardware made specifically for the furniture industry. It provides the best torque possible in the securing of the construction. We use the largest TNut in the industry on our rails.
Another detail often overlooked by other manufacturers is the wood the hardware is attached to. Many times, soft wood is where the hardware is housed and then attached to the visible outer rail. Legacy uses a hardwood core to house the hardware which results in a stronger, sturdier table that will give you the best playability possible.
See our video buyer's guide.
]]>By using less, we give you more:
We can use less hardware in our construction/assembly by using a solid hardwood design that is more structurally sound than other products that rely on laminate, metal plates and sections of wood in their construction process.
By using fewer pieces, pool table assembly is much easier and the structure is more sound which results in a better billiard table for YOU!
]]>So, let's start planning our seating arrangement with the minimum amount of people needed to play pool: two. Consider a spectator chair that gives players a comfortable place to sit while waiting on their turn to shoot. These chairs are specifically designed for game rooms and are meant to be used along with the billiard table. These chairs also have a place to rest a pool cue and set down your drink.
So you've got enough space for you and your buddy to sit when you're playing pool. What happens when word gets out and more people want to check out your game room? A pub set is an easy and affordable way to provide a small entertainment area near the billiard table. Pub tables come in many sizes, a 30-inch diameter pub table is designed for smaller rooms and should have 2 barstools to make the set complete. A 36-inch diameter pub is adequate for larger rooms and can hold as many as 4 barstools, and can easily be expanded to accommodate 6 seats with a conversion top. Pub sets also come in various heights. With 40 to 42-inch heights being the standard, depending on your room’s size and placement of the pub. The 36-inch café height may be used to avoid interference with the pool cue during play. Also, make sure the pub seating you choose corresponds with the height of your table. If you purchase a 36-inch high café table you’ll need a 25-inch high café stool while a 40 to 42-inch high table will require a 30-inch high pub stool.
At this point, if you have five friends over, everybody has a place to relax, watch pool and enjoy a cold beverage. If you're game room gets even more jam-packed, think about getting a home bar set.
]]>As we said, your table is heavy. Pool tables can easily weigh 1,000+ pounds. Add that to the weight of other furniture in the room and people enjoying the room and the importance of the right flooring and covering becomes pretty evident.
Below the flooring, you want to make sure the support system is stable enough to accommodate the weight of your Pool table and game room contents. If your unsure your floor can hold a billiard table, consult an engineer before placing it in the room. Once you are certain the structure is sturdy and sound, it's time to look at the different floor covering options.
Hardwood flooring is going to add some extra stability to the floor. It's recommended that you put an area rug under the table that is big enough for all four legs to be on the rug to keep the table from sliding.
Napped cloth is a loop weave, and has a “nap” to it as the name describes. It requires more brushing, a little more maintenance, and may slow the ball down a bit in standard play. If you’re an average player and want to save a little bit of money on your table purchase, napped cloth may be right for you.
Worsted cloth is a flatter weave and is more expensive, but it promotes a faster play of ball and prolongs the life of the cloth. If you want professional-grade playability from your table, and want to ensure the quality of your cloth doesn’t deteriorate in the future, worsted is your best choice.
A great option for both napped and worsted cloth is called Teflon Treatment. Teflon helps to cloth resist moisture and guards the cloth from staining. For a demonstration of what Teflon Treatment can do for you billiard cloth, check out our Billiard Cloth Video Guide.
]]>When purchasing a shuffleboard table it’s important to take proper maintenance and care into consideration. If you want to get the most from your shuffleboard table, you’ll need to regularly apply shuffleboard wax on the play surface.
Legacy offers two different products that will maximize playability and extend the life of your shuffleboard table: Legacy’s Black Ice Shuffleboard Wax and Black Ice Silicone Spray.
Often the process of applying wax to the table is misunderstood, but it’s actually a very simple procedure that takes only a few minutes if done properly. First spray Silicone Spray to the table surface and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, apply the wax to the table.
Check out our shuffleboard maintenance video guide for a demonstration on how to apply silicone spray and wax to your shuffleboard.
]]>Tabletop games consist of a series of frames, oftentimes in a best-of-three or best-of-five format. The length of each part of the series will depend on if you are playing singles or doubles.
Here is a quick tutorial on keeping score in a game of shuffleboard:
The scoring area is divided in to three sections:
· Closest to the edge (3 points)
· Short Middle section (2 points)
· Long Middle section (1 point)
A puck hanging over the edge of the table is worth 4 points.
After all the pucks have been shot by taking alternating turns, the points are added up. First check to see which player/team has a puck closest to the edge. Points are awarded for each puck that has gone farther than the opponents best shot. For example, if a blue puck is closest to the edge and sitting in the three-point section and a red puck is in the two-point section, the blue player will earn three points for the round and the red player will earn none.
In a singles match, the first player to earn 11 points wins the frame. A doubles team must earn 21 points to win the frame.
For more information on How to Score a Game of Shuffleboard, check out our video how-to:
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Dating back to the early 20th century, pinball machines have been a staple in bars, arcades and game rooms alike. A pinball machine can be a great way to add variety and personality to your game room or man cave, and really, who doesn’t like pinball?
Here are a few tips we suggest you follow when buying a pinball machine for your game room.
First, look at the date it was made. If it was made after 1978, (the year pinball machines became “modern”) repairs and maintenance should be a breeze. If it’s pre-1978, chances are that even though it has a great retro look, you’re going to need to spend a ton of money to get it working.
Since the advent of cheaper to buy, home video game consoles. The number of new pinball games produced each year has gone down drastically. While you can still buy a brand-spanking new machine, you’ll have a wider variety of options when you shop in the used market.
Depending on the condition, demand and rarity of the machine you can plan on spending anywhere from a few thousand all the way to $20,000 and beyond. We researched market values on Ebay, but you can always look out for better prices at local arcade game auctions or deal your area’s craigslist.
Once it’s in your game room, you may need to have in serviced in the future. In order for your machine to work properly, you’ll need it serviced by an expert every few years. Take good care of your machine, and you should have years of enjoyment ahead of you.
Need help completing your game room project? In it, you’ll find tips on putting together a complete and long lasting game room the entire family can enjoy. From flooring and lighting to furniture options and design, this guide is your one-stop resource for turning an ordinary room to the most fun spot in the house. Check out it now!
]]>When you think of purchasing a pool table, you may feel you have only two options. Most people think of the expensive and ornate heirloom quality tables or the relatively inexpensive toy tables offered at discount or department stores. Many don’t realize there is a basic table option that provides similar quality as an heirloom table for a lower investment.
The Basic Table – Quality You Can Afford
A basic table is built to last for years in your home. Using a solid wood construction with a sturdy frame and slate playing surface, a basic table is available typically for under $2,000. The slate playing surface will not warp or deteriorate like plywood, making this table a quality investment for your family.
Basic tables are plain and simple, without the detailed carving and fine finishes of an heirloom table. Designed for durability and quality play rather than as a piece of furniture, these tables are still attractive additions to any home. The simple lines save money without compromising function.
New versus Used
A new table offers your family the best possible value. Pool tables tend to hold their value so a used table is often nearly as expensive as a new table but does not have the same guarantees as new. A pool table is often damaged when moved making a used table more likely to have an uneven playing surface or other structural issues. The small amount of money you save can be quickly used in repairs or maintenance.
Purchase a Basic Table from a Reputable Dealer
All things are not equal when purchasing a pool table. It’s important to understand exactly the details of your purchase. A reputable dealer will provide complete pricing. Other dealers may not include the cloth, table installation or a warranty in the original purchase price. These hidden costs can quickly multiply and eliminate any cost savings you anticipated. Here are things to look for when purchasing your pool table:
A Pool Table is Affordable for Your Family
By shopping around and making a wise and informed selection, you can afford a pool table for your home. A basic table is a sound investment that pays off in hours of enjoyment for your friends and family. When you consider the costs associated with other, more electronic forms of entertainment a pool table is a wise choice.
]]>The best deal on a pool table is about more than just price. It is about purchasing the right table for your needs. The size, quality, and appearance of the table must be right for your home and your purpose. The least expensive table available may appear to be a good value, but only if the table is durable enough to require little maintenance and give you the type of enjoyment you want.
Be careful when shopping to understand what you are purchasing. Department stores will often offer pool tables at a low price, presenting them as the ideal solution for your game room. In fact, these tables are considered toy tables.
They are often constructed using a slate alternative as a playing surface. Designed to last a few years at most, tables like these are easily damaged by players who are just enjoying a good time with friends. People sitting on the rails or spilling a beverage on the table can cause damage that impacts the quality of play. While these tables appear to be a good value, replacement costs make them unsuitable for more than occasional play by children in a kid’s rec room.
A basic table is a sound investment, ensuring reliable play for years. A sturdy, basic table begins at around $1,500 with design finishes and other details adding to the cost. There are some basic components that you should look for as you select a basic table.
A basic table will provide years of quality play with minimal maintenance. When you design your game room, a basic table is the minimum investment you should consider. If you want a pool table that is a piece of furniture and a centerpiece of the room, an heirloom table may be a better selection for you and your family.
An heirloom table is typically made of solid wood with a beautiful finish and lovely legs. A table like this has the best quality materials including high grade cloth and lively rubber cushions to ensure a high quality game. A table like this can cost thousands of dollars but is designed to last for generations.
Basic or heirloom quality, to get the best deal on a pool table you must understand your purpose for the table itself. Selecting the appropriate table for your needs and desired play guarantees the best value and years of enjoyment for your entire family.
]]>A billiard table is the centerpiece of any game room. Adding an overhead hanging light adds to the beauty of your table while also providing a well-lit playing surface. The best position for a hanging fixture is 33” – 36” above the slate playing surface.
Consider adjusting the size and length of the lighting fixture to match the size and length of your table. Be careful not to overwhelm a smaller table with too much lighting but be sure to provide enough lighting to cover the entire surface area of a larger table. As a frame of reference, an 8’ table typically is best served by a fixture at least 42” long with three bulbs.
Since glare can be a distraction during play, consider using frosted incandescent bulbs of about 60 watts. They provide a soft, warm light that is comfortable for players but still brightly illuminates the entire playing surface.
Pool is more than a game. It’s an enjoyable experience for you, your family and your guests. A large part of that experience is found in the atmosphere of your game room. The lighting you choose for your billiard table can and should be a part of the theme of your room.
The lighting over your billiard table is a wonderful way to tie your game room theme together and create a total atmosphere of fun and relaxation. No matter which theme you choose, coordinating your lighting to the billiard table itself and the other features and furniture in the room gives your game room a decorator’s touch.
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