Resources — Guides

Billiard Room Flooring 0

An important thing that is often overlooked when designing a game room is the type of flooring to be used.  When something as large and heavy as a Pool Table is in the room, special consideration must be taken to have the proper floor covering below the table.

Weight Support

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.

Flooring Surfaces

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.

Tile is a strong option for the floor but you're taking a chance on chipping or breakage when balls come off the table- both to the floor and possibly the balls.

 

On hardwood or tile, an area rug can both protect your flooring from stray balls as well as prevent any small possibility of your table sliding under heavy pressure. Just be sure to make sure that your table has "settled" before leveling. In lieu of an area rug, rubber mats can perform a similar function.  You can find them in many colors, they're easy to keep clean, and the table won't slide. If you don't like the appearance of the floor mat, you can attach pieces of the mat to the bottom the table's feet when it is installed.

 

The biggest thing to keep in mind is a level table and the weight of the equipment. Deciding on the right floor covering for your game room is going to go a long way in the lasting of your equipment and accessories.

Guide to Billiard Cloth: Napped vs. Worsted 0

There are several different brands of billiard cloth, but basically only two types: Napped and Worsted. Napped billiard cloth is considered standard and is generally included with most tables purchased by consumers. Worsted billiard cloth is a higher quality and is noted for its enhanced playability and durability.

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.

Game Room Guide: Adding a Pinball Machine 0

So you’ve got the billiard table with all the accessories, a top-of-the-line shuffleboard, a killer dartboard and a home bar that rivals the finest pubs and bars the world over. What’s the next step for making this game room legendary? For us it’s an American classic: the pinball machine.

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!

Can I Afford a Pool Table for My Home? 0

A pool table is a wonderful investment for your family, providing hours of enjoyment.  It is a much needed alternative to television, video games and electronic entertainment.  Imagine the quality time spent with family and friends around a pool table and the conversations, laughter, and healthy competition that can be a part of your home. 

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:

• Assembled at the Factory:  Select a pool table that is assembled at the factory.  This means that the slate is attached to the frame in a factory setting.  Why is this important?  When the slate is attached the manufacturer can ensure the playing surface is level and solid and that there are no structural defects or issues with the table itself.
  

• Installation and Delivery:  Some dealers charge a separate installation and delivery fee above the price of the table.  Be sure to consider the cost of this service when buying your table and compare prices accordingly.
  

• Cloth:  The cloth, known as felt, that covers the playing surface is essential to play.  You would naturally assume cloth is included in the table price, right?  Be careful.  Some dealers add the price of cloth to the quoted table price. 
  

• Accessories:  Basic accessories like billiard balls, cue sticks and a rack should be included in the purchase price of your table.  Ask, and make sure you factor these items into the total pricing.
  

• Warranty:  Purchasing a basic table is cost effective because of the lifetime warranty.  Rather than replacing the table after a few years, your investment will serve your family for a long time.  Make sure you purchase a basic table with this type of warranty. 
  

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.