If you’re wondering how much a pool table costs, there are a few factors you should consider first. There are prices for different budgets, but the aspects that affect a pool table’s cost the most are the materials used.
So, what is the cost of buying a pool table? You can find a basic model around $300 while other higher-end models may be priced more than $10,000.
In any case, we recommend following this advice whenever you’re considering options either online, through a catalog, or a billiard shop, so you know how to get the best deal when purchasing a pool table. Also, please check our Best Pool Table Brands article to help you choose the perfect pool table for your needs.
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Pool Table Models
For starters, let’s explain the different pool table models you can find in the market. We’ll explore four types, including the following:
- Budget Tables
- Economy Slate Tables
- Mid-Range Tables
- Top Quality Tables
Budget Tables
Budget pool tables have less durability than most of the models explained. If you’re searching for tables for your kids to play with or you just want to have some fun playing, this option may be the best for you.
These tables are relatively cheap, with prices that range from $300 to $1,200, although it is possible to find models below $300. Therefore, if you want your purchase to last for a few years, perhaps you should treat the table with the most care possible.
Manufacturers often build budget tables with the least expensive wood or plastic, for instance. Therefore, it’s very likely that most models have poor-quality slates or even substitutes. As they are made of artificial materials mostly, you can be sure they won’t last more than half a decade.
We often recommend these tables for people with children who want to get started in the pool niche. If you’re aiming to use it as an adult, maybe you should consider other options.
If you are interested in this kind of pool table, you may take a look at the EastPoint Sports Billiard Pool Table.
Economy Slate Tables
Although we still are in the economic section, you can expect the tables to acquire a few “upgrades” from the previous category. If you’re wondering how much a pool table of this group is, the prices range from $1,200 to $2,500. We’re talking about more reliable tables that you can use casually without the fear of breaking them.
Although manufacturers build economy slate tables with better materials than the previous type, it would help if you took proper care of your new acquisition if you want it to last for more than a decade. Still, please note these tables are basic and may require refurbishing once in a while.
The playing surfaces on these tables are genuine slate, but everything else is inferior. The quality of materials used and construction of these tables is not exceptional. At the lower end of the price spectrum, most have vinyl or melamine laminated surfaces. You can check this Mizerak Donovan II 8′ Billiard Table. The slate version is pretty good and durable.
More expensive versions of these pool tables may feature a wood veneer on top, usually, a thin sheet of wood glued to a plywood or fiberboard. Please take special care when storing these materials around humid areas or areas subject to large temperature changes like a basement.
We recommend these tables for those with a bit more money in their pockets who want their new pool table to last for some years. These tables are decent and act perfectly for their purpose.
However, while purchasing it, it would be best if you paid special attention to the materials the table is made of, as sometimes, people may try to sneak low-quality materials and make them look classy. Manufacturers often want to sell low-quality products at costly prices.
Mid-Range Tables
At this point, we are talking about high-quality tables that are still accessible for some people. If you’re wondering how much these pool tables cost, you should know for starters that the prices vary from $2,100 to $3,500. Therefore, you can get picky about the table’s style and make it match with the room where you will place it.
One of the most popular pool table models of this category is the Harvil Galaxy 8-Foot Slate Pool Table. It has a three-piece slate and it’s pretty reliable.
These types of pool tables have great playability and solid construction. But also, take note that to be able to come up with a more affordable price, manufacturers tend to incorporate cheaper materials. Lower-priced pool tables in this category usually have laminated wood or plywood components. While the higher models have solid wood construction.
We recommend mid-range tables for those who take their pool game seriously or would want to “step-up” their game, regardless if you’re an amateur or a more experienced player who has not acquired their pool table yet.
It’s possible to find excellent pool table costs under $3,000 and even under $2,000 if you know where to look. Still, keep your budget in mind and remember to get as many details as possible from that particular model!
Top-quality Tables
We have arrived at the last category. Here we’ll include the most expensive models – and some of them can be customized, depending on where you choose to purchase them.
How much is a pool table of this category?
First, you should know that prices start at $3,500 and do not stop rising from that point. Some of the materials used to build these tables include exotic woods and other high-quality and aesthetically-pleasing materials, like semi-precious gems. These tables are often considered.
One of the tables that loved by many pool players is the Brunswick Gold Crown Pool Table. It has an elegant look, extreme playability and it’s very durable.
We also include timeless antique pool tables under this category, as they often cost over ten thousand dollars, for instance. Here it can be a bit harder to pick a table, but it shouldn’t take you too much time to find the one you’ve always dreamed of after a few minutes.
That being said, all the tables included in this type are made of top-notch materials, and their design may be hugely intricate. You’ll know you’re getting a good pool table once you get to see them.
Many people consider these products to be timeless. They can last for multiple generations, and therefore, your descendants may play with them once you’re not around anymore. They’re worth the price.
Factors that Affect the Cost of a Pool Table
Essentially, all pool tables share the same function, letting you play pool, ha!. As you have read throughout the article, the prices can range from $500to more than $1000
But what are the factors that affect the cost of a pool table?
In this section, we will explore the following aspects thoroughly:
- Material and construction
- Design and finish
- Slate thickness
- Brand
Material and Construction
Manufacturers can build pool tables with different materials, and therefore, it is a crucial aspect to consider if you want to build a high-quality pool table.
The material is a crucial aspect to consider when considering the pool table cost, as it may be the main difference between an $800 table and another one that costs more than one-thousand.
That being said, pool tables may be made of slate or medium-density fibreboard (MDF). MDF is processed wood, and its production is not as costly as the slate. MDF is wood-based, and therefore, it must be kept in a dry environment with low humidity levels if you want to make sure your table lasts for a long time. Additionally, it is hugely lightweight.
Slate production is way more costly than MDF. Therefore, you can expect pool tables made of this material to cost more than those made of wood. Still, they’re worth the price.
Unlike MDF pool tables, slate does not “warp” and remains as good as new for a long, long time. Furthermore, its surface is more “consistent,” which is the main reason why most professional or more experienced players prefer to purchase slate and not MDF.
It’s always good to consider both options, in any case. Some tables are made of exotic woods and other top-notch materials as decoration, which grants them additional points.
Design and Finish
This factor is a bit complicated, as it is subjective and differs from a person to another. For instance, some people prefer to go for bar-styled pool tables they can use to play with their friends and relatives, for instance.
Other people prefer the standard design: four legs, six pockets, and the smooth surface that’s necessary to play the game.
That being said, it is crucial for you to consider that some pool tables are not made with any particular style or design in mind, and you can see how much that factor affects their pricing.
On the other hand, some pool table models look more than artworks than pool tables. Some of them look so aesthetically pleasing and delicate you may not even want to touch them. These tables are often made of exotic materials, and their designers often exploit their creativity to make unique tables that can impress anyone.
As good as the previous paragraph may sound, these tables can be hugely costly. If you want to purchase a table that’s both functional and good-looking, start counting numbers because it is not going to be cheap.
Slate thickness
Slate thickness is another crucial factor to take into consideration as it affects the physical state of your table and the total price.
For instance, a thicker slate will have fewer imperfections. It is important to explore your future pool table as much as possible to ensure you’re getting what you’re paying for, especially if you’re going for a more expensive product.
To summarize, a thicker slate will result in a more expensive table. However, the quality will increase as well, so you can trust your new pool table will last for a long time.
Brand
If your eye has caught a table with a remarkable name attached, it’s valid for it to be costly. However, as the cost increases, the quality will also be improved. Remarkable brands have a good reputation that precedes them, and they often offer top-notch products and excellent customer service. Other factors include great deals in warranties for most of their products.
Well-known brands like Brunswick and Olhausen are known due to their high-quality pool tables, but keep in mind that big names often have costlier prices. However, every dollar you spent on that table will be worth it.
Other factors that are worth considering
There are other factors to take into consideration when buying a pool table. For instance, you should know that some stores add the shipping expenses to the total price. Due to that, there are additional aspects to take into account before completing your purchase. Here we mention some of them.
Moving and Assembly
Although it may be fun to gather some friends and try to put the pool table together yourself, it may not end up as you expect. It would be best if you left that task to a professional, and that may cost you money. These costs may vary from three-hundred to six-hundred dollars.
Gear
Pool tables must contain particular items. However, some of them do not include these accessories on the list. If that’s the case, you may end up paying more money in the long-term.
Please consider some of the essential accessories as part of the cost – cues, balls, racking triangles, and even chalk. Every object that you consider is necessary for your enjoyment should be taken into account.
Billiard Accessories
Last but not least, let’s talk about some of the accessories that affect the game itself. For instance, some of the accessories listed here may cost less than fifty dollars. These expenses include cue racks and table covers, for example.
As the final factor to take into consideration, please consider cleaning supplies. Your pool table needs maintenance, and for that, you’ll need items like a pool cue cleaner, a brush, and a felt cleaner to make sure your accessories are in top condition at any time you decide to play. All of the mentioned products may end up costing about sixty dollars, for instance.
Still, all of what’s listed here vary the price depending on other factors, such as the brand and quality of the said products. Still, you can check online stores like Amazon or E-Bay for more detailed information about the prices.
If you’re wondering how much a pool table costs, there are a few factors you should consider first. There are prices for different budgets, but the aspects that affect the most a pool table’s cost are the materials used for its construction.
Therefore, you can find pool tables that cost around $1,000, while other models may be priced more than $10,000.
In any case, we recommend following this advice whenever you’re considering options either online, through a catalog, or a billiard shop, so you know how to get the best deal when purchasing a pool table.
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