What Are Pool Tables Made Of? Key Materials and Benefits

Key Takeaways

• Discover the four main components of a pool table, which include the bed, rails, pockets, as well as frame and legs. Each part’s material contributes to the table's playability, stability, and longevity.

• What are pool tables made of? There are two main materials: slate and wood and synthetic alternatives. Find out the pros and cons of each below!

• Beyond the game, there is a universe of artistry and materials that combine to create a piece of fine furniture as well as a game. Check out these key tips for choosing the correct materials for your pool table.

Key Components of a Pool Table

Overview of Main Parts

Understanding the primary pool table parts will help you know the reason why the material choice is crucial for each. Below are the main parts:

• Bed: The flat surface where the balls roll, typically made of slate for a smooth, level playing field.

• Rails: They are the cushioned sides that surround the bed. They allow balls to rebound with consistent force.

• Pockets: Located at the table's corners and sides, they are designed to catch and hold the balls during gameplay.

• Frame and Legs: The sturdy base that supports the bed and ensures the table remains level and stable.

Material Impact on Performance

• Bed: What are pool table tops made of? Slate is ideal because it resists warping, providing a consistently flat surface for accurate ball movement. Wood or synthetic alternatives are less durable and may affect ball roll over time.

What are pool tables made out of? Source: Presidential Billiards

• Rails: High-quality rubber ensures predictable ball rebounds; lower-grade materials can lead to inconsistent play.

• Pockets: Durable leather or plastic enhances longevity. Meanwhile, softer materials may wear quickly, impacting their ability to catch balls.

• Frame and Legs: Hardwood or metal offers excellent stability and durability, ensuring the table stays level and can withstand heavy use. Lower-quality materials may compromise stability and shorten the table’s lifespan.

Pool Table Bed Materials: Slate vs. Wood

Slate

What is a slate pool table? Slate is a solid rock made up of minerals including clay, mica, and quartz with fine grain. This material naturally divides into level, broad pieces that can be polished smooth, making slate an excellent choice for pool tables.

Slate is the preferred pool table material for serious players due to its smoothness. Furthermore, its density makes it highly resistant to warping, dampness, and other environmental damage that is more typical in synthetic and hardwood tables.

Also, this rock-like quality contributes to far greater durability. It allows slate pool tables to survive longer, withstand harder, longer play, and require far fewer costly repairs or replacements in the future.

Slate pool table. Source: Playcraft

Unfortunately, slate tables are often more costly because of the high quality of the material and the skill necessary to install and level the slate. Not to mention, the slate is heavy, making the table difficult to carry around once built. It also implies that the floor where the table is installed must be robust enough to sustain its weight.

Despite these drawbacks, slate is still a popular material regarding “what are pool tables made out of?”. It is the only surface used in tournaments due to its consistency and longevity.

Wood and Synthetic Alternatives

MDF, or Medium-Density Fibreboard, is a kind of fiberboard composed of wood fibers and resin. This material is a less expensive option when it comes to what are pool tables made of. These qualities make MDF tables simple to carry, install, and maintain, making them an appealing alternative for casual players or those with limited space. 

However, MDF has significant limitations. It is susceptible to warping over time, especially in places with significant humidity or temperature variations. This warping can result in an uneven playing surface, reducing ball movement and overall play experience.

MDF pool table. Source: Pool Table Portfolio

In addition to MDF, synthetic materials like particleboard and composite wood are commonly used in lower-cost pool tables. These engineered materials mimic some properties of wood while being less expensive to produce. 

While they are suitable for casual and recreational use, they often compromise on precision, durability, and stability. As a result, these tables may not provide the consistent ball roll and rebound necessary for competitive play, making them less appealing to serious players.

Other Important Materials in Pool Table Construction

1. Rail Cushioning

Rail cushioning is a crucial part of pool table design. It's often constructed of high-quality natural or synthetic rubber. The objective of these cushions is to guarantee that balls rebound predictably and consistently when they hit the rail.

High-quality rubber delivers a consistent amount of elasticity, allowing for accurate ball reaction and increasing the entire gameplay experience. Contrarily, lower-grade cushions may harden or degrade with time, resulting in irregular rebounds and lower play quality. Professional and tournament-grade tables prioritize premium cushioning materials to ensure long-term performance. 

2. Playing Surface Cloth

Typically made from wool, nylon blends, or a combination of both, the cloth covers the slate bed and provides a smooth, controlled surface for ball movement. The type and quality of the cloth greatly influence the table's playability, with softer, finer materials ensuring a faster, more professional-grade experience.

Other important materials in pool table construction. Source: Peters Billiards

High-quality worsted wool cloth is favored for professional tables due to its tightly woven texture, which enhances speed, accuracy, and precision. On the other hand, standard wool-nylon blends are more durable and suitable for casual play but may offer slower ball speeds. 

3. Frame and Leg Materials

The frame and legs of a pool table provide the essential support structure, ensuring stability and durability. Common materials include solid hardwood, metal, and composite materials, each chosen for specific needs and budgets. 

Solid wood, such as oak or maple, offers exceptional strength and a classic aesthetic, making it a popular choice for high-end tables. Metal frames are often used in modern designs, providing robust support and sleek styling. Composite materials, while less expensive, can offer reasonable durability for recreational tables.

Choosing the Right Pool Table Material for Your Needs

• Professional vs. Recreational Use: For competitive play, slate beds and high-quality cloth ensure precision and durability. Recreational use can rely on MDF or synthetic materials as they are affordable options for casual settings without the need for professional-grade performance.

• Budget Considerations: Slate tables are more expensive but long-lasting and ideal for serious players. MDF and synthetic tables are budget-friendly, making them suitable for recreational use, though they may sacrifice precision and durability.

Tips to choose the right pool table material for your needs. Source: Murphy Door

• Maintenance and Longevity: Slate tables require minimal maintenance and last longer. On the other hand, MDF and synthetic options are more vulnerable to moisture and wear, requiring greater care and offering a shorter lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is slate preferred over wood for pool tables?

Regarding what are pool tables made of, slate is a common choice. It provides a flawlessly level, smooth, and durable playing surface, which is required for precise ball movement. Unlike wood, which may distort over time, slate is stable and moisture-resistant, offering a long-lasting, professional-quality playing experience.

2. Can I replace a wood bed with slate on my pool table?

Replacing a wood bed with slate is possible but can be costly and complicated. Slate requires precise leveling and professional installation, as it’s heavier and needs proper support. Most tables designed for wood beds are not built to accommodate slate, so that a full replacement might be required.

3. How do I know if my table is made of slate?

To tell if your table is constructed of slate, examine its weight—slate is significantly heavier than wood or MDF. You may also check the surface; slate has a smooth, uniform texture, whereas wood or synthetic materials may have apparent seams or flaws. In addition, you can check underneath the pool table to see and feel the grey smooth hard rock of slate.

4. Does the type of felt matter for gameplay?

Yes, the type of felt is essential for gameplay. High-quality worsted wool cloth offers a smoother surface that allows for faster, more accurate ball movement, ideal for professional play. It also will not nap or pill. Meanwhile, cheaper wool blends or nylon materials may slow down the game and affect precision, making them more suitable for casual play.