How To Soften Pool Table Bumpers? The 80 Top Answers

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Why do pool table rails get hard?

Extreme heat, cold or moisture can cause your table’s rail rubber to become either, brittle or very hard.

How often should you replace bumpers on pool table?

In general, standard quality cushions may lose their bounce in 12-15 years. Higher quality cushions like Olhausen’s accu-fast cushions are meant to last 25+ years. Learn more about Monarch’s billiards services. We can replace the cushions on custom and antique pool tables, as well as carom and snooker tables.

What is a dead rail on a pool table?

Over time these bolts can become loose from vibration or if the technician did not properly torque them down originally. The result is a rail or rails that seam “dead” when the ball hits them and does not come off with consistent speed.

Is it Time to Replace the Pool Table Cushions?

Every week we get calls from pool table owners in Maryland and Virginia saying they have dead rails on their pool table. This call is usually triggered by a weekend of billiards for the first time in a while and when someone notices a bad rebound from one or more rails during play. Here’s a breakdown of what “dead” pool table rails really are and what it takes to fix the problem:

Problem #1: Loose rail bolts

Most home tables have a three piece slate playing surface and the pool table rails bolt to this piece of the table during assembly. Over time, these screws can become loose from vibration or if the technician did not tighten them properly in the first place. The result is a rail or rails that appear “dead” when the ball hits them and do not come loose at a constant rate. This is the first thing to check and, if necessary, gently tighten to solve the problem

Problem #2: Improper installation of splint fabric or pads

Pool table rail cloth (felt as it is commonly called) is installed by the pool table technician, NOT the factory. This means if the technician pulls over the cloth it can cause the cushion rubber height to be too low and cause ball bounce or uneven ball rebound. Another common problem is tables with incorrectly installed cushions, or cushions that were installed by hand without the proper height gauge, glue, training, or real effort. Second hand tables or tables that have Craigslist technicians working on this problem is common and the only solution is to have the work redone by a factory certified pool table mechanic.

Problem #3: Poor quality cushion rubber

Not every pool table manufacturer uses high quality cushioning rubber, in fact most companies do not guarantee the rubber after it leaves the factory. It’s not uncommon for tables from companies like American Heritage to need a new cushion rubber in 5-10 years, even if they’ve never been played with. Not to focus solely on American Heritage, but they are the most notorious for this problem. Replacing the rubber with OEM pads will not fix this problem, the table will require new pad rubber from a verified manufacturer with a rubber compound guarantee. Always bounce a ball and play a bit on a table before you buy!

Problem #4: Worn upholstery rubber compound

No matter what, any cushion will eventually go bad, resulting in a piece of rubber that lacks “action” when the ball hits it. You can feel bad cushioning rubber because it doesn’t spring back when you press hard, it’s either spongy or rock hard. This occurs after 25+ years or more on good quality cushions depending on how often it is played and environmental issues. A heat vent over the table, a nearby pellet stove, direct sunlight, the use of a substandard dust cover, or a lack of humidity/temperature control will all lead to faster deterioration of the cushion rubber.

Having “dead” pool table rails is very frustrating and you can expect to spend $750 to $1,500 to fit new rails and cloth to your pool table, depending on the type of pool table and the quality of the parts used. This can be a very good investment if the wood components and slate on the pool table are in excellent condition, as a reasonable quality new table costs around $3,000.

We always recommend finding a company that is manufacturer certified to work on the brand of table you own and discuss your options. Specialist dealers who work year-round servicing and installing pool tables will always have an incentive to get it right the first time, so make sure you get a few references before hiring a supposed expert to repair yours Commission billiard table.

How long do Brunswick bumpers last?

This might sound old but the rubber cushions typically last somewhere in the neighborhood of 20-25 years.

Is it Time to Replace the Pool Table Cushions?

This Brunswick pool table in San Juan Capistrano, California is installed in a room that I suspect gets a lot of sunlight throughout the day. Now mind you, this eight foot Brunswick table is only 12 years old. This may sound old, but the rubber cushions usually last around 20-25 years. I think if this table was covered and the room temperature didn’t fluctuate so much, the cushions would have lasted longer. The original dampening rubber was Brunswick’s Superspeed K-55 profile. We only stock the more common K-66 profile. I called my good friend Brian at West State and asked him to send me a set for my client’s rails. We glued them yesterday and will most likely cut the angles on Saturday, then glue the pillowcases on and then cut and shape them. With these steps complete, let’s install the new Mali 10820-f Cadet Blue pool cloth. Our client has asked us to return to his home to complete the work before December 15th.

In fact, we were so busy servicing that I had to call in an old billiards mechanic friend of mine to help me keep up with the shop work. A typical recusion order usually takes around 5-7 business days. Then a few more days to fit the client back into the work schedule. I’ve heard through rumors that there are more than a few rogue pool technicians trying to convince unsuspecting pool table owners that doing a recussion job in their house in just an hour or so is the way to go. whoops

First, I wouldn’t want to risk ruining a client’s house or pool table by trying to finish such an essential part of the pool table quickly. Not to mention the smells of the solvents and glues used. In my opinion it’s just not that professional.

How long do billiard balls last?

No abrasion or flat spots on the ball that accumulate dirt and wear the cloth ! Easily maintained with the Aramith ball cleaner, the Aramith balls will last up to five times longer than any other ball (UP TO 40 YEARS in case of home use).

Is it Time to Replace the Pool Table Cushions?

Belgian Aramith billiard balls have enjoyed a legendary reputation for excellent endurance and uncompromising quality for several decades. Used by over 85% of players worldwide, they are considered the industry reference.

Manufactured by Saluc in Belgium, Aramith Excellence is the result of a high-tech process that combines the unsurpassed properties of Aramith resin with fine Belgian craftsmanship.

Their consistently reliable performance guarantees players the pleasure of razor-sharp precision. Their exceptionally long product life offers table owners the lowest annual ball costs. Thus, for nearly half a century, Aramith earned its legendary reputation as a hallmark of true and unparalleled quality.

What are pool bumpers made of?

Cushions are made of hard rubber, and are glued to the rail. Canvas is then glued to the rubber to keep it from bouncing more than once when a ball strikes the cushion. Attached to the outside of each rail is the apron. Also called the blind, this is a strip of wood that matches the rest of the table.

Is it Time to Replace the Pool Table Cushions?

” ” A rail to which the pillow is attached

There are rails around the edge of a pool table. The splints are about 2.5 to 3.5 inches (6.35 cm to 8.89 cm) wide and are usually in two parts. The top part is made of the same hardwood or a different material as the rest of the table. A piece of wood or MDF is glued to the underside to which the cloth is stapled when stretched over the pillow.

The cushion is a long, wedge-shaped piece of hard rubber that is glued to the side of the rail that faces the table’s playing surface. Cushions are covered with the same felt fabric used for the slate and should provide a consistent response to every ball that hits them. All good tables have K-66 pads, which refers to the shape and angle of the pad rubber.

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” ” Cushions are made of hard rubber and are glued to the rail. Canvas is then glued to the rubber to prevent it from bouncing more than once when a ball hits the cushion.

The skirt is attached to the outside of each rail. Also called a bezel, this is a strip of wood that matches the rest of the table. It is designed to hide the outside edge of the rail and should be very tightly attached to the rail.

” ” The cloth is made of wool and nylon. One of the inserts can also be seen in this picture. Inlays are usually made of mother of pearl or plastic and are used as reference points in most billiard games.

The last piece of the table is the cloth. Billiard tables typically use tightly woven fabrics consisting primarily of wool with a synthetic material such as nylon added for durability. The cloth provides a consistent and smooth playing surface. Billiard cloth is often referred to as felt, but it’s actually nothing like real felt. Real felt is not a woven material but is made up of compressed and matted fibers and would not work well at all as a smooth playing surface.

” ” A table before the cloth is added

Now that you know how the table is made, what can you do with it?

How much does it cost to Refelt a bumper pool table?

Pool table refelting costs between $282 and $434 on average depending on the size of the table.

Refelt Pool Table Cost.
National Average Cost $366
Minimum Cost $255
Maximum Cost $590
Average Range $282 to $434

Is it Time to Replace the Pool Table Cushions?

Refelt pool table costs

Pool table refelting costs on average between $282 and $434, depending on the size of the table. Felt replacement includes the pool cloth, removing the staples, attaching the felt and leveling. Add $60-$180 if you’re also replacing the bumpers at the same time, and $200 more to disassemble, move, and reassemble.

Pool table felt comes in a variety of grades, ranging in average from $130 to $335. Labor costs average $125, with extended pool table installations costing up to $280. If you’re not sure what repairs you need, a standard service call and retune will cost around $95. Voting will also help you determine if you have a 1 or 3 piece slate pool table.

Refelt Pool Table Cost National Average Cost $366 Minimum Cost $255 Maximum Cost $590 Average Range $282 to $434

Most pool table repair services will have a brochure or online listing of the benefits of each and the variety of colors offered. Moving your pool table will remove the felt anyway, so this is an excellent time to re-felt it. After the restoration, they also check the height of the pool table and readjust it to make sure it’s perfectly flat.

Table of Contents

Pool table felt replacement costs

The average felt replacement for a 7 foot pool table costs $265 to $450, while refelting an 8 foot pool table costs $270 to $500. Prices depend on the quality of the fabric, with a difference of around $10 to $50 per additional foot of table length.

Pool Table Felt Replacement Cost Size Good Better Best 7 foot table $265 $350 $450 8 foot table $270 $360 $500 9 foot table $280 $375 $550

Installation of pool table felt

There are several types of billiard tablecloths ranging in price from $130 for Teflon felt to $335 for a quality worsted cloth. The felt you choose should relate to the quality of your pool table; However, it is never recommended to go with the cheapest. A high-quality pool table felt lasts about 10 years with proper care.

Pool Table Felt Installation Felt Type Fabric Cost Labor Cost Total Cost 8FT Championship Invitational Teflon Felt (Cloth) $130 $125 $255 8FT Proline 303 Teflon Felt (Cloth) $160 $125 $285 8FT Proline 404 Felt (Cloth) 165 $125 $290 $8FT ProForm Felt (cloth) 215 $125 $340 $Simonis 860 Felt (worsted) 315 $125 $440 $8FT Simonis 760 Felt (cloth) 315 $125 $440 $Simonis 860HR Felt (worsted) 335 $125$460$

Pool table felt repair

Pool table felt repair is not a billiards service offered by many pool table manufacturers as it is quicker and less expensive to replace the felt. Felt repair can be tricky because you want to keep the fabric perfectly smooth and the damage may have gone deeper than just the felt. However,

You can buy some self-adhesive felt patches on Amazon for $7.95. They can cover the crack, but the balls might roll across it unevenly.

. They can cover the crack, but the balls might roll across it unevenly. If the hole is small enough, put a dot over it (even if it means the dot is in the wrong place).

If you’re dexterous with a needle and thread, use a curved needle to mend the tear. Then steam with a hot steam iron.

Custom pool table felt replacement

You can order a custom pool table felt bearing your artwork or company logo to add to your game room. Felt for a 7 foot or 8 foot table costs around $550 and for a 9 foot table around $600. Of course, the price varies depending on the quality, number of colors and size of the finished artwork.

Replace the felt on the coin operated pool table

The cost of replacing the felt on a coin-operated pool table is about the same as replacing the felt on a non-coin-operated table, averaging about $380 within a range of $295 to $595. It may have to be felted more often, since coin-operated billiard tables are usually in public places and are heavily used.

Felting of pool table bumpers

Refelting pool table bumpers costs $60 to $180 in addition to the price of refelting the table itself. When you reseam the table, you usually reseam the bumpers at the same time, since you’ve already disassembled everything.

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Pool table recovering costs

Pool table restoration costs range from $195 to $695 depending on what needs to be fixed e.g.

Pool Table Replacement Cost Service Average Cost Service & Tuning $60 – $195 Relocation & Assembly $295 – $395 Refelting & Salvage $265 – $550 Shock Absorbers $60 – $180 Replacing Rails $280 – $450 Dismantling $195 – $245 Installation $240 – $360 Leveling 240 – $360 post processing $295 – $395

Restore pool table packages

During a standard pool table restoration, a professional will strip away the existing fabric, remove old glue or staples for a smooth playing surface, and smooth out any chips in the slate surface.

Pool Table Recovery Packages Package Average Cost Used Table Assembly $245 – $295 Used Table Assembly + Refelt $395 – $495 Refelt + Tune-up $280 – $400 Refelt + Tune-up + Rail Replacement $495 – $695 Move + Reassemble + Refelt $495 – $695

Replacing the pool table rail

Replacing the pool table rail costs $280 to $450. Replacing the rails must be done correctly or the balls will bounce off the rails at odd angles and make play difficult. Restoring the pool table rails is usually included in the price to re-felt the table.

Price examples for rails and accessories without assembly are:

Valley Pool Table Rails – $200 – $320, uncovered or covered

uncovered or covered precut rail blanks – $105 for 6 pieces in K55 profile

for 6 pieces in K55 Profile Rail Feather Strips $16 for one x wood 4′ length – ¼” x ¼”, $25 for 6

Replace pool table bumper

Replacing a pool table bumper costs $50 to $90. Padding trim is added to the ends of the rail rubbers and rail. On a good quality pool table, bumpers should last 10 to 20 years. Buy rail grommets for $44-$54 for six, pad trims for $5-$10 for a dozen, and bumper grommets for $12 for a dozen.

Cost to level a pool table

If your pool table has a problem and needs leveling, it’s $80 an hour to have a technician come to your home, with a $60-$95 service call out fee. Leveling a pool table is usually done at the time of setup or installation for $240-$360. Setup includes full assembly of your table, leveling and felting of the table.

Cost of refinishing a pool table

The cost of refinishing a pool table is $295-$395, including replacing the cloth on the top and rails. After that you will receive a comprehensive tuning to keep your pool table in top condition. Most companies do the following:

Disassemble the pool table Check and adjust the table height using the legs. Adjust the slate to level the surface. Reseal the slate seams. Install the new cloth. Assemble the pool table

Snooker Table Recovery Cost

The average cost of restoring a snooker table ranges from $373 to $520, depending on the quality of the felt.

12 foot snooker table Cost recovery Fabric quality Average cost Good $373 Better $500 Best $520

Pool tables and snooker tables look pretty much the same, with pockets in each of the four corners and a center pocket on each of the long sides. The bigger differences are in the sizes. Pool tables come in three different sizes of 7′, 8′ and 9′ along the longest side.

The 7-foot table is called a bar table,

The 8′ is referred to as the home table and

The 9′ table is a professional or tournament table.

In contrast, snooker tables are 12 feet long at their longest edge and are commonly found in the UK, while pool tables are more commonly found in the US, with the exception of British pubs.

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Billiard table cost factors for re-felting

There are a few things that affect the cost of refelting your pool table, namely the type of cloth you choose and who you hire for it. As with anything, you can go easy and save money, or you can go all out and have a professional pool table.

The larger the table, the more felt is needed and the longer it takes to install. A professional pool table is 9 feet long, while most domestic slate pool tables are 7 feet or 8 feet long.

Cost of moving a pool table

The cost of moving a pool table will vary with the length of the move and the number of flights of stairs the pool table must be moved up or down. If the pool table moves it must be disassembled, therefore all prices include disassembly, reassembly and leveling.

Cost of Moving a Pool Table Service Average Cost to Move Pool Table Inside Home $295 – $395 Move Pool Table & Refelt $495 – $595

Assembly and disassembly of billiard tables

Move a pool table into your house: $295-$395. This price does not include new felt; You will reuse the old felt.

to This price does not include new felt; You will reuse the old felt. Move a pool table into your home and feel like this: $495-$595. This price includes all of the above plus new felt in the color of your choice.

This price includes all of the above plus new felt in the color of your choice. Disassemble, move, and reassemble: $395-$495. The pool table is disassembled and the individual parts are wrapped in durable moving blankets and labeled. The slate is stacked on a padded pallet. Everything is brought to the new home, reassembled and realigned. Does not include new felt.

The pool table is disassembled and the individual parts are wrapped in durable moving blankets and labeled. The slate is stacked on a padded pallet. Everything is brought to the new home, reassembled and realigned. Does not include new felt. Disassemble, move, reassemble, and re-felt: $595-$695. This price includes all of the above plus new felt in the color of your choice.

time and travel expenses

Generally, if you live within the city limits, having the technician drive to your home is free. As soon as you leave the service area, charges apply.

$25 for homes 10 miles away

for homes 10 miles away $50 for homes 20 miles away

for homes 20 miles away $75 for homes 30 miles away

certification and insurance

The company moving your pool table should be insured with a list of covered services on their website and invoices. A pool table weighs between 700 and 1,100 pounds and can cause significant damage to your home or a person if dropped. American billiard companies and installers can be certified by the leading manufacturer brands such as Brunswick and Diamond.

Installing pool tables can be complicated and the company should be experienced to get the best results. Moving your pool table is a very technical process and if a pool table mover damages your home or the felt on the table, you will have to let his/her company pay for the replacement and repair costs.

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Pool tablecloth prices

Average pool tablecloth prices range from $130 to $335. Prices range from $97 for a 7-foot table with Teflon cloth to $1,190 for a 9-foot table with NCAA professional felt.

Pool Tablecloth Pricing Brand Cloth Type # Colors Size & Price Championship Invitational Cloth with Teflon 21 oz. felt

75% wool

25% Nylon 14 7′ – $97

8′ – $114

9′ – $139 Simonis 860 Cloth 27 oz. felt

90% wool

10% Nylon 9 7′ – $250

8′ – $310

9′ – $360 Simonis 860HR Worsted Fabric

70% wool

30% Nylon 2 7′ – $265

8′ – $330

9′ – $460 Wave7 NCAA Professional Grade Pool Table Felt Worsted

70% merino wool

30% Nylon 40 7′ – $899

8 minutes – $1,055

9 minutes – $1,190

wool cloth

Woolen fabric is the most common type of fabric for home pool tables and is often referred to as felt. It is a heavy fabric and contains 60% or more wool. It’s a heavy, thick cloth and the balls roll on it quite slowly.

worsted

Worsted is typically used in professional tournaments. This shawl has a distinctive weave and is made from the finest wool – merino wool. Worsted yarn costs much more than woolen fabric, and balls roll much faster on this cloth.

What Are the Different Types of Pool Felt?

Pool felt comes in two types – napped and worsted. There are many different brands of pool table felt, but each brand falls into one of two types.

Napped: This is the standard pool felt you get on home pool tables, bar pool tables, or coin-operated pool tables. It is inexpensive and the ideal cloth for a table. It has a nap, which means it has a sense of direction – if you run your hand over it, you’ll see the path your hand left. Because of this nap, the ball moves slower on this cloth.

This is the standard pool felt you get on home pool tables, pool tables in a bar, or coin operated pool tables. It is inexpensive and the ideal cloth for a table. It has a nap, which means it has a sense of direction – if you run your hand over it, you’ll see the path your hand left. Because of this nap, the ball moves slower on this cloth. Worsted: This is the cloth used by professional billiard players and is more expensive. So much more expensive that it’s out of reach for most home players, and bars won’t invest in it due to the heavy use of their tables. This is a flat weave fabric and since there is no nap, the ball moves faster.

Both types of pool table felt can be treated with Teflon, which is a good option for public gaming tables or homes with young children. The Teflon beads spills and prevents them from absorbing and soiling the cloth.

What is the best pool table felt?

The best pool table felt is worsted wool felt and is found on most professional tables and rarely on home game tables. Another name for it is “speed cloth” because the balls roll quickly on it.

Colors of the billiard tablecloth

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frequently asked Questions

How long does it take to re-felt a pool table?

It takes a pro about 2 to 3 hours to re-felt a pool table. If you approach the pool table as a DIY project, it will take longer, maybe a day.

Can you move a pool table without refelting it?

You can’t move a pool table without removing the felt, but you can put the same felt back on if it’s in good condition. However, if you’ve been thinking about putting new felt on your pool table, now is a good time to do so.

How to clean pool table felt

The cloth on your pool table needs cleaning. It collects everyday dust and pollen, pet dander, and even the occasional spill. When you bought your pool table they probably gave you some instructions on how to clean the table and you may have a pool table brush to get the dirt and dust out of the crevices and corners.

How to clean pool table felt

Use the brush in straight lines (never in a circle) and then use a small plastic dustpan to sweep away the dirt. Never use a vacuum cleaner on your pool table. A vacuum can stretch the cloth and pull it out of line; This creates lines and creases that can deflect balls and ultimately ruin the game. If there are stains, use a damp white cotton cloth and blot the stain. Only use water, never soap. Soap can leave residue that attracts dirt and also deflects balls.

How much does new felt for a pool table cost?

Depending on the size of the table and the type of felt you purchase, most pool companies cost anywhere from $145 on the low end for a 7 foot table to up to $345 on the high end for a 9 foot table . You can also buy felt on Amazon. The price ranges from $65 on the low end and up to

$360 for Simonis 760 felt,

for Simonis 760 felt, $590 for 12′ Simonis 860 felt and

for 12′ Simonis 860 felt and $895 for a 9′ Custom Artscape felt with your logo centered on the table.

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Pool table maintenance

Maintaining your pool table is necessary to keep your table in good condition so that you can play it for years.

Keep your table clean by brushing it regularly and cleaning up spills quickly.

Invest in a tablecloth to prevent dust, dirt and pet hair from settling on your table.

Keep chalk away from the cloth. Chalk dust is very fine and abrasive and not suitable for the fabric on your pool table.

Keep billiard balls clean with an occasional warm water/soap bath. You can also buy cleaners made specifically for billiard balls.

Make sure your pool table isn’t just in a window that allows for daily sunlight, which can potentially damage the wood and discolor the felt.

Do everything you can to ensure your family and friends keep drinks far off the table to protect them from condensation on the outside of a container and accidental spills.

Another point to bring up with anyone who may be playing at your table is that while leaning on the table for a moment to take a shot is part of the game, sitting on the table is can cause structural integrity issues over time.

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DIY Refelt Pool Table or Hire a Service

Can you DIY and re-felt a pool table? It requires some tools and precision work, but you might enjoy it if you’re particularly good at spending a lot of time making sure things are perfect.

How hard is it to re-felt a pool table?

It’s about a 6 on a scale of 1-10. It’s more about being very precise than a difficult job. The pros have the right tools for leveling the pool table, while you may have to buy them. The most difficult part of re-felting the pool table will probably be stretching and applying the felt. It must be smooth with no creases.

How to refelt a pool table

Take off the rails. Underneath are screws/bolts that loosen them. Remove the old felt from the pool table surface. If the old felt has been glued in place, scrape off the old glue, making sure the surface is smooth and clean. Seal the seams with beeswax. Install the new felt by either gluing or basting. However you decide to attach the new felt, it will need to be stretched slightly to allow for a smooth surface. If it’s loose, it creates ridges and creases that impede the bullets’ path. Reattach the rails.

The description sounds simple, but the reality is that it’s quite a complex task. A professional needs 2 – 3 hours for this. So if you’ve never done it before, expect it to take all day.

Pool Table Felt Kits

A pool table felt kit can be purchased for $230 and includes everything you need to replace the cloth on your 7 foot pool table. For 8′ add about $25 and for 9′ add $45. The kit usually includes:

Rail cushion of your choice

Set of upholstery end panels

spray glue

contact rail cement

Cement for slate joints

stains

Matching color chalk

DVD with complete instructions on setting up and restoring the pool table

Get Free Estimates on HomeGuide from Trusted Pool Table Refelting Services:

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How much does it cost to re felt and bumper a pool table?

It costs $300 on average to refelt a pool table, with a typical price range of $250 to $300. You may pay as little as $150 or as much as $500. Pool tables come in three sizes, and size affects the price. The cost of pool table refelting is fairly evenly split between materials and labor.

Is it Time to Replace the Pool Table Cushions?

Highlights It costs an average of $300 to re-felt a pool table, with a typical price range of $250 to $300.

You can pay as little as $150 or as much as $500.

Pool tables come in three sizes, and size affects price.

The cost of refelting billiard tables is split fairly evenly between materials and labor.

You can reduce the cost of refelting billiard tables by choosing a less expensive material.

A smooth surface on your pool table is so important for a game night. But if you regularly host pool tournaments in your basement, this pool table felt can become worn and damaged.

On average, it will cost you $300 to re-felt a pool table, although the price can be less or more depending on the size of the table. The typical range is $250-$350, but it can cost as little as $150 or $500.

Related Article 6 Things You Should Do Before Buying A Pool Table These expert tips will have you up and running in no time

Average cost of replacing pool table felt

Average cost low end high end $300 $150 $500

How much does it cost to refold a pool table by type?

The larger the pool table, the more it costs to replace the felt. Pool tables usually come in three sizes: 7 feet long, 8 feet long, and 9 feet long. Here are some average costs you can expect:

Type Cost 7 foot pool table $150-400 8 foot pool table $200-450 9 foot pool table $250-500

Billiard Table Refelting Cost Breakdown

In general, the breakdown of costs for a pool wrap is relatively simple. There are only two factors: the cost of the felt itself and the labor cost of installation.

materials

Pool felt generally accounts for about half of the project cost. So for an 8 foot pool table you would spend between $100 and $250 on the felt.

work

Work makes up the other half. You will pay anywhere from $100 to $250 for an 8 foot pool table to have a professional install it.

size

Of course, material and labor costs will go up or down as you increase or decrease the pool table size. Obviously it would require more or less felt and more or less labor to install if you have a different size pool table.

Cost to refold a pool table yourself

Photo: sandsun/Adobe Stock

If you re-felt a pool table yourself, you only have to pay for the felt. That means the cost of refelting is cut in half and you’ll likely only pay $100-$250 to get the job done.

However, trying to make this project yourself is not the best idea. Felting a pool table requires specialized training, so attempting to do it yourself will not yield the desired results.

After all, it’s not just about laying out carpets: the surface of the billiard table has to be perfect in order to be able to play billiards properly. Instead, contact a pool table professional in your area for a quote.

Tips for reducing the cost of re-felting a pool table

Aside from doing the work yourself, there are a few ways you can reduce the cost of your pool table re-felting bill.

1. Get multiple quotes

The first, and possibly best, option is to simply not accept the first offer you receive from a pool table company. Chances are there are several pool table companies in your area, so give a few of them a call and get some quotes.

Considering the only information they need is the size of your pool table and the type of felt you want, they should be able to tell you how much they are asking of their head. Therefore, it is much easier to get multiple quotes for this project than it is for more complicated home projects.

2. Choose a lower quality felt

There are actually two types of felt: napped and worsted. Shabby fabric is the standard material for felt on billiard tables. It’s a less expensive type of material that requires more brushing and maintenance, and may play a little slower.

Worsted, on the other hand, is a flatter fabric that allows the ball to move a little faster and last longer. As a result, it is more expensive. To save money, opt for naps (although it may cost you more in the long run since it requires more maintenance and you’ll have to replace it sooner).

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Questions and answers about refelting billiard tables

Is it hard to re-felt a pool table?

Yes, it is difficult to re-felt a pool table as you need exact measurements and a precise fit. Unlike installing carpet, where fitting is only important for aesthetic reasons, accurate fitting is required on a pool table or you will not be able to play pool properly.

Can you paint pool table felt?

Yes, you can dye pool table felt a different color. Along with green, red is a common color. The best way to do this is to dip a sponge into the paint and gently rub the paint over the fabric.

How do you get paint off a pool table felt?

You can remove small stains on felt by dabbing the area with a soft cloth and picking up as much paint as possible. Then use a mixture of water and detergent to further blot the area. Then dab with clean water to rinse.

Are old pool tables worth anything?

The estimated cost of a used pool table is around $300 to $600, which, when compared with new tables, is pretty cheap. Another thing to note is that since you’re buying a used table, other costs will also be included, such as a new table cloth or even new balls.

Is it Time to Replace the Pool Table Cushions?

Brand new pool tables are generally expensive, which begs the question, how much does an old pool table cost?

The estimated cost of a used pool table is around $300-$600, which compares fairly cheaply to new tables. Also note that when you buy a used table, other costs are also included, e.g. B. a new tablecloth or even new balls. Overall, the price of an old and new billiard table would depend on the material it was built from and the accessories that go with it, as well as a few other factors.

That’s a simple answer to the question; However, we have much more to discuss regarding the value of a used pool table and the factors to consider before making a purchase.

Keep reading this article for a better understanding as we will answer some more questions related to this topic.

Why do the prices vary?

Well, the prices vary as it all depends on the model of pool table. If you are planning to buy a brand new one, you will surely find that there are so many billiard tables made from different materials and by different brands.

For example, Brunswick Billiards makes the most professional and strong billiard tables. Their product, the Danbury pool table, is priced at $3,132.99 on Amazon.

As we know, the first reason for the high price of the product is the brand name. These types of pool tables would cost around $5000 to $10000 which is why people who want to play pool at home usually turn to buying a used one instead.

Apart from that, there are a few other important factors that affect the price of a pool table. The following are the factors listed below.

Cabinet material & design/decorThickness of slate and pieces

Slate tables are very durable, reliable and have smooth gameplay. This material is solid and therefore slate billiard tables are expensive.

Quality of the felt material

Wooden tables made of MDF are qualitatively cheaper and easily damaged. It cannot withstand certain temperatures and tends to warp. Even a small stain on the table could ruin it. So these tables are cheaper.

If you ever go through a catalog you will see how well made and eye catching some of the pool tables are. This is why the sellers tend to hold a higher price because they have something that looks expensive.

Factors to consider before buying a used pool table

If you have made a firm decision to buy a used pool table, there are a few things you should consider before you buy.

The following factors should be considered when you are offered a used pool table for sale.

budget

Always determine your budget before you buy anything. If you end up buying a product that’s over your budget, you may not have the cash to buy it if some touch-up is ever needed on the table.

Manufacturer

As mentioned above, there are many manufacturers of pool tables, so it is necessary that you check the manufacturer of the pool table. This will help you make the right decision as you can find out if their charts are reliable or not.

When it comes to buying a brand new one, you have so many good options to choose from. Brands like Brunswick, Valley and Olhausen.

Buying such brand new pool tables just means you have something that will last you a lifetime. Not only do they offer great gameplay, but they also look great in your home.

A good place to test these products is on social networks like Facebook or even Craigslist. The more research you do, the more likely you are to find the right pool table.

You can also find out the new price of the table and this way you can determine whether you are buying the used table at the right price or not.

size of the table

This is an essential factor. If you buy a pool table that is too big for your room, what will you do? You have to sell the pool table and start over to find the right table.

Get the right measurements for your space or where you want to install it. Use these measurements to judge the size of pool table that would fit perfectly. You don’t want a pool table that takes up too much space, so measuring the size of your room and your table is important.

The table itself

You must examine the table thoroughly, whether you are buying it online or meeting someone who is selling it. Remember that you can judge the quality of the pool table by its woodwork. You can tell if the wood the table is made of is heavy and solid or not.

Also, make sure what the salesperson is telling you about the table is absolutely true. Don’t just fall for his words, do your research to make sure you’re buying the right thing. If you end up buying a table that has flimsy construction, chances are you’ll need to buy a new one in a few months.

Conclusion

We hope to have answered your questions and concerns on this topic. Before buying a used pool table, just make sure you review these factors so you’re buying the right one for your home!

What is the height of a professional pool table?

Standard Pool Table Dimensions. By American standards, professional pool tournaments use a 9-foot pool table (100 x 50 inches). The standard pool table height is between 29 ¼ inches and 31 inches from the floor.

Is it Time to Replace the Pool Table Cushions?

Here’s our guide to pool table dimensions, including all types of pool table sizes and pool table room dimensions.

Creating an entertainment area at home goes beyond putting up a TV or a TV

home theater

. If you’re looking to add some dynamism to your space, installing a pool table is worth considering.

Stereotyped as a bar game, the billiards game is very inclusive, which children and amateurs can participate in. This sport encourages mental exercise and promotes bonding between friends and family.

A pool table is also an impressive addition to your game room man cave.

But before going through the essentials of the pool table, like the quality of the materials, you need to decide what size you need.

The key elements influencing this decision are your playing skills and available space.

Read on as we explore the different sizes and features of pool tables to help you with your purchase. Table of Contents Dimensions of Standard Pool Tables

Dimensions of the pool table

6 foot pool table dimensions

7 foot pool table dimensions

8 foot pool table dimensions

Dimensions of the pool table room

Standard pool table dimensions

By American standards, a 9-foot (100 x 50 inch) pool table is used in professional billiard tournaments. The standard pool table height is between 29 ¼ inches and 31 inches off the floor. But why so big?

For one thing, a large pool table surface can detract from the gaming experience. The balls spread well when broken, thus improving the game as they are much more difficult to shoot. But a 9-foot pool table is also better suited for watching TV.

Often televised, covering a tournament on smaller pool tables is a challenge. With a 9ft pool table, players have more room to move around without blocking the camera, especially in close-up shots. If you are a professional player with a lot of space then this size is perfect for your training.

The standard American pool table is larger than its European counterpart, where the latter uses an 8 foot pool table for official tournaments and a 7 foot pool table for amateur leagues. The billiard balls for American billiard tables are also slightly larger.

However, not everyone can accommodate something this massive. Even less experienced players will find it extremely difficult to enjoy the game.

Luckily, there are smaller sized billiard tables that you can buy.

Dimensions of the pool table

The dimensions of the mandatory billiard table are proportional following a 2:1 ratio to offer you an excellent gaming experience. They can be used at home or installed in commercial spaces such as sports bars and other leisure areas.

Although most manufacturers follow the prescribed dimensions, it’s important to double-check that you’re getting the right size.

6 foot pool table dimensions

A 6-foot pool table is significantly smaller than the American tournament table and is suitable for amateurs and children. Convenient for those with limited space, this table measures 6ft by 3ft. This dimension is also more common in the UK.

Given its size, some players might find the table too narrow for a decent game of pool. But that actually adds more dynamic to the game.

The awkward angles of photography provide good practice to hone your skills.

Many 6 foot pool tables are also portable. This feature makes it easier for you to put it aside when not in use or take it with you wherever you go.

Portable pool tables are made of melamine with folding metal legs and weigh about 200 pounds.

Note that the billiard balls of this size are lighter than usual. So if you plan to go pro, it’s better to consider the other larger dimensions instead. For fun and games, especially with the children, this is just the thing.

7 foot pool table dimensions

Is a 6 foot pool table too small for you, but you are not ready to invest in professional tables? If you have more space you can enjoy a slightly advanced but still fun game of billiards in a larger area.

A 7 foot (7 foot x 3.5 foot) pool table is usually referred to as a “bar size” or “bar box” and is perfect for a casual game or the amateur leagues. They are commonly found in sports bars and lounges and are sometimes coin operated. With it, you can practice at home and show up at your favorite sports bar.

A common challenge for smaller pool tables is that balls pool more often compared to larger pool tables. That means you end up spending more time breaking the balls before firing shots.

On the top, they are closer to the pocket holes, making aiming and shooting easier.

8 foot pool table dimensions

The 8 foot pool table is the most popular size among homeowners. This table can play for both amateurs with the right skills and professionals.

Measuring exactly 8 feet long and 4 feet wide, it balances comfort and playing difficulty. The balls don’t bunch up as much as they do on a smaller pool table and still make for a moderate hitting difficulty.

For these reasons, the 8 foot pool table is a favorite for unofficial pool tournaments. Training on this table dimension also makes it easier to switch to other billiard tables.

Dimensions of the pool table room

The general rule is to allow at least 5 feet of clear space around the pool table for comfort. However, also think about the length of your pool table cues.

The standard length of a billiard cue is 57 to 58 inches. If you or one of the users are shorter, you should also buy shorter cues. Make sure you have enough room to move around without your cue hitting the wall.

Below are the following minimum room dimensions for each pool table.

6 foot pool table room dimensions:

58″ Cue: 15’3″ x 12’8″

52″ Cue: 14’3″ x 11’8″

48″ Cue: 13’3″ x 10’8″

7 foot pool table room dimensions:

58″ Cue: 16’2″ x 12’11”

52″ Cue: 15’2″ x 11’11”

48″ Cue: 14’2″ x 10’11”

8 foot pool table room dimensions:

58″ Cue: 17′ x 13’4″

52″ Cue: 16′ x 12’4″

48″ Cue: 15′ x 11’4″

9 foot pool table room dimensions:

58″ Cue: 18′ x 13’10”

52″ Cue: 17′ x 12’10”

48″ Cue: 16′ x 11’10”

Complete your entertainment setup with a home bar and other man cave ideas.

What are pool table cushions made of?

The cushions are made from an elastic material such as vulcanized rubber (gum or synthetic). The purpose of the cushion rubber is to cause the billiard balls to rebound off the rubber while minimizing the loss of kinetic energy.

Is it Time to Replace the Pool Table Cushions?

Confined table where cue sports are played

Larger tables may require multiple lights to properly illuminate the playing surface.

Billiard Table Manufactory, J. M. Brunswick & Bro., Proprietor, Cincinnati, Ohio 1865 ad

A pool table or pool table is a fenced table on which cue sports are played. In modern times, all pool tables (whether carom, billiards, pyramid, or snooker) feature a flat surface, usually made of mined slate covered with cloth (usually a tightly woven worsted wool called baize) and surrounded by vulcanized rubber cushions, where the whole is elevated above the ground.[1]: 115, 238 More specific terms are used for particular sports, such as; B. snooker table and billiard table, and on these types of tables different sized billiard balls are used. An obsolete term is billiard board, which was used in the 16th and 17th centuries.[1]:27[2]

Parts and equipment[ edit ]

pillow [ edit ]

Cushions (sometimes called “rail cushions”, “cushion rubber” or less commonly “shock absorbers”) are found on the insides of a table’s wooden rails. There are various materials and design philosophies associated with upholstery rubber. The cushions are made of an elastic material such as vulcanized rubber (rubber or synthetic). The purpose of the cushioning rubber is to allow the billiard balls to bounce off the rubber while minimizing the loss of kinetic energy.

The rail cushion profile, which is the angle of the cushion in relation to the table bed, varies between table types. The standard in American pool tables is the K-66 profile, which is defined by the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) as having a 1 + 3⁄16 inch (30 mm) base and a 1 inch (25 mm) nose height. .[3] When properly installed, the distance from the nose of the pad to the covered slate surface is 1+7⁄16 in. (37 mm)[4] using a specification 2+1⁄4 in. (57 mm) ball set.

On a billiard table, the K-55 profile is used (with a slightly more acute angle than pool cushions). K-55 cushions have cloth, usually canvas, vulcanized into the top of the rubber to adjust rebound accuracy and speed.

Snooker tables use an L-shaped profile, e.g. B. the L77 profile.

bed [ edit ]

The bed table – the fabric-covered, horizontal playing surface – is made of solid, smooth slabs of slate, mostly from Italy, Brazil or China, with high-quality equipment. Small billiard tables may only use one or two pieces of slate, while carom, English billiard and tournament size billiard tables use three. Full size snooker tables require five. The gap between the slabs of slate is filled with a hard setting putty, epoxy or resin, then sanded to create a seamless finish before covering it with the cloth. If multiple pieces of slate are poorly joined, the resin can warp and cause an uneven playing surface; It can also be difficult to move once connected.

Tables for the domestic market also typically use slate beds, but the slate is often thinner, up to about +1⁄2 inch (13 mm). The early table beds consisted of fabric-covered wooden boards. Today, inexpensive but not very rigid or durable materials used for the beds of simple tables (e.g. for children’s playrooms) still include wood, especially medium-density fiberboard and plywood, as well as plastics and other synthetic materials among various trade names .

fabric [ edit ]

Billiard cloth (sometimes incorrectly referred to as felt) is a specific type of cloth that covers the top of the “playing surface” of the table. Both the rails and slate beds are covered with 21-24 ounce billiard cloth (although some less expensive 19 oz cloths are available), most often green in color (representing the grass of the original lawn games from which billiards evolved). Has). and is made from either a woven wool or a wool-nylon blend called Baize.

Most standing tables that are used frequently use the slower, thicker blended felt because it’s cheaper. This type of fabric is called wool fabric. In contrast, quality pool cloth is usually made of a pileless fabric like worsted wool, which allows balls to roll much faster. This “speed” of the cloth affects ball avoidance and deflection, among other aspects of game finesse. Snooker towels traditionally have a directional hair on which the balls behave differently when rolling against or running with the direction of the hair.

Tags [ edit ]

Sights, also known as diamonds (because of their traditional shape), are inlaid at precise, evenly spaced locations along the rails of some tables (not typically snooker tables) to aid in aiming bank or kick shots. There are seven along each long rail (with the side pocket interfering with where the seventh would go, on pocket pool tables) and three along each short rail, with each of the four corners counting as a different one in the mathematical system that the diamonds are used for arithmetic used. These sight pieces divide the playing area into equal squares. Books, even entire book series, have been written on geometric and algebraic target systems using the diamonds.

Patches are often used to mark the top and bottom patches on the fabric. Other markings may be a line drawn across the headline (or across the beam line with the “D” in British pool). Another case is the outline of the triangle post behind the base where the balls are laid in a straight pool, as the outline of this area is strategically important throughout the game. Artistic pool allows lines to be drawn between opposing landmarks, forming a grid on the playing surface. Other grid patterns are used in various forms of balkline billiards. A more recent table-marking convention in European nineball is the breakbox.

Carom pool tables [ edit ]

Pocketless carom billiard tables are used for games such as straight rail, balcony, one-cushion billiards, three-cushion billiards, and artistic billiards.

Dimensions [ edit ]

Regular 10 × 5 foot carom billiard tables have a playing surface (measured between the lugs of the cushions) of 2.84 meters by 1.42 meters (9.32 × 4.65 ft) with a tolerance of 5 millimeters. The standard height range of the table, measured from the playing surface to the floor, is between 75 and 80 centimetres.

bed [ edit ]

The slate bed of a carom pool table must have a minimum thickness of 45 millimeters, and during tournaments the recommended heating temperature is 33–37 °C (91–99 °F), which keeps moisture out of the cloth to help the balls roll and Rebounds in a consistent manner and generally makes a table play faster. A heated table is required by international carom rules and is a particularly important requirement for the games of three-cushion billiards and artistic billiards.[1]: 115, 238

Heating table beds is an ancient practice. Queen Victoria had a pool table that was heated with zinc tubing, although the main aim at the time was to keep the ivory balls then used from warping. The first use of electric heating was in an 18.2 balcony tournament held in December 1927 between Welker Cochran and Jacob Schaefer Jr. The New York Times announced this with fanfare: “For the first time in the history of the World Balkline Billiards Championship, a heated table will be used…”[1]: 115, 238 [6]

Pool tables[ edit ]

Cue ball and the 1 ball near a WPA style pocket. (The balls are the same size; the cue ball looks big because and the 1 ball is near a WPA pocket. (The balls are the same size; the cue ball looks big because of the foreshortening.)

A pool table or pocket pool table has six pockets – one at each corner of the table (corner pockets) and one in the middle of each of the longer sides (side pockets or middle pockets).

Dimensions [ edit ]

A WEPF style pool table with a cue ball and red and yellow balls near the small, rounded, almost parallel-sided pocket.

Pool tables come in a variety of sizes, typically referred to as 9 ft (2.7 m), 8.5 ft (2.6 m), 8 ft (2.4 m), or 7 ft (2.1 m) tables . In all cases, the table is rectangular with a 2:1 ratio (e.g. 9 x 4.5 feet).

There are only two sizes authorized for tournament play by the pooling body recognized by the International Olympic Committee, the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) and its various regional and national affiliates. According to the pool rules standardized around the world, these are the 9 × 4.5 ft and 8 × 4 ft models. For a 9 foot table, the playing surface (the dimensions between the noses of the cushions) is 100 inches (254 cm) by 50 inches (127 cm) with a margin of error of +1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm). every dimension. For an 8-foot table, the playing surface is 92 inches (234 cm) by 46 inches (117 cm), with the same allowance of +1⁄8 inch.

In the UK, as well as a number of other British Commonwealth and European countries, the typical pool table is 2.13 m × 1.07 m (7 × 3.5 ft), although there are also 1.83 m (6 ft) tables for the Pub and home market have something in common. These are the sizes used by internationally standardized blackball and the amateur World Eightball Pool Federation, as well as informal pub pool. The 7-foot size is also commonly used in North American amateur leagues and is a common coin operated machine in bars and other venues. The playing surface for a 7 foot table is 76 inches (193 cm) by 38 inches (96.5 cm).

bags [ edit ]

Bags, which are usually lined with leather or plastic on the back, have traditionally had drop pockets, which are small receptacles under each pocket to hold the balls. More modern tables may instead use ball return pockets, a series of chutes inside the table that deliver the balls into a collection compartment on one side of the table, much like the ball return at a bowling alley. At a coin table, the object balls are deposited in an inaccessible window until the table is paid again, allowing the balls to be released into the compartment, while the game ball is usually separated into its own ball return, often using a different sized ball. A possible result of drop pockets is that if too many balls enter the same pocket, the container fills up and prevents more balls from entering that pocket, requiring some to be manually moved out of the pocket before shooting again.

Regardless of table size, the standard WPA table (sometimes informally referred to as “American style”) has wide, angular pockets that flare distinctly inward and are generally 1.75 to 2.25 times as wide at the opening the diameter of the 2 + 1⁄4- inch (57mm) balls, wider at the side (middle) pockets than at the corners. WEPF pool (sometimes colloquially called “British-style” or “Commonwealth-style”) is played with 2 to 2+1⁄8 inch (51-54mm) balls, and this style of table has smaller, narrow pockets ( width is calculated as ball diameter multiplied by 1.6 and is the same on all six pockets), with rounded entrances and nearly parallel sides, like a snooker table. A tactical consequence of this design difference is that the cheeks of the WPA pocket are often used just like a horizontal version of a basketball goal’s back wall to rebound the ball into the pocket. this technique doesn’t work on blackball tables, and even shots over the fence into a corner pocket are more difficult.

bed [ edit ]

For tournament competition under the worldwide standardized WPA rules (and league games under derived rule sets), the bed of the pocket pool table must be made of slate at least 1 inch (2.54 cm) thick. The flatness of the table must not vary by more than 0.02 inch (0.51 mm) in the longitudinal direction and 0.01 inch (0.25 mm) in the transverse direction.[7]

Snooker and English pool tables [ edit ]

Snooker table drawn to scale

A table designed for the games of snooker and billiards is usually referred to as a snooker table or a plane.

Dimensions [ edit ]

The playing surface of a tournament snooker table, as standardized by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) and the Amateur International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF), is 11 ft 8.5 in by 5 ft 10 in (3569 mm x 1778 mm) with a tolerance of ± 0.5 in (13 mm), [11] although commonly referred to as 12 ft x 6 ft, the nominal outside dimensions including the rails. Smaller tables, approximately 10 feet by 5 feet to half the size, are also sometimes used in pubs, apartments and smaller snooker halls. The height from the floor to the top of the pillow ranges from 2ft 9.5″ to 2ft 10.5″ (851mm and 876mm).[11]

bags [ edit ]

A pool table has six pockets, one on each corner and one in the middle of each of the longest side pads. Pockets are approximately 3.5 inches (86mm), [clarification needed], although high-level tournaments may use slightly smaller pockets to increase difficulty. The amount of undercut (trimmed underside of the protruding nose of the rubber pad at the pocket opening),[12]: 8, if present, has a strong impact on how easily a ball is received from the pocket (the “pocket speed”). On snooker and English pool tables, the pocket entries are rounded, while pool tables have sharp “knuckles”. This affects how accurate shots need to be to get into a pocket and how fast they can be if not accurate, including shots running along and against a cushion making snooker more difficult to play as billiards. According to the WPBSA Official Rules, “Bag openings must conform to templates owned and authorized by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA)”.[11] The equipment sections of the WPBSA and IBSF rulebooks do not actually specify the dimensions and shapes of these proprietary templates[10][11], which change from time to time, requiring the templates to be dated.[13] The organizations will not recognize tournament play or records (maximum breaks, etc.) unless they are conducted on tables that conform to then-current templates.[13][14]

pillow [ edit ]

The pads (sometimes referred to as rails, although that term actually applies to the sections of wood to which the pads are attached) are usually made of vulcanized rubber.

Tags [ edit ]

The beam area is marked by a bar line drawn on the cloth across the width of the table at a distance of 737 mm (29 in) from and parallel to the face of the bottom pad (mm) centered on that line within the bar forms the ‘D [11] in which the cue ball must be placed when it breaks or after the cue ball has been potted or shot off the table. The position of four of the colors is marked along the long cord (longitudinal center) of the table, perpendicular to the bar line: the black spot, 12.75 inches (324 mm) from the top pad; the middle point or blue point, which is midway between the bottom and top pillows; the pyramidal spot or pink spot, which is midway between the middle spot and the top pillow; and the bar spot, or brown spot, located at the midpoint of the bar line [11] (and thus the “D”). Because of its obviousness, the brown spot is not always marked (as are the distinctive green and yellow spots[11] at the left and right intersections, respectively, of the bar line and the curve of the “D”.[1] : 116, 278 [11] The exact placement of these marks will vary on smaller tables, but are proportional to the large model.

bed [ edit ]

The playing surface of a good quality snooker table has a bed of slate[15] and is covered with a traditional green cloth, although many other colors are now available. The thickness of this cloth determines the table’s speed (lack of friction) and responsiveness to spins, with thicker cloths lasting longer but being slower and less responsive. The pile of the cloth can affect the movement of the balls, especially on slower shots and shots played with sidespin on the cue ball. A snooker table traditionally has a pile running from the beam to the top and is brushed and ironed in that direction.

Tables for other games[edit]

Other types of billiard tables are used for specific games such as; B. the Russian pyramid, which uses a 12ft by 6ft table (similar to a snooker table but with much smaller pockets), and the Asian four-ball, which uses a pocketless 8ft by 4ft table. Games like Bagatelle often had more than six holes, including right through the bed in the middle of the table, a feature still found in bar billiards and bumper pool.

Novelty and home tables [ edit ]

There are novel billiard tables, often for billiards, that come in a variety of shapes including zig-zag, circular, and (particularly for bumper pool) hexagonal. A round table featured prominently in the 1972 film Silent Running. For the domestic market, many manufacturers have produced convertible pool tables (broadly speaking) that double as dining tables, or as ping pong, foosball, or air hockey tables with removable hard tops. [15] Home pool tables, which often lack a ball return system, are commonly either 4×8 foot or 3.5×7 foot models, a medium between 3×6 foot bar/pub tables and 4.5×9 foot tournament size. Low-end tables tend to be smaller in range and may have MDF or wooden beds as an alternative to slate; Those with light beds can be folded up for storage, like table tennis. Miniature tables range in size from 1×1.6 foot tabletops to freestanding 2.5×5 foot models and use downsized cues and balls.

What are pool rails made of?

All around the edge of a billiards table are rails. Ranging from about 2.5 to 3.5 inches (6.35 cm to 8.89 cm) in width, the rails are normally made of the two pieces. The top part is made of the same hardwood or other material as the rest of the table.

Is it Time to Replace the Pool Table Cushions?

” ” A rail to which the pillow is attached

There are rails around the edge of a pool table. The splints are about 2.5 to 3.5 inches (6.35 cm to 8.89 cm) wide and are usually in two parts. The top part is made of the same hardwood or a different material as the rest of the table. A piece of wood or MDF is glued to the underside to which the cloth is stapled when stretched over the pillow.

The cushion is a long, wedge-shaped piece of hard rubber that is glued to the side of the rail that faces the table’s playing surface. Cushions are covered with the same felt fabric used for the slate and should provide a consistent response to every ball that hits them. All good tables have K-66 pads, which refers to the shape and angle of the pad rubber.

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” ” Cushions are made of hard rubber and are glued to the rail. Canvas is then glued to the rubber to prevent it from bouncing more than once when a ball hits the cushion.

The skirt is attached to the outside of each rail. Also called a bezel, this is a strip of wood that matches the rest of the table. It is designed to hide the outside edge of the rail and should be very tightly attached to the rail.

” ” The cloth is made of wool and nylon. One of the inserts can also be seen in this picture. Inlays are usually made of mother of pearl or plastic and are used as reference points in most billiard games.

The last piece of the table is the cloth. Billiard tables typically use tightly woven fabrics consisting primarily of wool with a synthetic material such as nylon added for durability. The cloth provides a consistent and smooth playing surface. Billiard cloth is often referred to as felt, but it’s actually nothing like real felt. Real felt is not a woven material but is made up of compressed and matted fibers and would not work well at all as a smooth playing surface.

” ” A table before the cloth is added

Now that you know how the table is made, what can you do with it?

What are the sides of a pool table made of?

In the modern era, all billiards tables (whether for carom billiards, pool, pyramid or snooker) provide a flat surface usually made of quarried slate, that is covered with cloth (usually of a tightly woven worsted wool called baize), and surrounded by vulcanized rubber cushions, with the whole thing elevated above the …

Is it Time to Replace the Pool Table Cushions?

Confined table where cue sports are played

Larger tables may require multiple lights to properly illuminate the playing surface.

Billiard Table Manufactory, J. M. Brunswick & Bro., Proprietor, Cincinnati, Ohio 1865 ad

A pool table or pool table is a fenced table on which cue sports are played. In modern times, all pool tables (whether carom, billiards, pyramid, or snooker) feature a flat surface, usually made of mined slate covered with cloth (usually a tightly woven worsted wool called baize) and surrounded by vulcanized rubber cushions, where the whole is elevated above the ground.[1]: 115, 238 More specific terms are used for particular sports, such as; B. snooker table and billiard table, and on these types of tables different sized billiard balls are used. An obsolete term is billiard board, which was used in the 16th and 17th centuries.[1]:27[2]

Parts and equipment[ edit ]

pillow [ edit ]

Cushions (sometimes called “rail cushions”, “cushion rubber” or less commonly “shock absorbers”) are found on the insides of a table’s wooden rails. There are various materials and design philosophies associated with upholstery rubber. The cushions are made of an elastic material such as vulcanized rubber (rubber or synthetic). The purpose of the cushioning rubber is to allow the billiard balls to bounce off the rubber while minimizing the loss of kinetic energy.

The rail cushion profile, which is the angle of the cushion in relation to the table bed, varies between table types. The standard in American pool tables is the K-66 profile, which is defined by the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) as having a 1 + 3⁄16 inch (30 mm) base and a 1 inch (25 mm) nose height. .[3] When properly installed, the distance from the nose of the pad to the covered slate surface is 1+7⁄16 in. (37 mm)[4] using a specification 2+1⁄4 in. (57 mm) ball set.

On a billiard table, the K-55 profile is used (with a slightly more acute angle than pool cushions). K-55 cushions have cloth, usually canvas, vulcanized into the top of the rubber to adjust rebound accuracy and speed.

Snooker tables use an L-shaped profile, e.g. B. the L77 profile.

bed [ edit ]

The bed table – the fabric-covered, horizontal playing surface – is made of solid, smooth slabs of slate, mostly from Italy, Brazil or China, with high-quality equipment. Small billiard tables may only use one or two pieces of slate, while carom, English billiard and tournament size billiard tables use three. Full size snooker tables require five. The gap between the slabs of slate is filled with a hard setting putty, epoxy or resin, then sanded to create a seamless finish before covering it with the cloth. If multiple pieces of slate are poorly joined, the resin can warp and cause an uneven playing surface; It can also be difficult to move once connected.

Tables for the domestic market also typically use slate beds, but the slate is often thinner, up to about +1⁄2 inch (13 mm). The early table beds consisted of fabric-covered wooden boards. Today, inexpensive but not very rigid or durable materials used for the beds of simple tables (e.g. for children’s playrooms) still include wood, especially medium-density fiberboard and plywood, as well as plastics and other synthetic materials among various trade names .

fabric [ edit ]

Billiard cloth (sometimes incorrectly referred to as felt) is a specific type of cloth that covers the top of the “playing surface” of the table. Both the rails and slate beds are covered with 21-24 ounce billiard cloth (although some less expensive 19 oz cloths are available), most often green in color (representing the grass of the original lawn games from which billiards evolved). Has). and is made from either a woven wool or a wool-nylon blend called Baize.

Most standing tables that are used frequently use the slower, thicker blended felt because it’s cheaper. This type of fabric is called wool fabric. In contrast, quality pool cloth is usually made of a pileless fabric like worsted wool, which allows balls to roll much faster. This “speed” of the cloth affects ball avoidance and deflection, among other aspects of game finesse. Snooker towels traditionally have a directional hair on which the balls behave differently when rolling against or running with the direction of the hair.

Tags [ edit ]

Sights, also known as diamonds (because of their traditional shape), are inlaid at precise, evenly spaced locations along the rails of some tables (not typically snooker tables) to aid in aiming bank or kick shots. There are seven along each long rail (with the side pocket interfering with where the seventh would go, on pocket pool tables) and three along each short rail, with each of the four corners counting as a different one in the mathematical system that the diamonds are used for arithmetic used. These sight pieces divide the playing area into equal squares. Books, even entire book series, have been written on geometric and algebraic target systems using the diamonds.

Patches are often used to mark the top and bottom patches on the fabric. Other markings may be a line drawn across the headline (or across the beam line with the “D” in British pool). Another case is the outline of the triangle post behind the base where the balls are laid in a straight pool, as the outline of this area is strategically important throughout the game. Artistic pool allows lines to be drawn between opposing landmarks, forming a grid on the playing surface. Other grid patterns are used in various forms of balkline billiards. A more recent table-marking convention in European nineball is the breakbox.

Carom pool tables [ edit ]

Pocketless carom billiard tables are used for games such as straight rail, balcony, one-cushion billiards, three-cushion billiards, and artistic billiards.

Dimensions [ edit ]

Regular 10 × 5 foot carom billiard tables have a playing surface (measured between the lugs of the cushions) of 2.84 meters by 1.42 meters (9.32 × 4.65 ft) with a tolerance of 5 millimeters. The standard height range of the table, measured from the playing surface to the floor, is between 75 and 80 centimetres.

bed [ edit ]

The slate bed of a carom pool table must have a minimum thickness of 45 millimeters, and during tournaments the recommended heating temperature is 33–37 °C (91–99 °F), which keeps moisture out of the cloth to help the balls roll and Rebounds in a consistent manner and generally makes a table play faster. A heated table is required by international carom rules and is a particularly important requirement for the games of three-cushion billiards and artistic billiards.[1]: 115, 238

Heating table beds is an ancient practice. Queen Victoria had a pool table that was heated with zinc tubing, although the main aim at the time was to keep the ivory balls then used from warping. The first use of electric heating was in an 18.2 balcony tournament held in December 1927 between Welker Cochran and Jacob Schaefer Jr. The New York Times announced this with fanfare: “For the first time in the history of the World Balkline Billiards Championship, a heated table will be used…”[1]: 115, 238 [6]

Pool tables[ edit ]

Cue ball and the 1 ball near a WPA style pocket. (The balls are the same size; the cue ball looks big because and the 1 ball is near a WPA pocket. (The balls are the same size; the cue ball looks big because of the foreshortening.)

A pool table or pocket pool table has six pockets – one at each corner of the table (corner pockets) and one in the middle of each of the longer sides (side pockets or middle pockets).

Dimensions [ edit ]

A WEPF style pool table with a cue ball and red and yellow balls near the small, rounded, almost parallel-sided pocket.

Pool tables come in a variety of sizes, typically referred to as 9 ft (2.7 m), 8.5 ft (2.6 m), 8 ft (2.4 m), or 7 ft (2.1 m) tables . In all cases, the table is rectangular with a 2:1 ratio (e.g. 9 x 4.5 feet).

There are only two sizes authorized for tournament play by the pooling body recognized by the International Olympic Committee, the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) and its various regional and national affiliates. According to the pool rules standardized around the world, these are the 9 × 4.5 ft and 8 × 4 ft models. For a 9 foot table, the playing surface (the dimensions between the noses of the cushions) is 100 inches (254 cm) by 50 inches (127 cm) with a margin of error of +1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm). every dimension. For an 8-foot table, the playing surface is 92 inches (234 cm) by 46 inches (117 cm), with the same allowance of +1⁄8 inch.

In the UK, as well as a number of other British Commonwealth and European countries, the typical pool table is 2.13 m × 1.07 m (7 × 3.5 ft), although there are also 1.83 m (6 ft) tables for the Pub and home market have something in common. These are the sizes used by internationally standardized blackball and the amateur World Eightball Pool Federation, as well as informal pub pool. The 7-foot size is also commonly used in North American amateur leagues and is a common coin operated machine in bars and other venues. The playing surface for a 7 foot table is 76 inches (193 cm) by 38 inches (96.5 cm).

bags [ edit ]

Bags, which are usually lined with leather or plastic on the back, have traditionally had drop pockets, which are small receptacles under each pocket to hold the balls. More modern tables may instead use ball return pockets, a series of chutes inside the table that deliver the balls into a collection compartment on one side of the table, much like the ball return at a bowling alley. At a coin table, the object balls are deposited in an inaccessible window until the table is paid again, allowing the balls to be released into the compartment, while the game ball is usually separated into its own ball return, often using a different sized ball. A possible result of drop pockets is that if too many balls enter the same pocket, the container fills up and prevents more balls from entering that pocket, requiring some to be manually moved out of the pocket before shooting again.

Regardless of table size, the standard WPA table (sometimes informally referred to as “American style”) has wide, angular pockets that flare distinctly inward and are generally 1.75 to 2.25 times as wide at the opening the diameter of the 2 + 1⁄4- inch (57mm) balls, wider at the side (middle) pockets than at the corners. WEPF pool (sometimes colloquially called “British-style” or “Commonwealth-style”) is played with 2 to 2+1⁄8 inch (51-54mm) balls, and this style of table has smaller, narrow pockets ( width is calculated as ball diameter multiplied by 1.6 and is the same on all six pockets), with rounded entrances and nearly parallel sides, like a snooker table. A tactical consequence of this design difference is that the cheeks of the WPA pocket are often used just like a horizontal version of a basketball goal’s back wall to rebound the ball into the pocket. this technique doesn’t work on blackball tables, and even shots over the fence into a corner pocket are more difficult.

bed [ edit ]

For tournament competition under the worldwide standardized WPA rules (and league games under derived rule sets), the bed of the pocket pool table must be made of slate at least 1 inch (2.54 cm) thick. The flatness of the table must not vary by more than 0.02 inch (0.51 mm) in the longitudinal direction and 0.01 inch (0.25 mm) in the transverse direction.[7]

Snooker and English pool tables [ edit ]

Snooker table drawn to scale

A table designed for the games of snooker and billiards is usually referred to as a snooker table or a plane.

Dimensions [ edit ]

The playing surface of a tournament snooker table, as standardized by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) and the Amateur International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF), is 11 ft 8.5 in by 5 ft 10 in (3569 mm x 1778 mm) with a tolerance of ± 0.5 in (13 mm), [11] although commonly referred to as 12 ft x 6 ft, the nominal outside dimensions including the rails. Smaller tables, approximately 10 feet by 5 feet to half the size, are also sometimes used in pubs, apartments and smaller snooker halls. The height from the floor to the top of the pillow ranges from 2ft 9.5″ to 2ft 10.5″ (851mm and 876mm).[11]

bags [ edit ]

A pool table has six pockets, one on each corner and one in the middle of each of the longest side pads. Pockets are approximately 3.5 inches (86mm), [clarification needed], although high-level tournaments may use slightly smaller pockets to increase difficulty. The amount of undercut (trimmed underside of the protruding nose of the rubber pad at the pocket opening),[12]: 8, if present, has a strong impact on how easily a ball is received from the pocket (the “pocket speed”). On snooker and English pool tables, the pocket entries are rounded, while pool tables have sharp “knuckles”. This affects how accurate shots need to be to get into a pocket and how fast they can be if not accurate, including shots running along and against a cushion making snooker more difficult to play as billiards. According to the WPBSA Official Rules, “Bag openings must conform to templates owned and authorized by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA)”.[11] The equipment sections of the WPBSA and IBSF rulebooks do not actually specify the dimensions and shapes of these proprietary templates[10][11], which change from time to time, requiring the templates to be dated.[13] The organizations will not recognize tournament play or records (maximum breaks, etc.) unless they are conducted on tables that conform to then-current templates.[13][14]

pillow [ edit ]

The pads (sometimes referred to as rails, although that term actually applies to the sections of wood to which the pads are attached) are usually made of vulcanized rubber.

Tags [ edit ]

The beam area is marked by a bar line drawn on the cloth across the width of the table at a distance of 737 mm (29 in) from and parallel to the face of the bottom pad (mm) centered on that line within the bar forms the ‘D [11] in which the cue ball must be placed when it breaks or after the cue ball has been potted or shot off the table. The position of four of the colors is marked along the long cord (longitudinal center) of the table, perpendicular to the bar line: the black spot, 12.75 inches (324 mm) from the top pad; the middle point or blue point, which is midway between the bottom and top pillows; the pyramidal spot or pink spot, which is midway between the middle spot and the top pillow; and the bar spot, or brown spot, located at the midpoint of the bar line [11] (and thus the “D”). Because of its obviousness, the brown spot is not always marked (as are the distinctive green and yellow spots[11] at the left and right intersections, respectively, of the bar line and the curve of the “D”.[1] : 116, 278 [11] The exact placement of these marks will vary on smaller tables, but are proportional to the large model.

bed [ edit ]

The playing surface of a good quality snooker table has a bed of slate[15] and is covered with a traditional green cloth, although many other colors are now available. The thickness of this cloth determines the table’s speed (lack of friction) and responsiveness to spins, with thicker cloths lasting longer but being slower and less responsive. The pile of the cloth can affect the movement of the balls, especially on slower shots and shots played with sidespin on the cue ball. A snooker table traditionally has a pile running from the beam to the top and is brushed and ironed in that direction.

Tables for other games[edit]

Other types of billiard tables are used for specific games such as; B. the Russian pyramid, which uses a 12ft by 6ft table (similar to a snooker table but with much smaller pockets), and the Asian four-ball, which uses a pocketless 8ft by 4ft table. Games like Bagatelle often had more than six holes, including right through the bed in the middle of the table, a feature still found in bar billiards and bumper pool.

Novelty and home tables [ edit ]

There are novel billiard tables, often for billiards, that come in a variety of shapes including zig-zag, circular, and (particularly for bumper pool) hexagonal. A round table featured prominently in the 1972 film Silent Running. For the domestic market, many manufacturers have produced convertible pool tables (broadly speaking) that double as dining tables, or as ping pong, foosball, or air hockey tables with removable hard tops. [15] Home pool tables, which often lack a ball return system, are commonly either 4×8 foot or 3.5×7 foot models, a medium between 3×6 foot bar/pub tables and 4.5×9 foot tournament size. Low-end tables tend to be smaller in range and may have MDF or wooden beds as an alternative to slate; Those with light beds can be folded up for storage, like table tennis. Miniature tables range in size from 1×1.6 foot tabletops to freestanding 2.5×5 foot models and use downsized cues and balls.

Replacing Bumpers on Rails

Replacing Bumpers on Rails
Replacing Bumpers on Rails


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How to Soften Pool Table Bumpers (6 Easy Ways)

If your pool ball seems to be losing speed quickly after just a few rebounds, then it’s probably time to take a closer look at your pool table bumpers.

Their bumpers are usually quite soft, but they can become hard with age and lack proper care.

This article explains how to soften pool table bumpers and how to tell if they need to be replaced.

Tips for softening pool table bumpers

Here are top tips on how to keep your pool table bumpers soft for a long time.

Please enable JavaScript How to build a pool table

Protect them from the elements

The smallest pool table you can get is about two meters long (unless it’s custom made).

These pieces take up a lot of space and are often the largest piece of furniture in the room.

Common places to store a pool table include the living room, porch, game room (if you have one), basement, or patio.

While there are indoor options for pool tables, it’s difficult to find a place to store such a massive piece unless your home is adequately sized.

Most of the time, the terrace is the best option for people with less space. Unfortunately, this outdoor facility is not the best care for your pool table.

Exposure to the elements means your pool table will get dirty faster, sometimes getting wet or exposed to the scorching sun.

This can mess up a lot of parts on your pool table, but it’s terrible for the soft bumpers (or cushions).

Pool table bumpers are only covered with cloth, leaving them almost as exposed as the rails. Being subject to weather changes means they deteriorate much faster.

So if you have a pool table outside, put something aside to make room and bring it inside. Or you can move it to a shady area and invest in some covers.

set up insulation

Even if your pool table is in your home, you still need to consider the temperature of the room it’s in.

Put in cheap insulation to regulate temperature and seal out drafts. This will ensure the temperature is not too hot or too cold.

Get an HVAC unit

An easier way to control temperatures is to purchase an HVAC unit.

So you can be sure that the room is always cool.

Get a dehumidifier

Has it been getting wetter lately? Then you might need a dehumidifier to make sure your rubber bumpers don’t go bad because of the muggy air.

This may seem like an unnecessary step, but it can help soften the bumpers for people who live in wetlands.

Use a pool table cover

Excessive dirt from the environment can contribute to a lousy bumper over time.

You can reduce the likelihood of this by using a pool table cover when not playing.

This is especially important if you need to keep your pool table outside.

vacuum often

Your pool table’s felt covers can trap more dirt than you think. This dirt can affect the bumpers of your pool table.

You can prevent this by occasionally vacuuming your felt cover. Use a hand vacuum and set it to the lowest suction level.

If you use a vacuum cleaner, you should not use an attachment with a rotary brush. The ideal attachment is one with soft bristles.

The next best choice is a non-bristle attachment.

The best part about following this particular tip is that your bumpers and felt will last longer and save you hundreds of dollars in replacement costs.

How to Tell if Your Pool Table Bumpers Are Bad

There are many ways to tell if your pool table bumpers have gone bad.

A simple method can be found in the first paragraph of this article; the billiard ball loses speed after a few rebounds. But this method is not foolproof.

Here are a few more tests that are more reliable.

Billiard Congress of America cushion test

The Billiards Congress of America clearly defines how pool table bumpers should react when a ball is launched under certain controlled conditions.

If your pool table bumpers are working properly, this test should help you determine that.

Shoot the cue ball with a solid shot, aiming to keep the ball in the middle. It should be able to reach the foot point from the head point.

The ball should also be able to travel at least four lengths of the table without bouncing.

eye test

This test requires a close look at your pillows. Regular cushions are upright and the edges of your pool table look solid and even.

But when bumpers go bad, they can start to melt. The melted bumpers will then start to sag, making your table edges look slightly uneven.

This type of melting is easy to spot. It is generally the result of prolonged exposure to scorching temperatures.

If your defective bumpers have another cause, they may not be detectable through the eye test.

The Feeling Test

To check if your cushions are bad using this method, you need to feel your pool table.

Place your fingers under the rails and run them around the table. The part you touch is where the bumpers overlap and come onto the playing surface.

They run their fingers through it to look for worn gaps between the cushion and the table. If you find any, it’s an indication that your bumpers may need an overhaul.

The bounce test

Take your billiard ball and slowly roll it so that it hits the rails. Notice the reaction of the ball when it hits the rail.

Did it bounce back onto the playing surface quickly? If so, then your bumpers should still be fine.

If it’s just lying there or slowly coming to rest, your bumpers might be pretty bad.

The Sling Test

This method requires you to use a moderate topspin and aim for the rail.

Hit the ball at high speed. If it jumps over an inch, your pillows are bad.

The squeeze test

For this test, you need to squeeze all of the table rails together. Put pressure on them in different places.

A good rule of thumb is to leave about two inches of space between bruises. Bumpers are rubber, so they usually have quite a bit of sag.

You should be able to push your bumper down more than an eighth of an inch. However, you should not be able to depress them more than a quarter of an inch.

The reason for this is that while bumpers will give a little, the force that repels billiard balls will also provide some resistance.

A bad bumper can be either hard or very soft. When it’s hard, it feels a bit like a block of wood. When melted, it will feel squishy or mushy. Either way, you have a lousy bumper.

If your bumpers are only slightly hard, they may still be salvageable. Check out the other bumpers to be sure which ones are worse off than others.

You can try softening hard bumpers using the methods above. However, there isn’t much you can do to harden melted or soft bumpers.

The exception

You may sometimes feel like you have a dead bumper when the problem is with the rails instead.

Some methods, such as the rebound test and sling test, test rebound without feeling the pads.

Sometimes a rail could have come loose. This can increase the distance between the pad and the playing surface, reducing its power.

Make sure you check the pool rails while inspecting your bumpers.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to some fairly common questions about how to soften pool table bumpers.

What if all you have is a bad bumper?

Unfortunately, once you have a lousy bumper, the others are likely to follow.

Most of the bumpers were installed at the same time and were exposed to the same things. Because of this, they tend to go bad at the same time.

How long do bumpers last?

It all depends on the quality of the existing bumpers. However, they do not have to be changed every year.

Poor quality pool table cushions may only last five to ten years. Some terrible bumpers may deteriorate before the five-year mark.

Higher quality bumpers can last between 10 and 20 years. Some great bumpers can even last 25 to 50 years.

Of course, this assumes that you take proper care of your bumpers. If you don’t do this, even super cool bumpers can go broke after ten years.

Here are a few tips to keep your pool table clean so your cushions will last longer:

Keep the Table Clean: As we’ve said before, vacuuming your pool table regularly will help keep your felt and cushions properly maintained.

Buy a pool table cover and use it when not playing.

Do not expose your table to moisture. Keep food and drinks away and the temperature slightly cool.

Final Thoughts

Now you have learned how to soften and care for your pool table bumpers. However, sometimes your bumpers are too far away.

If this is the case you can call a technician to replace the bumpers. You can also buy the necessary materials and use the magic of YouTube to repair them yourself.

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Pool Table Cushion Life Expectancy and Test

Playing a good game of pool, whether with a friend or a stranger, is meant to be a pleasant and leisurely pastime. The game is a contest of skill between two opponents of equal caliber, and if not of equal caliber then at least on an equal field.

Like any other sport, take basketball or football for example, even if the talent is not the same, the playing field is the same. In basketball, no matter where the two teams play, the court is 94 feet long and 50 feet wide. In football, opposing teams know they are fighting on a field that is exactly 100 yards long and 53 1/3 yards wide. In any case, players know that they will be playing on a pitch or field without irregularities and without surprises. The same cannot always be said for the game of billiards.

When a pool table is not properly cared for, there can and will be many irregularities and surprises. These insecurities surely make for an annoying and frustrating game without any pleasure.

5 ways to test your pool table for damage

From time to time you may need to have the felt surface of your pool table repaired or replaced. While that’s true, you should almost never need to replace your table’s rail pads.

With proper use and care, a pool table’s rail pad rubber has a lifespan of 25-50 years. This lifespan will be greatly reduced if your table is used improperly, exposed to extremes of temperature or humidity, or stored improperly.

Extreme heat, cold or humidity can cause your table’s rail rubber to become brittle or very hard. Here are five tests you can run to determine if your pool table has suffered significant rail rubber damage:

Listen – Shoot a ball in each track. The ball should rebound at a moderate to high speed, but most importantly, you should be able to hear the exact same sound as you walk around the table. Squeeze – Using the pressure of your fingers, systematically walk around the table and squeeze the rail pads of your table. You should be able to squeeze the pillow a moderate distance between 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch. Feel – Run your hands with your fingers around and under the table rails where the edges hang over the table’s playing surface. You feel for worn grooves and tracks under the felt. If you find any, it is an indication of worn cushions. This type of wear causes the rails to “bounce” less. Spin – Shoot a ball straight into each rail with high speed and moderate topspin. If the ball bounces more than 1 inch, the rail pads likely need to be replaced. Rebound – Slowly roll a ball up each rail and watch the reaction. If the ball comes to a standstill, your rails are worn and need to be replaced. If, on the other hand, the ball bounces back into the field, everything is fine. Also note the rebound angles. If the rebound matches the angle of incidence, you’re in good shape.

4 must-have pool table accessories for proper table maintenance

Pool Table Cover – Always cover your table after use, no exceptions. Horse Hair Brush – You might be tempted to buy a synthetic bristle brush, but horse hair is much softer and gentler on the table felt. Vacuum – Use a low-suction vacuum to remove dirt from the table surface. Soft towels – Dirty balls cause excessive wear on the playing surface. Use hot water and a soft towel to clean them every few games.

With these tips, you can enjoy your table for many years to come.

Is it Time to Replace the Pool Table Cushions?

Has your pool table lost its bounce, so to speak? That can happen over time. Years of use will surely create many great memories, but you also need to keep up with maintenance. This ensures that the table will look good and provide top performance for years to come.

Find out how to tell when it’s time to replace your pool table cushions and what to do about it.

How do I know if pool table cushions need replacing?

It’s a common misconception that cushions that are rarely played on can’t be bad. However, it’s a little-known fact that rubber needs to flex to maintain its natural spring, so a table that’s been used very little will most likely need the cushions replaced.

Rubber pool table covers age naturally. As the rubber ages, it will start to negatively affect the game.

As you play, you may find that the billiard balls don’t bounce off the rails like they did when the table was new. If the cushions need to be replaced, you may also hear the impact sound as the balls hit the track. Instead of bouncing off the cushion and back towards the center of the table, the balls roll in unexpected directions or practically stop spinning. All of these are signs that the pillows need replacing.

Billiards Congress of America (BCA) pool cushion test

According to BCA specifications: “Pads should respond to conform to the three cushion angles prescribed in the “diamond” (or site) system shown below, up to ±1 ball width under controlled conditions. The speed of the table cushions should be such that when placing a ball on the head spot, when shooting through the foot spot, with midball English, with a horizontal cue and a solid shot, the ball must travel at least 4 to 4 ½ lengths from the table, without jumping.”

You can also visually inspect the pillows and look for any indentations or slants, a bad pillow can warp.

Another cause of poor rebounds is loose pool table rail bolts. Failure to securely mount the rails can also result in poor play.

How long do pool table cushions last?

It’s difficult to say. The lifespan of billiard tables and their components depends heavily on the environmental conditions. For example, pool tables in sunny rooms have a different lifespan than pool tables in basements. Rooms with direct sunlight can accelerate the aging process of rubber as it gets hotter and drier. Basements do not accelerate the aging process because it is a cool, humid environment. In general, standard quality pillows can lose their bounce in 12-15 years. Higher quality pillows like Olhausen’s Accu-Fast pillows are said to last over 25 years.

Find out more about Monarch’s billiards services. We can replace the cushions on custom and antique pool, carom and snooker tables.

We provide quality care for your pool table

If your cushions are damaged or worn out, we can help bring your pool table back to life.

Monarch Billiards is a family owned business that has been based and counting in the Philadelphia area for 71 years. We supply and service all types of pool tables and accessories. We also create unique, custom tables upon request. For expert advice or assistance, call Monarch at 610-595-4651 or contact us online.

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