What Is a Slate Top Pool Table?

Slate top pool tables can be found in many homes, restaurants and bars. Both eight-ball and nine-ball pool can be played on a standard table. Full-size slate pool tables can be quite expensive, but worthwhile as an investment in your family's entertainment.

Function

Slate top pool tables are used to provide a bounded playing surface for billiards games. The rubber cushions permit the caroms and bank shots that such a key part of the game.

Features

Slate top pool tables have a smooth slate playing surface that is surrounded by four rubber cushions. The table and cushions are covered in wool felt. The most common color is green, but blue, red, black, and grey felt is also used. Most pool tables have diamond markings along the rails and a dot to indicate where the balls should be racked.

Size

Slate top pool tables come in 7-foot, 8-foot, and 9-foot lengths. The table's width is half of its length. Only 8-foot and 9-foot slate top pool tables are sanctioned by the World Pool-Billiard Association for tournament play.

Considerations

The table must be perfectly level or the billiards balls will not play true. Shims can be placed under the low end of the table to level out the playing surface.

Warning

Slate top pool tables are extremely heavy and should be transported by professional movers whenever possible.