Want to buy a pool table but don’t know where to start? Here are a few tips on what to look for!

1) Check the brand of the table. Some companies manufacture in the USA while others import from overseas. American made tables are sturdier and can be higher quality. That’s not to say that imported tables are necessarily bad, in fact, some very popular brands like Brunswick and Presidential produce their pool tables overseas. As for American made pool tables, look for brands like Connelly, Olhausen, Buckhorn, or Imperial. Buckhorn and most Connelly pool tables were actually produced right here in Arizona!

2) What should you check when buying from a private seller? Pool tables are listed for well below market value every day by people who need them gone quick. It’s easy to get enticed by the low price but oftentimes these pool tables have been neglected over the years and need hundreds of dollars of repairs to play well.

First, check the condition of the cloth (felt). Look for burn marks, spills, etc. Some people are under the impression that the cloth has to be destroyed to disassemble the table but that is absolutely not true. It is very simple to reuse it without sacrificing quality of play, so if you are satisfied with the current color and condition, make sure to reuse the cloth.

Second, check the condition of the bumpers. Press the rubber on the bumpers with your fingers to see how much life it has left. If the bumper is hard and has no give, it will have to be replaced; A repair which can run you around $300-400. Even if you can feel a little give on the rubber, it is still possible that it is near the end of its life and will need a replacement soon. These first two things go hand in hand; If the felt on the table is really old, then the bumpers will be too. If you buy a table that ends up needing both felt and rubber replaced, expect to pay at least $500-$600. That will be on top of standard delivery/setup costs plus the cost of the table.

Third, check the condition of the pockets. Check for any tears in the leather, along with making sure it isn’t rotted. A new set of leather pockets start at $150 and can go up to $400! It also can be hard or even impossible to find a perfect match to the old pockets.

When buying a table from us at Rebuilt Billiards, rest assured that we take care of all of this for you. Our tables come with brand new bumper rubber, brand new felt, high quality pockets, and we clean up/polish the wood! All our tables are of the highest quality and in tip top shape, and we prove it by guaranteeing your satisfaction!

3) Is the table 1 piece or 3 piece slate? The cost to move a single slate table will be way higher than a 3 piece table. If the table is older, it is more likely to have 1 piece. Bar style pool tables will also have 1 piece slate. Here at Rebuilt Billiards we know the importance of finding the right table at the right price, and we often get callers looking for 7 foot tables asking if they should buy a bar style one. We always say no! Even if the price is good, you will pay a fortune to have it moved and installed at your location. On top of that, if something were to go wrong with the ball return, the table will have to be disassembled and the 500+ pound slab of slate will have to be removed to repair it. It is not worth the risk. If you are one of these people having trouble finding a 7 foot table in your style and price range, reach out to us! We would be more than happy to work with your budget! We are constantly getting 7 foot tables in stock and our first and foremost priority is making you happy!

Lastly, and this should go without saying, do not buy a non slate table! They are extremely low quality and will never bring you the satisfaction or joy you should expect when shooting pool.

All our tables at Rebuilt Billiards are at least 50% lower than MSRP. Our tables come with delivery, setup, new felt, a huge accessories package, and more! We are your one stop shop for pool tables! If you read through this whole thing, we appreciate you! Mention the code BuyersGuide10 to us and we will give you 10% off your next pool table purchase!