How Much Does a Pool Table Cost?

The pool table is an ever-present item in game rooms and is one of the most popular game tables in history. It does a great job in creating bonds between people that play together but a lot of people ask themselves: How much does a pool table cost?

How much does a pool table cost?

The cost of a pool table will usually fall between just under $1,000 and $15,000 or more, depending on several important factors like the size of the table, the quality of the materials used, the types of materials, as well as who you buy it from.

Basic Family Billiards Tables

A basic family billiards table will likely cost somewhere between $1,200 and $2,000. These are usually more simple tables that can be used for occasional games with friends or even family members and are considered pretty basic models.

People commonly buy these game tables in homes to use recreationally and occasionally. These can last around 10 years if you take proper care of them.

After 10 years it won’t be unusable most of the time, but depending on how much you use it and how many games are actually played, you might have to refelt it or replace the bumpers. You might be able to help reduce at least part of the unnecessary damage to the table if you use a table cover, to keep it in great condition for a longer period of time.

Before you pick a basic table, you should research different material types and construction methods so that you know you are going for a high-quality wood table.

Kids Play Pool Tables

If you’re looking for a pool table for younger children, then you’ll probably need a Kids play pool table. One of these will likely cost $1,000 or even less. This is great for children who want to understand the game and can be a mini table or even a toy table. If you notice that one of your kids really likes the game or has a real talent at it, then you can consider upgrading to a more professional table in the future.

You might also like our articles on the cost to refelt a pool table, build a tennis court, or go bowling.

These products will likely last only about t3 to 5 years depending on how they are used and are made of cheaper materials like MDF wood or plastic, with a thin slate.

Mid-Range Tables

Mid-range tables should be considered by players who are more serious about the game and want to invest in a table that will likely cost between $2,000 and $4,000. You will be able to pick between up to 20 fabric options and the models themselves are usually fully customizable. These are a very strong foundation and are made with high-quality materials.

Most of the models will also include 100% accurate rebound play, K66 natural tournament cushions, and hardwood railings. Usually coming with 1” K-patterned slates, they are great if you are serious about playing pool.

These will likely be lifetime investments, although considerably more expensive than the ones we went through up to this point. When you take care of them properly, you won’t have to replace any parts over time and you can even pass them down to younger family members.

Custom or Heirloom Tables

Heirloom tables or custom-made tables are the perfect combination of nostalgia around the game of billiards and high quality and the price will reflect this. They are usually priced between $4,000 and $15,000 or more. These pool tables are usually considered timeless antiques and will have a price that will reflect the fact that they are the best out there.

These are made with only materials of the highest quality with meticulous, detailed designs. It’s not uncommon for these pieces to be made of imported or rare woods or steel and sometimes they might even have semi-precious stones added to the design. It’s also not uncommon for them to have claw foot designs, pearlized rails, and a lot of thought given to the overall design when compared to normal tables.

The performance and durability of these tables will also be outstanding, as they are made with the help of heavy gauge steel fastening systems and high-torque bolted parts.

As antique, heirloom, or custom billiards tables are considered statement pieces in game rooms, they are more of a collectible than an actual game table.

Now let’s go over the different factors that go into the cost of a pool table so that you understand why you’re going to pay a certain price on a certain table.

Factors That Influence the Cost of a Pool Table

Wood and Other Materials Quality

Most pool tables will be made of wood, but there are a lot of different types of wood of different quality and this will impact the final cost. Some models also come with a combination of wood and certain materials like metal.

Exotic materials and rare or exotic wood types will usually be more expensive. Although these exotic materials will raise the price of the table, they will also make it stronger, making it last for generations instead of just a few years.

Synthesized wood is considered the least durable and the least expensive one used for pool tables, while middle-priced pool tables will likely be made of high-quality common wood types.

Grade of Felt Material

Another factor to consider when trying to figure out the price of a new pool or billiards table is the grade of the felt used to make it. The felt grade can make a big difference in play, especially if we were to consider billiards tables which are faster than pool tables in general.

Slate Thickness and Number of Slate Pieces

The price and quality of a pool table will also be influenced by the thickness, number, and quality of slate pieces.

High-quality slate will usually start at about 1” thickness, while any slate that has a thickness of 3/4” or more is considered decent. Thinner slates than this will potentially start sagging on the table or break completely.

The number of pieces used for the slate also makes a difference in both quality and cost. Slate can come in one or three pieces. Using one piece of slate over the entire game table is easier to install, but more likely to sag and break. The optimal, and more quality slate to use is the three-piece slate. These provide better leveling results, are less likely to break, and aren’t likely to sag over time.

The most popular brands of pool or billiards tables

Below you will find a list of the most popular brands that sell pool tables in the US:

• Brunswick Billiards
• Olhausen Billiards
• Presidential Billiards
• Diamond Billiard Products
• Great American Recreation Equipment
• Hathaway Games
• Plank & Hide

Pool Table Pricing

The three factors above will influence the price of a pool table in the most significant way, even though there are other additional factors that also add to the overall pool table pricing, including cleaning supplies, cue sticks, and of course, billiard balls.

Although a cheaper table will cost less when you buy it, it will also be made of cheaper materials, meaning it won’t last as long as you might think.

Consider how often you plan to use your billiard table as well as your available budget when looking to add one to your game room.