Your Guide to Buying a Used Pool Table

Thinking about bringing the fun of billiards into your home with a used pool table? It can be a great way to save money, but it's important to know what to look for to ensure you're getting a good deal and a quality table. 

Wood Quality: MDF vs. Solid Wood

The first thing to consider when looking at used pool tables is the wood quality. You'll typically encounter two main types:

• MDF with Laminate Finish: Many modern, budget-friendly tables are made with MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) and have a glued-on laminate finish. While more affordable (originally selling for around $2,500-$3,000 new in the 1980s), these tables are susceptible to water damage. Humidity or leaks can cause the MDF to soak up water, leading to bubbling in the finish.

• Solid Wood: Older, higher-quality tables are often constructed from solid wood (like maple or oak for the frame and rails). These tables are far more durable and resistant to environmental factors, making them a more valuable long-term investment.
  
  

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Slate: Backed vs. Frameless

The slate is the playing surface of the pool table, and how the felt (cloth) is attached to it makes a significant difference:

• Backed Slate (Framed Slate): This type of slate has a wooden frame underneath. This framing allows the felt to be stapled directly into the wood, preventing the need for adhesive on the slate. This makes felt replacement easier and cleaner, as no residue is left behind. It also means that if you're moving the table, the stapled felt is often reusable.

• Frameless Slate (Backless Slate): With frameless slate, the felt must be glued down around the edges. This leaves adhesive residue and felt fibers on the slate when removed. If you purchase a table with frameless slate, especially an older one, be prepared to potentially incur the cost of new felt, as the old felt may tear during removal.

Pockets: External Leather vs. Internal Plastic Drop

While often overlooked, the type and condition of the pockets can impact both aesthetics and cost:

• External Leather Pockets: Common on older, solid wood tables, these pockets are typically made of real leather and bolt to the rails on the outside of the table. While they can be revived with leather conditioner, they are prone to tearing, especially during moves. Replacing a set of these pockets can cost anywhere from $300 to $600 ($100 per pocket).

• Internal Plastic Drop Pockets: Found on many newer tables, these pockets are plastic and are stapled or nailed internally into the rails. They tend to be more durable and less prone to tearing during moves, though they may show wear and tear where they are secured.

Cushions: Live vs. Dead

The cushions, located under the felt on the rails, are crucial for a good playing experience. They dictate the ball's rebound:

• Live Cushions: A "live" cushion provides consistent and accurate rebound across all six rails. Brunswick's "Centennial" cushions are renowned for their longevity, often lasting 50 to 100 years.

• Dead Cushions: "Dead" cushions have lost their elasticity, causing the ball to bounce poorly, sometimes even just a few inches off the rail or bouncing into the air. This is often due to age, exposure to sunlight, or the quality of the original cushion. If you encounter a table with dead cushions, be aware that you'll need to replace them for a fair game. This also means you'll need to replace the felt on the rails, adding to the overall cost.

The True Cost of a Used Pool Table

It's easy to be tempted by a used pool table advertised for a low price, say $500 to $1,000. However, you need to factor in the potential additional costs:

• Moving Fees: Professional pool table movers are essential to prevent damage.

• Felt Replacement: If the felt is old, damaged, or glued-on, you'll need new felt, which can be a significant expense.

• Cushion Replacement: If the cushions are "dead," replacing them is crucial for playability and will also require new felt.

These hidden costs can quickly add up, potentially bringing the total cost of a "cheap" used table to $3,000-$4,000, sometimes exceeding the price of a new, entry-level table.

For instance, a solid wood table with backed slate and live cushions might sell for around $3,000 (excluding installation), while an older MDF table with frameless slate might go for $2,500. The extra $500 for the solid wood table with reusable felt and potentially longer-lasting cushions can be a much better investment in the long run.

Need an Appraisal?

If you're in the market for a used pool table and want an expert opinion, don't hesitate to reach out! You can contact Leadford Billiard Supply directly at leadfordsupply@gmail.com for an appraisal of any table you're considering, along with an estimate of any associated refurbishment costs.