Our best overall pick, the American Legend Brookdale Pool Table, comes with balls and cues, has a solid wood construction, and is reasonably priced. Here are the best pool tables. While it doesn’t have a ball return system, the concealed drop pockets have molded corner protectors to limit wear and tear. Rubber rails allow for reliable bank shots, while the legs feature shims to level the playing field on uneven floors. In addition to the table, you’ll get two cues, a set of balls, a triangle, chalk, and a table brush. Some customers were disappointed with the quality of the pool cues, so you’ll probably want to use your own if you’re an experienced player. Reviewers noted that the table was relatively easy to assemble, taking around 45 minutes to complete on average. (You may need an additional person to help, especially once you reach the final steps.) The Brookdale is one of the most stylish yet affordable picks on our list. We also appreciate that it’s foldable and comes with a storage bag for taking on the go. Despite being portable, the materials are sturdy and long-lasting for years of fun. Users loved being able to fit this amenity into their small space and assembly is a breeze (just fold down the legs!). Opt for black or brown to better fit your space, and there is even an option to add a table-tennis cover for two games in one. When not in use, lay over the included table cover for extended use. Pottery Barn includes extensive instructions for cleaning your table to guarantee it lasts for a long time. While this weather-resistant billiards table is on the expensive side, you can count on quality. The board and cover are both waterproof and fire-retardant, so it is ready to take on the great outdoors. Now you can play pool while lounging by the pool. The small frames make this ideal for teaching little ones how to play the classic game. Place on the ground for kids to have an eye-level view or play as a tabletop game with adults. The versatility of this choice and the compact size make this a perfect option for households with kids or small apartments. When not in use, the contemporary wood finish operates as a normal table perfect for a multifunctional dining room, playroom, or basement. This choice has the most possibilities for play and still doubles as a sophisticated decor piece. The pool table is made of manufactured wood with a felt billiards surface and gum rubber bumpers on all sides for accurate, reliable bounce-back—extra points for the included playing equipment. When playing the other games, the bumper fits around the new board for an even playing surface ideal for ping pong and glide hockey. The surface is competition-grade black wool felt, and the drop pockets have leather covers. The professional-grade bumpers ensure an accurate and even bounce back in every game. This premium billiards table also comes with high-grade accessories that experts and beginners alike can appreciate. The portable design does not sacrifice quality with a smooth surface and sleek black cloth design. Plus, it comes with all the essentials: two cues, pool balls, a triangle, and a table brush. Bring along to a friend’s house or vacation home to keep practicing your skills.
Style
The style is also a crucial factor. Like dining tables and bed frames, billiards tables come in various silhouettes, including slate bed, American pool, English pool, and wood bed, as well as some contemporary iterations. Higher-end pool tables that hold a permanent space in the home often have wood frames and a felt surface in varying hues. “There is usually a wide selection of cloth colors you can choose from to satisfy your aesthetic taste,” says Dr. Alciatore. “Classic green and blue are common choices that offer good contrast with the balls.”
Price
The price of pool tables varies drastically. On the higher end, they can run upwards of $10,000, while budget-friendly options can be as low as $200. Then there are tabletop models, which are typically even more affordable. Like furniture, you can generally expect to pay more for better quality and larger sizes.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a freelance writer specializing in home design and recreation. For this piece, she interviewed an experienced billiards expert for insight into sizes, styles, and placement, then researched the various types and materials. She combed through user reviews, pored over key specs, and considered the price of many pool tables before landing on her final picks. Theresa has been writing for The Spruce since 2019, where she covers furniture, outdoor living, and games. Qualifying as regulation size isn’t just about the dimensions. A pool table must also meet the standard length-to-width ratio. As for height, the table bed is typically between 29 and 31 inches from the floor. Additional research was done by Julia Fields a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays since October 2021. Before that, she covered similar topics including toy reviews, product round-ups, expert-focused articles, and more. Expert advice was provided by Dr. Dave Alciatore, Ph.D., PBIA advanced instructor, and the dean of Billiard University.
