Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I get a billiard table?

Billiards is an ancient game that has been played in its current form since the early 1600s in England and France. The game was particularly popular in the royal courts, but also to some extent among the common people. Today, you come across billiard tables everywhere. They are in bars, youth centers, housing association clubrooms, and other public places, but increasingly also in ordinary private homes. Many a suburban garage has been converted into a billiard room.

The appeal of billiards lies in its simple yet irresistibly exciting and precision-demanding nature. The rules are easy to learn, and anyone can play billiards—even alone. The game offers the opportunity to constantly improve. You can always try a slightly more difficult shot or experiment with different tactics. No two billiard matches are the same. After every shot, the situation on the table is new. The balls can be positioned in an infinite number of different arrangements relative to each other.

How do I choose a billiard table?

The most important features are playability, durability, and appearance. The playing surface of a billiard table should be stone, but smaller tables intended mainly for occasional play can also have, for example, a wooden base.

The load-bearing structures must be sturdy—preferably thick plywood or solid wood. The table must be able to withstand maintenance. Depending on the level of use, the cloth is changed approximately every 1–5 years. Therefore, the cushions should also be solid wood rather than, for example, MDF or particle board, which easily crumbles over time. A well-designed table will last for decades under normal use.

Slate has been used in billiard tables for hundreds of years, and its properties make it the most suitable playing surface. The slate slab must be perfectly smooth and, of course, level, and preferably as thick as possible. The larger the playing area, the thicker the stone should be.

The cloth must be a wool blend. The more wool it contains, the better the cloth. There is usually a bit of nylon mixed in to strengthen the weave. A 100% wool cloth would be expensive and would wear out too quickly.

Bare lacquered wood is beautiful, but it doesn’t handle bumps well. A laminated surface tolerates use much better. This is worth considering when thinking about the playing environment.

Billiard tables are sold with both ball return systems and pockets. Ball returns collect the potted balls at one end of the table, where they can be gathered when setting up a new rack. When buying a table, it’s worth considering how much a ball return matters to you. Ball returns increase the price of the table somewhat. The mechanism can be noisy and might break when removing fallen debris, chalk cubes, or similar items.

What size table?

Measure your available space, taking into account any restrictions set by furniture or other decor. Furniture and objects lower than 80 cm will not get in the way of the cue. The space required by the table can be calculated using the formula:

playing area + 2 x cue length

In the shooting position, the cue is at an angle of about twenty degrees, which means that the necessary backswing space remains behind the cue.

Cues come in many lengths. A standard 2-piece pool cue is approximately 150 cm long, but shorter 1-piece house cues are also available, starting from one meter.

So, the free space needed when playing on a 7ft table with a standard-length cue is:

Width: 100 + 2 x 150 = 400 cm

Length: 200 + 2 x 150 = 500 cm

Correspondingly, if the cue is, for example, 125 cm long, the required free space is:

Width: 100 + 2 x 125 = 350 cm

Length: 200 + 2 x 125 = 450 cm

The larger the table, the more entertaining the play. Still, be careful not to get a table that is too large. The general rule is that smaller table sizes (under 8ft) can be played with slightly shorter cues, but larger ones (8ft, 9ft, etc.) should have standard-sized cues. We do not recommend playing with a cue shorter than 125 cm.

How do I choose a billiard cue?

The most important features are weight, feel, and brand. By trying and playing, you learn to recognize a cue that fits your hand. Ask us and try out cues at our shop.

How should a billiard cue be stored?

A one-piece cue is stored in a vertical position in a rack at room temperature. Moisture ruins the cue. 2- or 3-piece cues are stored in parts in a carrying case or bag. This way, the tension in the joints doesn’t warp the cue. Never store a cue leaning against a wall, as it may warp.

Do players make their own short cues for jump shots?

You can buy ready-made jump cues from us. In the price list, there are cues marked with J/B (Jump/Break). It’s worth calling and asking.

Where can I inquire about used tables, and how much do they cost?

Used tables come in every now and then, and they go fast. Check our website for our selection or call and ask. Depending on the condition, prices are 50–75% of the price of a new one.

Can I build a table myself? Where can I get supplies, measurements, and instructions?

You can certainly build a table yourself. All supplies are available from us, and with a supply purchase, you can get drawings for a miniature table that can be adapted for a larger table.

In addition to lumber, the minimum requirements for building a table are cloth, pocket liners, and cushion rubbers (as well as the slate).

Can the playing surface be made of wood?

The playing surface can be made of wood, such as MDF board, if the table needs to be portable, for example. However, slate is highly recommended in every respect due to its playing characteristics, durability, and sturdiness. Ask us for slate prices.

If you have any questions or feedback, you can always turn to us with confidence.

Best regards, the team at Suomen Biljardimyynti Oy