Specifications for Pool Tables

Although pool, or billiards, was once considered unwholesome and was even outlawed for a time, now it's considered a fine family game and a competitive sport. Children and adults alike practice fundamentals and trick shots to add to the fun of game time. Strict rules apply to competition or regulation pool tables. Uniformity is important. However, pool tables for home or recreational use give you more options for size and materials.

Playing Surface Dimensions

There are several acceptable dimensions for the playing surface, unless you need a tournament-size table. Three of the most common sizes include 3 1/2 feet by 7 feet, 4 feet by 8 feet and 4 1/2 feet by 9 feet. If you choose a smaller version than these, be sure length measures twice the width, according to Pool Table Rules. Tournament-size tables are usually the largest of the three most common (4 1/2 feet by 9 feet), giving players the most area for play. A level playing surface is as important as the dimensions. Sloping tables interfere with accurate play, causing balls to favor the lower end over the higher. To test for level, place a 4-foot level on the playing surface to see if the bubble aligns with its center markings. If it does not, raise the low end of the table until it does. Some tables have devices built into the legs that turn to raise or lower a side. Others require a shim under the leg of the low side.

Table Height

Regulation pool table height is between 29 1/4 inches and 31 inches, as explained by The World Pool-Billiard Association. However, there is no reason to restrict a recreational table to the guidelines of regulation height if you are uncomfortable using a table in that range. Many manufacturers offer custom-made pool tables and can modify height, which gives you a broader range of possibilities. Likewise, pool cue length is optional. In confined spaces, it is perfectly acceptable to use a shorter cue than average.

Pocket Locations and Size

Pool tables have six pockets; one in each corner, and another at the center point of each of the two longer side rails. Corner pockets measure between 4 7/8 inches to 5 1/8 inches across, and side pockets measure between 5 3/8 inches to 5 5/8 inches across, as explained by the Billiard Congress of America. Some pockets are actual pockets where sunk balls collect during play. Some are made of leather, and others are synthetic material. Other pockets are openings connected to tubes that channel sunk balls to a central location. Any style of pocket may be adorned with elegant fringe detail, velvet or other type of decoration. Some billiard tables are sleek and simple, while others are magnificent works of art.

Other Specifications

Playing surfaces are most often slate. Slate is very hard, and pool table slate is honed with precision to be as flat as possible. Minuscule leveling adjustments are performed at installation by inserting tiny spacers under the slate. Slate is usually covered in green wool felt, stretched tight. Felt can have no imperfections that interfere with play. Billiard balls are perfectly round, with a diameter of 2 1/4-inches.