For most people one of the biggest factors in buying a home table is home décor. Manufacturers have recognized this, which is why there is a huge selection of styles from which to choose. Generally, people either look for a table that matches the rest of the room and their other furniture or they buy the table and accompanying furniture accessories that go with it to create a new look for a room.

It is not unusual for a real billiards fan to dedicate an entire room of the house to his or her table — and once you see the selections available, you could find yourself doing the same thing.

Choosing a Table

There are so many to choose from! But the first thing you have to consider before you head out to the billiard store, or start browsing online, is the size of your room.

And it's not enough to be able to fit the table in the room — remember, you have to have enough room on all sides of the table to be able to bend over with the pool cue extended behind you and plenty of room left over to strike the balls.

Here is a size guideline that will help you with your search for the right table:

For a table that is:	Room width should be at least:	Room length should be at least:
7 ft.	14 ft.	17.4 ft.
8 ft.	14.4 ft.	18 ft.
9 ft.	14.10 ft	19 ft.

Commercial vs. Home Tables

If you decide you want to buy the 9-foot table — after carefully measuring your room, of course — chances are you will be asked if you are interested in a commercial-style or home-style table. The only difference between the two is the weight and look of the table.

A commercial table is heavier and sturdier and is highly durable because of all the play it will get. A home-style table will be lighter and have more of a furniture-type look. Chances are it won't get as much play as a table in a bar or billiard room, so the durability factor may not influence your decision very much. Ultimately it comes down to how much play your table will get and how much money you want to spend.

Multiuse Tables

If space is a big problem but you still want a home table, there is the option of a “multiuse game table.” A multiuse table is one that has multiple tops. One top will allow you to play Ping-Pong while another is for Air Hockey. A “convertible” top will even turn your table into a functioning buffet-style table (it's a little too low for dining purposes).

You can also buy a table that folds up if you don't have the space for any other kind and you just have to play. That's good if you're desperate, but if you can hold out until you have a bigger space, or a little more money, it will be worth it when you see how great your game on a decent table can be.

Custom-Made Tables

There are many manufacturers who can build you the table of your dreams. If you know what you want and what you like, they'll make it for you. If you need your new table to match your grandmother's credenza, or your peach leather sofa, they can do that, too. But be prepared to spend the big bucks on something like that.

What It Will Cost

Like any product on the market, the better quality it is, the more money you are going to spend. An inexpensive table will cost about $800. A decent 8-foot table (one that will last at least ten years) is available for under $1,200. If you have $200 more you can get yourself a 9-foot table. You won't be able to get a slate-bed for that price, though; it will most likely be plywood on the inside and a synthetic material on the outside. It is also possible to find a furniture-style table in the $1,200 price range.

One of the better furniture-style tables can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $9,000. Tables in this price range will last you a lifetime. Again, in this range, you will be getting plywood, but a heavy-duty plywood that will allow for smooth, steady play. The outside will most likely be constructed of solid wood.

For a custom table, or special-design table, you can pay anywhere from $6,000 to $100,000 or more.

An accessories package (racks, balls, and cues) may come with the purchase of your table, but like any expensive purchase, you may have to do some negotiating to get the accessories you want. If you can't work accessories into the deal for free, tack another $200 to $400 onto your price. For that amount, you'll be able to get everything you need to get you started.

Lighting

It is very important to have good lighting in your home poolroom.

Many people forget how important it is. There's lighting in the room — shouldn't that be enough? It's not. To get the best lighting, you should have a light over the table. Make sure it is high enough so that it doesn't interfere with any raised cues and make sure that there is a beam above the table strong enough to support the lighting fixture.

Special lights can be purchased in billiard supply stores that are designed specifically to give you enough light for your table.