A Guide Choosing the Perfect Pool Table for Your Home

Don’t start looking at pool tables for sale unless you’ve read our ultimate guide.

From choosing the right size, materials, aesthetics & accessories to taking your level of play into account, we’re here to help you find the one that’s absolutely perfect for your home.

A pool table can create a fun and entertaining space for family and friends to enjoy. But with so many options available on the market, choosing the right one can be daunting at times—-so here’s what you’ll want to keep in mind as you shop for pool tables in Calgary:

Table of Contents | Choosing the Perfect Pool Table for Your Home: A Comprehensive Guide

Consider the Size of Your Space

Choose the Right Pool Table Size

Think About the Slate

Look at Construction and Materials

Match Your Home’s Design and Aesthetics

Don’t Forget About Pool Table Accessories

Level of Play: Casual vs. Serious

Stick to A Budget

Research Warranty and Brand Reputation

Go For A Test Play

1. Consider the Size of Your Space

One of the most important aspects is ensuring the table will fit comfortably in the room where you plan to place it. That’s why you’ll need to assess the dimensions of the room, factoring in enough space around the table for players to shoot from all angles. A general rule is to have at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) of clearance around the table. Imagine how difficult it would be to score a winning shot in a cramped space, right? As such, you’ll want this to be the first step in your journey of looking at pool tables for sale.

2. Choose the Right Pool Table Size

Pool tables typically come in 7 ft., 8 ft., or 9 ft. variations. What size would be best for you depends on the space of the room and the level of gameplay it’ll be used for

Pool Table Dimensions	Play Area	Also Known As	Best For
7 ft. x 3.5 ft.	Approximately 200 cm by 100 cm (78″ by 39″)	“bar size” or “pub size”	Bars, pubs, and arcades for compact gameplay
8 ft. x 4 ft.	Approximately 224 cm by 112 cm (88″ by 44″)	“pro eight-foot”	Recreational home use
9 ft. x 4.5 ft	Approximately 254 cm by 127 cm (100″ by 50″)	“tournament size”	Professionals, as this is the regulation size for tournaments

What Is the Most Popular Pool Table Size in Canadian Homes?

In Canadian cities such as Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, and Lethbridge, the eight-foot pool table is the most popular and standard pool table size for home use.

It strikes a great balance between being large enough for adults to enjoy a serious game and small enough to fit comfortably in a typical family home or game room. There’s enough room for strategic play without requiring the same space a nine-foot tournament-sized table would. Versus the 7 ft. pool table dimensions, you get that “authentic” feel that aligns closely with the size & experience you’d encounter in competitive games.

This 8 ft. size is a versatile choice that allows beginners and intermediate players to develop their skills without feeling overwhelmed by the long shots and tight positioning required on a larger table—making it the preferred choice for home entertainment.

3. Think About the Slate

Even pool tables aren’t immune to the old adage “It’s what’s on the inside that matters.”

Beneath that smooth felt surface of high-quality pool tables for sale, you’ll find the slate. Its purpose is to provide a smooth, level playing surface for the balls to roll on. The slate is usually made from a high-quality material like Brazilian slate, which is durable and resistant to warping. Because of this component, the balls move predictably and consistently across the table, allowing players to have a fair game without any disruptions or inconsistencies in how the balls behave. Moreover, it provides a solid foundation for the table’s rails and pockets—ensuring that everything is securely and accurately assembled for a smooth gameplay experience.

Here’s a quick comparison between the materials typically used for this pool table component:

Type of Surface	Material Composition	Description	Pros	Cons
Genuine Slate	Natural slate stone	Cut from quarried slate, provides the best playing surface due to its durability, flatness, and consistency. Comes in various thicknesses.	Excellent playability, long-lasting, stays level	Heavy, expensive, may require professional installation
Slatron/Synthetic	Plastic layer over particle board or MDF	A lightweight and less expensive alternative to slate, designed to mimic the smoothness of slate.	Affordable, more portable	Can warp over time, not as precise or smooth as genuine slate
Honeycomb	Plastic with a honeycomb pattern	Offers a flat surface and is lighter than slate. Used in some non-slate tables for recreational play.	Light, typically more affordable	Prone to damage and warping, not as durable or stable
Permaslate/Permahard	Brand-specific non-slate material	Non-slate surfaces that aim to provide a similar smoothness to slate.	Smoother than other non-slate options	Still not as durable or precise as genuine slate
Fiberboard/MDF	Medium-density fiberboard	Denser and more durable than particle board, can provide a flat surface for casual play.	Smoother than particle board	Sensitive to humidity and can warp, not suitable for professional play
Particle Board	Wood particles compressed with adhesive	A low-cost surface for pool tables, lightweight, and used in the most economical models.	Most affordable, light	Least durable, highly susceptible to warping and moisture, poor playability over time

4. Look at Construction and Materials

As you browse through pool tables for sale, take a nice close look at their construction & materials, including the frame, legs, and felt.

Frame: A solid and sturdy frame will support the weight of the slate and ensure longevity.
Legs: Ensure the legs are solid and well-constructed. Post legs that go all the way to the ground provide great support, while two-piece legs can sometimes be less stable.
Felt: The cloth should be of good quality wool or wool-nylon blend and be properly fitted to the slate. Different felt qualities can influence ball roll.

Take a closer look at the common pool table frame materials and their pros & cons:

Frame Material	Description	Pros	Cons
Solid Wood	Traditional and premium option, often hardwoods like oak, cherry, or walnut.	– Aesthetically pleasing – Sturdy and durable	– Can be expensive – Heavy – May require maintenance to protect from scratches
MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard)	Engineered wood product that’s denser than plywood.	– More affordable than solid wood – Consistent in strength and finish	– Susceptible to water damage – Not as sturdy as solid wood
Plywood	Layered wood that is resistant to cracking and twisting.	– Strong and resilient to warping – Lighter than solid wood	– Not as high-end as solid wood in appearance – Varies in quality
Metal	Steel or aluminum frames are used for a modern look and structural integrity.	– Extremely durable – Modern aesthetic – Often lighter than solid wood	– Can be expensive based on the metal quality – May not blend with traditional decor
Particle Board	A composite material made from wood particles and adhesive.	– Very economical – Lighter than solid wood and MDF	– Prone to damage and warping – Low structural integrity
Laminate or Veneer	Thin layers of wood or plastic bonded to a composite core.	– Cost-effective – Wide variety of finishes	– Surface can peel or chip over time\ – Not as robust as solid wood
Softwood	Woods like pine or fir that are less dense than hardwoods.	– Lighter than hardwood – Often less expensive	– More prone to damage and wear – Not as long-lasting as hardwood

5. Match Your Home’s Design and Aesthetics

Add a pool table to any room, and it’ll instantly reach level 10 on the aesthetics meter. They don’t just provide entertainment— a whole new level of aesthetics is something they bring to the table as well.

Style: Pool tables come in a variety of styles, from classic to modern—so you’ll surely find one that complements your home decor and aesthetics. Whether you prefer a classic, traditional look or a modern, contemporary style, you’re bound to find just what you’re looking for.
Finish and Color: Wood finishes, pockets, railings, and cloth colours vary widely, so select options that match or enhance your space.

6. Don’t Forget About Pool Table Accessories

Some pool tables for sale come with accessories, such as:

Pool cues and cue sticks – the primary tools used by players to hit the billiard balls during a game.
Pool balls – the various numbered and coloured orbs used in the game, each with specific roles.
The triangle rack – the device used to neatly arrange the balls before the break shot.
Chalk for cue tips – used to enhance the grip between the cue and the ball for precision shots.
Bridge sticks – provide support for the cue stick during challenging, hard-to-reach shots.
Ball return systems – integrated mechanisms that collect and organize pocketed balls at one end of the table.
Conversion tops – allow you to transform a pool table into a surface for other games like table tennis.
Storage for cue sticks – offers a designated space to keep cues upright and protected when not in use.

While pool tables that come with these *shiny* accessories definitely seem like a good deal, don’t get blinded by these elements alone. Instead, give more weight to the overall construction and materials of the pool table itself. After all, you can always shop for accessories later down the line.

Looking for cool upgrades? Our wide range of pool table accessories has got you covered.

7. Level of Play: Casual vs. Serious

If you’re a casual player, aesthetics, and space-saving might be your priorities. Since you likely won’t be using it as much as a serious player, it might make more sense to opt for smaller pool tables for sale that come with a lower price tag.

For serious players, the quality of the slate, responsiveness of the cushions, table level & size will be more significant. In this case, investing in a model that’s sturdier and yet pricier is bound to give you a better ROI in the years to come.

8. Stick to a Budget

Don’t forget to ask yourself this question “How much am I willing to spend on a pool table?”

Remember that a higher initial cost could mean better quality and longevity, which may actually save you money in the long run.

Pool tables can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the quality and features. Don’t forget about additional costs such as delivery, installation, and accessories when setting your budget.

Table Size	Economy or Non-slate	Mid-range Slate	High-end or Designer
7-Foot	CAD $600 – $1,500	CAD $1,800 – $3,500	CAD $3,500 – $6,000+
8-Foot	CAD $700 – $2,000	CAD $2,000 – $4,000	CAD $4,500 – $8,000+
9-Foot	CAD $1,000 – $3,000	CAD $2,500 – $5,000	CAD $5,500 – $10,000+

9. Research Warranty and Brand Reputation

A pool table is an investment—one that’ll provide endless moments of entertainment for you, your family, and your guests, all while you hone your skills in the popular sport. Looking into the warranty provided with pool tables for sale can say a lot about how they’ll hold up in the years to come.

On top of that, you’ll want to research the manufacturer’s reputation for quality and customer service.

10. Go For A Test Play

If possible, try playing on various pool tables for sale before making a purchase. This will give you a feel for the playability and quality of the table.

Shop the Best Pool Tables For Sale at SML Entertainment

Your search for the finest pool tables just got a whole lot easier.

Whether you’re looking for pool tables in Edmonton or pool tables in Calgary, SML Entertainment’s wide selection of top-tier products will tick all the boxes for you.

View our full catalogue of pool tables for sale or browse our collection from the leading brands:

Visit any of our locations to start shopping:

When you shop at SML Entertainment, there are no misses—only winning shots. Talk to us today to learn more.

Choosing the Perfect Pool Table for Your Home : A Comprehensive Guide