Pool Table Sizes: How To Know What Size Pool Table Is Right For You
Many people who come to buy a pool table for their first table are surprised to learn that not all pool tables come in a standard size. There are actually four standard sizes that a gamer can get for their home game room. Which one you choose will be determined by your budget, the size of your house, and the style of play you like. To help you with your decision, here are the four main table sizes and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
7 foot pool table
The smallest is the 7 foot pool table. This is much smaller than what you normally find in pool halls and bars, and you will never find this size in pool halls. Since this size usually means you’re not getting a very high-quality pool table, there are only three reasons why a person should choose this table. Firstly, if you’re on a particularly tight budget and can’t afford a bigger table, this will be your best option. Second, if you simply have a room that is too small to accommodate a larger table, then this should be your best table. And third, if you’re shopping for kids who could have more fun at a smaller, easier table, then you should buy a seven-foot pool table.
8 foot pool table
If you walk into most game rooms and home bars, you’ll likely find an 8-foot table. It’s a popular size because they’re usually reasonably affordable, can fit in most people’s spare rooms, and is simply easier to set up than larger nine-foot tables. You can even find this size in some sanctioned tournaments. If you want a good pool table that combines affordability with a high level of play, an eight foot table is probably your best bet. This is also an ideal option if you want something challenging and fun to play, but not as challenging as a nine foot table.
8.5 foot pool table
This is probably the least common pool table size of the four. Eight and a half foot tables are ideal if you want something a little larger than what you can usually find in your average home, but you can’t fit or afford a nine foot table.
9 foot pool table
If you really want to get what the pros play, then your first choice is going to have to be a nine foot pool table. It is the size used in most sanctioned billiards tournaments, and the larger size presents a considerable challenge for any player. Another nice little advantage of 9 foot tables is that when you switch to playing 8 foot again, such as when you visit your local pool hall or visit a friend’s pool table, it seems much easier to play on.
When deciding on the size of a pool table, remember that you will need to consider not only the size of the table in your game room, but also the length of the cues and the space to walk around the game room. As a general rule, be sure to leave at least nine feet of space around the pool table in the room that you have the pool table.