How to Buy the Right Pool
Table for Your Home
A practical guide from a team with over 35 years of helping Florida homeowners choose the right pool table — from room planning and size selection to brand comparison and installation.
Quick Size Reference
Minimum room sizes assume standard 58" cues with 5-foot clearance on all sides.
| Table Size | Minimum Room | Comfortable Room | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7-foot | 13 × 16 ft | 14 × 17 ft | Smaller rooms, bars |
| 8-foot | 13.5 × 17 ft | 14 × 18 ft | Most home game rooms |
| 9-foot | 14 × 18 ft | 15.5 × 19 ft | Serious players, large rooms |
7 Steps to Buying the Right Pool Table
Follow these steps and you will avoid the most common mistakes pool table buyers make.
Decide Where the Table Will Go
Before choosing a table, measure the room. A pool table needs at least 5 feet of clearance on all sides for comfortable cue play. A 9-foot table in a 14×18-foot room will feel cramped — a 7-foot table may be the right call. Plan the room first, then choose your table.
Choose the Right Size
Pool tables come in 7-foot (bar size), 8-foot (the most popular for homes), and 9-foot (regulation/tournament) sizes. An 8-foot table works well in most Florida game rooms and offers a great playing experience without demanding an oversized room. See our room size chart for exact dimensions.
Choose Style and Materials
Pool tables range from traditional solid hardwood designs to modern, contemporary styles. The top material matters most: 3-piece Italian slate is the standard for any quality pool table. Avoid MDF or honeycomb tops — they warp over time. For wood finish, match your room's existing furniture if possible.
Compare Brands
In the premium segment, Brunswick and Legacy are the two dominant brands. Brunswick has been manufacturing since 1845 and is used in professional tournaments worldwide. Legacy offers broad design options and complete game room coverage. Both deliver quality — visiting a showroom to compare in person is the best way to decide.
Indoor vs Outdoor vs Dining
Standard pool tables are for indoor use only. If you have a covered patio or lanai, consider an outdoor pool table built with weather-resistant materials. If the table needs to double as a dining surface, dining pool tables (also called convertible tables) offer a top that converts between dining and play.
Budget for Installation
A pool table is not a flat-pack purchase. Proper installation by an experienced technician — including precise slate leveling — is essential for a true playing surface. Budget for professional installation, and factor in the cost of professional felt if you want to upgrade from the standard cloth.
Why Visiting a Showroom Matters
A pool table is a major purchase you will live with for decades. Seeing the table in person — feeling the rails, testing the cloth, seeing the finish in real light — makes a significant difference. Photographs never fully capture the quality difference between a budget table and a premium one.
Ready to Shop?
Browse pool tables by size, or visit a showroom to see them in person.
Talk to an Expert
Our showroom team has helped thousands of Florida homeowners choose the right pool table. We are happy to walk you through your options — no pressure.