POOL OR SNOOKER TABLE FLOORING OPTIONS
An important thing that is often overlooked when installing a pool or snooker table is the type of flooring it should sit on. The surface underneath the pool table should be sturdy, level and free from any bumps or irregularities that could affect the playing surface. Here are some options for flooring surfaces to use underneath a pool table:
Pool tables can be installed safely on hardwood, tile, concrete and other hard surfaces as it allows the pool and snooker table to be leveled immediately and accurately.
HARDWOOD FLOORING
The best floor to have under a pool table is hardwood, as it is going to add some extra stability to the floor and it is a popular choice for a pool table surface too. It is sturdy, durable and provides a level surface. However, if the cue ball flies off the table and bounces on the floor, you will most likely crack and damage the floor.
CONCRETE
Concrete is another popular choice for a pool table surface. However, it is important to ensure that the concrete is level and free from any bumps or imperfections to ensure that the balls roll smoothly and accurately. Cracks or damage in the concrete can cause the pool table to settle unevenly or wobble, which can make it difficult to play accurately.
TILE
Tile can be a suitable surface for a pool table, but it is important to take certain precautions to ensure that the tile surface is suitable for playing pool - durable and not easily chip or crack. Wooden floors are softer than tiles, so your balls should not get chipped or damaged if flying off the table. It is also a good idea to put carpeting in your pool room because those hard balls could damage your floor and your hard floor could damage the balls. But of course, if the balls are flying off the table, you are shooting too aggressively. So more careful play is advised.
Carpet can be used as a surface underneath a pool table, but it is important to choose a low-pile, flat, firm and has some sort of grip on the bottom to avoid any interference with the ball's movement. A carpet of some kind will be quieter as and when balls go off the table to avoid them bouncing so far. The sound of two balls clacking into each other might be music to your ears, but if your table is set up near a space used by other people such as in the office, they might appreciate the sound dampening properties of carpeting.
Carpets are bigger than rugs and usually extend over the full floor space in a room while the ideal amount of space to move around on a rug is about 3 or 4 feet on each side. Adding the carpet or rug can add practicality in terms of comfort, plushness, sound dampening and protection from any stray balls or the legs of the pool table itself. If the pool table is a similar color to the flooring, the rug will help highlight the table. When you add a rug beneath the pool table, you want to be sure that you can fully and comfortably stand on the rug whenever you are taking a shot. Make sure it doesn't easily slip under fast moving feet and not curling up at the ends.
Some say that it is not recommended to place a rug underneath a pool table as it can negatively affect the level and stability of the table. This normally happens when you use a high pile rug or texture as it can compress or shift over time, leading to an uneven surface that can make the balls roll unevenly or affect the accuracy of shots, making it more difficult to play.
If you are planning to have a rug underneath your table, it needs to be in place before your pool or snooker table is installed. Putting a rug or carpet after the table is already set up is very tricky and will require a professional team with the proper tools and experience. The table needs to be dismantled, reinstalled and re-leveled when the floors are finished.
Please note that moving a heavy pool table by inexperienced people can cause even further damages and personal injury. Poor installation can also result in wobbly legs, a not-so-sturdy frame and an overall poor gameplay experience.
By taking the time to properly prepare the flooring surface underneath a pool table, players can ensure that they are getting the most out of their game and can fully enjoy the experience of playing pool. This may involve using a level to check for any unevenness or sloping, filling in any bumps and selecting a surface that is suitable for playing pool, such as hardwood flooring, concrete, carpet or tile and adjusting it as necessary.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Always remember that the biggest thing to keep in mind is a flat and level playing field that results in a good gameplay experience. Carpet or no carpet, rug or no rug, the decision is really a personal preference. Mostly, it is about what looks and feels right for you which convey your personal style whether it be vintage, sporty, classy, modern or something else.
PLAY • FUN • LEISURE
