So you have measured the open area of your rec room, possibly moved things around to make space for a pool table, and now you are ready to go shopping. Whether you plan on buying a used table or a new one, you need to be sure what you buy will last. There are some qualities and features you should be aware of and looking for so you know you are getting a good, durable table for your money. Here are some things you will definitely want your diamond billiards table to have:

Solid Wood Top Rails

The top rails of the table have cushions glued to them. Over time, these cushions will become indented or loose and need to be replaced. If the top rails are made of particle board, removing the cushions may pull away bits of the board, leaving dips or holes. This will prevent the new cushions from being glued on securely. Not only will they need to be replaced sooner than they should, but also can also affect gameplay.

Canvas-backed Cushions

The cushions on the top rails should have canvas backing on the back and top where they are glued to the rails. The canvas on the back side will help with adhesion to the rails so they cushions do not pull away as easily. You want to have canvas backing on the top of the cushion to provide a bit of support for the rubber. This will provide consistent and equal action when the balls strike it.

Solid Wood Frame

A frame made of multiple layers of particle board or plywood may provide enough strength to hold the weight of the slate. However, a solid wood frame will do that while also having a staying power the other options do not have. When slate is screwed to the frame, you do not want it to interfere with the overall strength of the wood or you could end up with a warped table that not only disrupts game play but also might result in a broken slate.

Unless the billiard table is a whim and not something you will use often or seriously, you want to have one that will last for as long as you have it while providing a fair game. While the slate itself is an important consideration for the table, do not make it the only thing that matters. The frame, cushion, and rails have a lot to do with the playability of a good billiards table.