The Best Pool Tables and How to Pick the Right One

While some buyers prefer a more contemporary look in their billiards, if your style skews more rustic-industrial, consider this 8-foot pool table from Pottery Barn. We particularly love the look of the olive felt contrasted against the mahogany frame, although you can’t go wrong with a classic wine-felted finish, which could help add a splash of color to an otherwise neutral room. This pick also comes with everything you need: 4 cues, a bridge stick, a wall-mounted cue rack, a set of billiard balls, triangle and diamond racks, and a box of cue tip chalk. The cover, specialist repair kit, and cleaning tools are all included as well.

Brunswick pool tables are the gold standard of in-home billiards, and this gorgeous, chocolate-brown table showcases exactly why. It’s a solid, sturdy choice that features a clean, minimalist silhouette, hidden drop pockets, wood rails, a one-inch slate surface, and high-quality wool felt. The premium features are unbeatable, from its sleek composition to its solid hardwood construction. Professional pool table installation services are recommended.

If you love spending time outside in the fresh air and entertaining guests, this outdoor pool table could be exactly what you’re looking for. Take your pick from five different felt colors to customize to your needs and style, and get ready to break. The pool table frame is made of marine grade aluminum, and finished by hand in powder coated paint. The one-inch-thick Brazilian slate is registered and matched for seamless ball roll, and even extends under the rails, while a rubber bumper at the base keeps the end protected. It comes with all essentials, too: 2 cue sticks, a bridge head, a built-in cue storage rack, a set of billiard balls, a triangle, a box of cue tip chalk, and a charcoal cover for the table.

Not every home has the extra square footage required for a pool table, which is why a pool table-dining table combo is a fantastic choice for smaller spaces. While many pool tables are designed to transform into dining tables, this one stands out for its craftsmanship and quality materials. Made from acacia wood with an iron frame and leather pockets, this pick could easily become an heirloom piece. It comes with all the bells and whistles (ball set, four playing cues, bullnose triangle and nine-ball rack, under-rail brush and table brush, two-piece bridge stick and metal bridgehead, two-piece wall rack, and a protective table cover). Delivery and professional installation are included in the price, too.

With everything from claw-shaped feet to a durable, double-laminated PVC and MDF frame, the Belmont model from Barrington Billiards Company can turn any room into a stylish gaming parlor. The entire table, including the playing area and frame, measures just over seven feet long, and it comes with the basic accessories you need to start playing. One happy Wayfair customer comments, “We bought this pool table for the bonus room in our new house. We used to play APA pool and we wanted a table at home, but we didn’t want to invest the money in slate, just in case we quit using it for whatever reason. This table is sturdy and is good quality for the money,” and adds a good tip to consider before buying: “The only downside is putting the table together was a pain. It took three of us about three hours to complete… I would have probably invested in the assembly looking back.”

Not all homes are set up to accommodate pool tables, and not every homeowner wants to devote permanent floor space to the game. If you are in the market for a more flexible, affordable, and portable pool table, take a closer look at this highly rated Fat Cat model. It features a sleek black base and felt finish, and has gathered a solid 4.7-star rating on Wayfair. When you’re not using it, simply slide it away in a closet out of sight. “So worth it! This was Santa’s early gift to our family. My boys are [adults] now, so anything that gets them to spend time with us is a definite win. We have a small house and this fit into our living room perfectly, but I love that it folds away,” shares one Wayfair buyer. “Great quality, sturdy, and the perfect size to make it feel like a real game of pool.”