Introduction
If you’re in the market for a pool table for your home but feel overwhelmed by the various sizes available, don’t worry. In this article, we will explain the differences between regulation pool tables, standard size pool tables, and tournament pool tables. By understanding these terms, you can make an informed decision about which size pool table is best suited for your gaming needs.
What Is a Regulation Pool Table?
A regulation pool table is a table where the length is exactly twice as long as the width. For example, an 8-foot table would measure 8 feet long and 4 feet wide, or 96 inches long by 48 inches wide. As long as the table meets this requirement, it is considered a regulation pool table, regardless of its specific size.
What Is a Standard Size Pool Table?
Standard size pool tables refer to the common sizes of pool and billiard tables, such as 7-foot, 8-foot, and 9-foot tables. Most standard size tables also adhere to the regulations, but there are custom-built tables that may deviate from these requirements.
Different Types of Regulation Tables
Bar Box or Bar Pool Tables
Bar box or bar pool tables are commonly found in bars and pool halls. These tables are 7 feet long and 3.5 feet wide, with a playing area of 78 inches by 39 inches.
Standard Home Pool Tables
Standard home pool tables are typically 8-foot tables that measure 4 feet in width, with a playing surface area of 88 inches by 44 inches. This size is the most popular choice for home use.
8-Foot-Plus Pro Pool Tables
Designed for residential use when the room size is not sufficient for a tournament table, 8-foot-plus pro tables provide a larger playing area closer to tournament size. They measure 92 inches in length and 46 inches in width.
Tournament Pool Tables
Tournament tables are regulation pool tables used for professional play. They are 9 feet long and 4.5 feet wide, with a playing area measuring 100 inches by 50 inches.
Oversized Pool Tables
Some people prefer oversized pool tables as statement pieces for their at-home game rooms. These 10-foot tables offer a playing area of 112 inches by 56 inches.
Snooker Tables
Regulation snooker tables are 12-foot pool tables designed to accommodate all the balls required for playing snooker. The playing area on these tables measures 140 inches by 70 inches.
While each of these pool tables comes in different sizes, they are still considered regulation tables as long as their lengths are twice as long as their widths.
Choosing the Right Size Pool Table for Your Home
To determine the best pool table size for your home, you need to consider the available room size. Subtract the furniture from the total room size and account for the open space. Convert the open space into inches and add 58 inches to both the length and width of the table to accommodate the cue length. Additionally, add another 6 inches to the length and width to allow for movement space around the table.
For example, if your room measures 16 feet by 20 feet (192 inches by 240 inches), but the open space is 14 feet by 15 feet (168 inches by 180 inches), a 9-foot table won’t fit. In this case, an 8-foot table would be the best choice, with dimensions of 160 inches for the length and 112 inches for the width.
If you have a smaller room, a 7-foot table or even a 6-foot table might be more suitable.
Handcrafted Regulation Pool Tables for Your Home
If you’re looking for high-quality regulation pool tables for your home, Blatt Billiards offers a wide selection of handcrafted options. Our expert team can also custom-design and build a pool table to your specifications.
For more information about our exquisite handcrafted pool tables or to discuss a custom design, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 212-674-8855 today!
