Common Pool Table Buying Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Common Pool Table Buying Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Buying a pool table is exciting, but it is also easy to make a few missteps along the way. Many homeowners rush the decision, focus only on price, or overlook important details that affect how the table plays and how long it lasts.
At Sanders Recreation, we have helped thousands of customers choose the right pool table and build great game rooms. Over the years, we have seen the same mistakes come up again and again. The good news is that they are easy to avoid with a little planning.
Here are the most common pool table buying mistakes and how to make the right choice from the start.
Mistake 1: Not Measuring the Room Properly
One of the biggest mistakes is buying a pool table before fully understanding the space.
A table may technically fit in a room, but that does not mean it will be comfortable to play. You need enough clearance around all sides for cue movement and natural play.
How to avoid it:
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Measure the room carefully, including ceiling height and obstacles
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Consider furniture, posts, and walkways
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Visit a showroom to see table sizes in person and compare proportions
When in doubt, choosing the right size is far more important than choosing the biggest table possible.
Mistake 2: Choosing Price Over Quality
It is tempting to shop based on price alone, especially online. Unfortunately, many lower-priced tables cut corners on materials and construction.
Common issues with low-quality tables include:
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Poor ball roll
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Warped or uneven surfaces
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Frames that loosen over time
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Shorter lifespan overall
How to avoid it:
Focus on quality construction and proven brands. Brunswick pool tables, for example, are known for their solid frames, slate play surfaces, and consistent performance. Investing in a well-built table upfront often saves money and frustration in the long run.
Mistake 3: Overlooking Slate and Construction Details
Not all pool tables are built the same, even if they look similar at first glance.
Slate thickness, frame design, and how the table is assembled all affect play quality. Non-slate or poorly supported slate tables may not stay level and often need frequent adjustments.
How to avoid it:
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Choose a slate pool table for consistent play
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Ask about frame construction and leveling process
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Buy from a retailer who understands the technical details, not just the look
Mistake 4: Ignoring Style and How the Table Fits Your Home
A pool table is also a major piece of furniture. Choosing a style that clashes with your space can make the room feel awkward or unfinished.
How to avoid it:
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Think about finishes, leg styles, and overall design
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Consider how the table will look when not in use
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Look at tables in person to see real finishes and scale
Many modern pool tables, including Brunswick models, are designed to blend seamlessly into finished basements and living spaces.
Mistake 5: Forgetting About Professional Delivery and Installation
Pool tables are heavy, precise, and not designed for DIY installation. Improper setup can lead to poor play, damage to the table, or damage to your home.
How to avoid it:
Always use professional delivery and installation. Proper leveling and assembly ensure the table plays correctly from day one and continues to perform well over time.
The same applies if you are moving a pool table. Professional disassembly, transport, and reinstallation protect your investment.
Mistake 6: Focusing Only on the Pool Table
A great game room often includes more than just a pool table. Many buyers miss the opportunity to build a space that offers variety and keeps everyone engaged.
How to avoid it:
Think about how you will actually use the room. In addition to pool tables, Sanders Recreation offers:
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Darts and dartboards
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Game tables like shuffleboard, air hockey, and table tennis
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Games and accessories that round out the space
Adding even one additional game can make the room more versatile and enjoyable for family and guests.
Mistake 7: Buying Without Seeing or Playing the Table
Photos and descriptions only go so far. Buying without seeing or playing the table in person can lead to disappointment.
How to avoid it:
Visit a showroom where you can:
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Compare table sizes and styles
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Feel the quality of construction
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Play on different tables
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Ask questions and get honest advice
This is especially valuable when choosing a premium brand like Brunswick, where craftsmanship and playability are best experienced firsthand.
Making the Right Choice From the Start
Avoiding these common mistakes comes down to slowing down and getting the right guidance. A pool table should be something you enjoy for years, not something you second-guess after delivery.
At Sanders Recreation, we help customers choose the right pool table, explore game room options, and handle professional delivery and installation. We also offer a wide selection of darts, games, and accessories to help complete your space.
Visit Sanders Recreation in London or Barrie
Whether you are buying your first pool table or upgrading your game room, seeing your options in person makes all the difference.
London Store: 519-686-0333
Barrie Store: 705-725-9676
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If you are ready to start planning your game room or want expert advice, our team is here to help.