How to Choose the Right Felt for a Pool Table

The felt on a pool table can make the difference between a perfectly banked shot that careens off two rails and lands happily in a corner pocket and a shot the doesn't quite make it home. Choosing the right felt for your pool table, however, is fairly simple if you know a few things about the prospective players and the room in which the table sits.

Instructions

1

Decide exactly how often and how roughly your table will be played, whether it will be played by serious adults or playful teenagers. Decide as well how long you'd like to keep the table. Once you know these things, it will be easier to decide on which felt to purchase.

2

There are several grades of felt available for covering pool tables. The higher grades of felt will lay smoother and last longer before showing signs of wear. Tournament quality is 24 oz. weight, for example, and should provide the player with years of a smooth, unworn surface on which to play. On the other hand, 10 oz. felt is more commonly used in environments where the players aren't likely to take particular care with the surface because it is less expensive. Less expensive, however, means the surface is less durable. Thus, lighter weight felt is more likely to tear and scuff.

3

Measure the length and the width of your pool table including the bumper railings with a tape measure. Typically pool tables measure 39 inches by 78 inches, 46 inches by 92 inches or 50 inches x 100 inches.

4

Determine what color you'd like. While most billiard tables are covered in green felt, many suppliers now offer felt in a variety of colors. You can choose a color that matches the dcor of the room or choose the color of your favorite sports team's uniform if you'd prefer. (You can further add to the team spirit by purchasing an over-the-table billiards' light with your team's logo on it as well.)

5

Once you know the size, color and grade of felt you'd like, it's time to start shopping. There are a number of billiards supply companies who sell a variety of felts for pool tables. For example, both Velocity Pro and Titan offer higher and lower grade felts.