When you decide you want to invest in a pool table for your game room, basement, or another area, it is essential to ensure you have plenty of space for your new table.
Not only do you need to accommodate the table itself, but you also need to consider the space required. This is essential for players to move around comfortably and make shots without obstruction. The standard pool table sizes vary, typically ranging from 7 to 9 feet in length. It is important to note that each size requires a different amount of surrounding space.
Additionally, you should account for the length of the pool cues, which are generally between 48 and 58 inches. Plan for adequate space by measuring the size of the room for a pool table correctly. By doing this, you can create an enjoyable and functional game room. This allows for smooth gameplay and a pleasant experience for all players.
Preparing for a Pool Table
Before you purchase a pool table, it's essential to figure out what size of room you will need for your pool table. You must then prepare the designated space properly. Start by clearing the area of any furniture or objects that could obstruct play or movement.
Ensure the floor is level to avoid any imbalance in the table, which could affect gameplay. If the room has carpeting, consider placing a hard surface under the table's legs. This will prevent indentations and ensure stability.
Additionally, it's beneficial to install proper lighting above the pool table. This will help to enhance visibility and create an optimal playing environment. Overhead lights should hang approximately 30-36 inches above the playing surface to provide even illumination without casting shadows.
Lastly, consider the room's decor and ambiance. A well-designed game room can enhance the overall experience and enjoyment of your new pool table.
Factors to Consider
When planning for a pool table, several factors are critical to ensure a seamless integration into your space:
The size of the room
The last thing you want to do is purchase a pool table for your home and, when the installers arrive to set it up, realize it will not fit in the room. You need to measure the open space available in the room to determine if there is sufficient space for a pool table.
Many people make the mistake of using the room’s dimensions and not measuring the open space. This is a mistake because you have not accounted for wall hangings, furniture, light fixtures, and other items in the room that reduce the available space.
Space around the pool table
Secondly, you will need to have space around the perimeter of the pool table. This allows you to move the pool cues when playing pool and not worry about hitting the wall. The standard length of the cue is 58 inches. So, you need to account for the size of the pool cues and the range of motion to slide it backward and hit the ball.
There are shorter cues available in 52 inches and 48 inches. So, if you have your heart set on a specific table and need a little more room, this could be an option.
The size of the pool table
The size of the pool table is equally important. You need to make sure that there will be nothing in between the table and the wall that will make moving around it difficult. You also do not want the pool table placed up against the wall. That would mean you would not be able to make any shots from that side of the pool table.
Standard pool table sizes range from 6-foot tables to 9-foot tables. There are also 10-foot tables and 12-foot tables if you want an oversized table or regulation-size snooker table. The thing to keep in mind when looking at the different sizes of pool tables is most will follow the regulation requirements of having a 2-to-1 ratio. This means that the length is two times the width.
For instance, a 6-foot table is 3 feet wide and 6 feet long. So, the table’s footprint will take up this space in the room. You would also want to add several feet around the table to allow for easy movement around the table and several more feet to be able to use the pool cues.
Minimum Room Dimensions for Different Pool Table Sizes
To help you determine what size table will fit easily in your space, here are some general dimension guidelines:
- 6-Foot Table: Minimum room size of 15 feet x 12 feet
- 7-Foot Table: Minimum room size of 16 feet x 13 feet
- 8-Foot Table: Minimum room size of 17 feet x 13 feet
- 9-Foot Table: Minimum room size of 18 feet x 14 feet
In general, as the length of the pool table increases by one foot, the length of the room also increases by one foot.
Options for Installing a Pool Table in a Smaller Space
Using shorter pool cues can help fit a pool table into a smaller space. As you go down one size pool cue, the minimum required space also decreases by about a foot:
52-inch Pool Cue:
6-Foot Table: 14 feet x 11 feet
7-Foot Table: 15 feet x 12 feet
8-Foot Table: 16 feet x 12 feet
9-Foot Table: 17 feet x 13 feet
48-inch Pool Cue:
6-Foot Table: 13 feet x 10 feet
7-Foot Table: 14 feet x 11 feet
8-Foot Table: 15 feet x 11 feet
9-Foot Table: 16 feet x 12 feet
Other Considerations
While verifying that the room size in your home can accommodate a pool table, it's also important to consider the ceiling height. Most people will want to install lighting over the pool table’s playing surface. This makes it easier to see the balls and play pool in the evenings.
For example, if you have 8.5-foot ceilings in the room, your light fixture should not hang down more than 3 feet from the ceiling. This leaves approximately 5.5 feet from the floor to the bottom of the light fixture and about 3 feet from the top of the table and base of the light fixture. On the other hand, if you have 10-foot ceilings, the light fixture can hang down 4.5 feet from the ceiling.
The Right Size of Pool Table From Blatt Billiards
For further assistance in selecting the right size handcrafted pool table for your home, please contact Blatt Billiards at 212-674-8855. You can also reach out to learn more about custom designing a table. We are here to help!
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