Billiards is an excellent pastime, and a billiards table can be a great addition to your home. However, your home may be unable to accommodate a full-size billiards table if you have limited space. That’s where mini billiards tables come in.
Mini billiards tables are designed for smaller spaces and are available in various colors and styles to fit your decor preferences. But with so many options available, how do you know which mini pool table is best suited for you? Discover everything you need to know about choosing the right mini billiards table in this comprehensive guide.
Table of contents
What to Consider When Buying a Mini Billiards Table
Size
Frame material
Playing surface material
Playing surface thickness
Felt top quality
Accessories
Style
Intended players
Multifunctional capability
Warranty
Find the perfect mini billiards table
What to Consider When Buying a Mini Billiards Table
Here are the key factors you should consider when looking for a mini billiards table:
Size
First, you’ll need to consider the size of the mini billiards table. Ideally, you’ll want to ensure the table isn’t too big or too small for the space you have available.
If you have a small space, you may want to opt for a tabletop mini pool table. As the name suggests, these tables are small enough to fit on a tabletop. Some models are also about only 20-inches long, making them perfect for smaller spaces.
On the other hand, you may want to opt for a full-size mini pool table if you have a larger space and want to recreate a more standard pool experience. Full-size mini pool tables are typically around 50-inches long, making them better suited to larger spaces.
Finally, if you’re looking for a middle ground option, you may want to opt for a foldable billiards table. Foldable tables are typically larger than tabletop tables but smaller than full-size tables. And as the name implies, you can fold them and stow them away, making them great for homes with plenty of storage but minimal space to accommodate a table in the open.
Frame material
Next, you’ll need to consider the frame material you want the mini pool table to be made from. Tables with wood frames made from hardwoods like walnut, mahogany, or maple are sturdy and durable, but they’re pricey and bulky. So, if you’re on a budget and need an easily movable table, you may want to opt for a table with a frame made from engineered wood.
Playing surface material
Besides the frame material, you’ll also need to consider the playing surface. While most mini billiards table surfaces are made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF), not all of them are created equal. Some tables have better playing surfaces than others.
So, before you settle for a table, check out other buyers’ reviews about the table. Ideally, you’ll want a table that allows the balls to move across it with minimal resistance.
Playing surface thickness
In addition to the surface material used to make the table, you’ll also need to ensure the surface is the right thickness.
If the surface is too thin, the balls will bounce off, and you won’t be able to control them. On the other hand, if it’s too thick, the balls won’t bounce well and you’ll have a hard time making shots. Thus, as a rule of thumb, look for a table with a surface ranging between 0.5 inches to an inch thick.
Felt top quality
Another important factor you’ll need to consider is the felt — which is the material that covers the playing surface of the table. Like the playing surface material, the felt affects how balls glide across the table — so you’ll want to choose a table with a high-quality felt.
Generally, tables with wood blend felts are a great choice because they’re durable and provide a consistent roll. Conversely, tables with synthetic felts aren’t as durable and can cause balls to roll inconsistently, so you may want to steer clear of them.
Additionally, if you live in a busy household where people are prone to making spills, you may want to consider the felt color. Tables with darker felt colors hide stains better than those with lighter colors, making them better suited for busy homes.
Accessories
Away from the table mini billiards table itself, you’ll also want to pay close attention to the accessories that come with it. Typically, a standard mini billiards table should come with:
- Two cue sticks
- One white ball (the cue ball)
- 15 colored balls
- Pool chalk (typically two pieces)
- A triangle rack
- A pool brush
Style
Most mini billiards tables resemble standard full-size pool tables. So, if you want a classic style, you should opt for these conventional tables. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more modern look, some tables ditch the traditional green and blue felt colors in favor of neutrals like gray and brown, making them better suited for a contemporary style. However, keep in mind that while you may want a table that complements the decor in your home, you should prioritize substance over style.
Intended players
A quality mini billiards table is an excellent way to introduce children to the game of pool. So, a mini pool table will make a great addition to your home if you have younger children.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a table for adults who are seasoned billiards players and have plenty of room, you may prefer a standard full-size table instead.
Multifunctional capability
When choosing a table, you should also consider whether you want a table you can use for other activities. While most tables are solely meant for billiards, some can be used to play other games like air hockey and table tennis.
Warranty
Finally, you’ll want to ensure the table comes with a warranty because it will protect your investment in case something goes wrong with the table.
Most manufacturers offer at least a one-year warranty, but some offer longer warranties of up to five years. So if you’re planning on using the table frequently, it’s worth paying extra for a longer warranty.
Find the perfect mini billiards table
With so many mini billiards tables on the market, choosing a suitable one can be tricky. But it doesn’t have to be. Before you settle for a table, consider these factors to ensure you pick the perfect table for your home.
