Techniques for Purchasing a Pool Table In case you are considering purchasing a pool table then there a number of key elements that should be taken into account before you make that all important last decision. 1 . Budget This kind of is probably where most people start when looking at choices and given today's financial climate it becomes even more important. In order to acquire a stand with the longer term in mind it's well worth considering how much money you need to buy the right table rather than how much money you have today - which may mean you wrap up with a short term option that you simply find you need to replace in a very short time of time. Best billiard tables range in price considerably based on some of the key elements that are referenced below. 2. Pool tables for sale come in several different sizes (generally 7', 8' or 9') and in case you have the money to acquire any one of the available choices it can worth giving consideration to the room you have available for your pool table. You must not simply take into account the genuine size of the pool stand but also the required playing space around the table. It's not worth having an 8' pool table in a space that means your pool cue is wedged up against a fireplace or a windows when trying to make that all important filmed. 3. Branded/Non Branded There are different types of branding to consider in respect of buying a pool table. You have the manufacturers brand, such as Olhausen and then you have the design brand, such as Harley Davidson. The two elements teamed together often determine the end price of the table. You could expect to pay in the region of $2500 up-wards for an Olhausen 7ft pool table. However, if you would like a Harley Davidson Olhausen table then that could raise the price to roughly $3000 upwards. Saying that, your friends will always be there to play on a Harley Davidson Olhausen Pool Table wouldn't they? 4. Slate/Non Standing or non slate - that is the question. Well actually, if you ask most purists they might say it's not a question at all, it needs to be slate. OK, let me back up, first we should cover what the slate actually is. Underneath the billiard was feeling is the play surface. Traditionally this has always been slate and is generally the preferred option. Slate gives an even play surface that will last for many years. Saying that, non slate options have come a long way. There are now materials like accuslate which is basically a high density fibers board but the quality is so good that you actually get a six year warrantee with it. Given the choice, go for slate, it's definitely the best option. Right now there are however a couple of reasons you might not want to choose slate. The first is cost, real slate desk are far more expensive and the second is weight, if you table will probably be somewhere where you need to go it slate really isn't an option. Once a slate table is there it's there once and for all. Slate usually comes in three pieces, each piece tops the scale the region of a couple of 100 pounds. Not often used any more, slate can come in one single part. The major disadvantage is the weight of the slate in one part. The advantage is that you have no seams as you would with a 3 piece option.