Introduction
Choosing a new pool table for your home should be an exciting experience. Yet, many people find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. You have a vision for your game room, but navigating the endless options in materials, sizes, and styles can feel more like a chore than a creative process. The fear of making the wrong choice can stall the project altogether, leaving your dream game room incomplete. This guide is here to change that. We will walk you through the incredible range of custom pool tables available, transforming a potentially stressful decision into an enjoyable journey. By understanding the possibilities, you can confidently design a table that is not just a piece of game equipment, but a true reflection of your personal style.
Key Takeaways
- Leading manufacturers like Olhausen, Brunswick, and Legacy Billiards offer extensive customization, allowing for a truly personalized table.
- Customization goes beyond aesthetics, including practical features like table size, accessory storage drawers, and durable outdoor materials.
- Key choices include wood types (Maple, Oak, Cherry, Walnut), a vast array of finishes, and numerous pool table felt options in various colors and materials like wool or worsted cloth.
- Pool table leg styles, from traditional Ball & Claw to modern tapered designs, play a significant role in the table’s overall look.
- Multi-functional options like dining tops and conversion tops for other games are available, maximizing the utility of your game room furniture.
What Are My Options for Pool Table Wood Types and Finishes?
When designing custom pool tables, the choice of wood and finish is fundamental to creating its character. Top manufacturers like Olhausen Billiards offer a wide selection of solid hardwoods, ensuring a foundation of quality and beauty. Common wood types available include Maple, Oak, Cherry, and Walnut, with some rustic models featuring Pine or Hickory. Each wood has a unique grain and character, providing a distinct canvas for the finish.
The range of available finishes is where personalization truly shines.
- Olhausen
provides a comprehensive palette referred to as “All Olhausen® Finishes,” allowing for precise matching to your decor.
- Brunswick Billiards
offers popular signature finishes such as Espresso, Nutmeg, Tuscana, and Rustic Dark Brown.
- Legacy Billiards
prides itself on its ability to perfectly match finishes across its entire product line, from pool tables to barstools, because all items are produced in their own factory.
Beyond traditional wood, some models incorporate other materials for a unique aesthetic. You might find tables with brushed aluminum accents, all-steel construction for an industrial look, or durable laminates. For outdoor pool tables, manufacturers like R&R Outdoors use powder-coated aluminum or steel frames designed to withstand the elements.
How Do I Choose the Right Pool Table Size and Cloth?
Selecting the right size for your custom pool table is crucial for playability and room flow. While the 8-foot table is the most popular residential size, 7-foot and 9-foot options are widely available. For those with unique space requirements, Olhausen offers an impressive range of sizes, including 6-foot, 8.5-foot (Pro), 10-foot, and even 12-foot tables. It’s essential to measure your room to ensure adequate space around the table for players to shoot comfortably.
The pool table cloth, or felt, is another key area for customization, impacting both appearance and performance.
- Color:
Manufacturers offer a vast selection of cloth colors, allowing you to make a bold statement or choose a classic, subtle hue.
- Material:
Standard cloth is typically a durable napped wool/nylon blend. For a higher level of play, you can upgrade to a worsted wool cloth, like Simonis, which is smoother and allows the balls to roll faster and more consistently.
- Specialty Cloth:
Brunswick promotes its Centennial® Stain-Resistant cloth, made from 100% Merino wool with a Teflon treatment for extra protection. For outdoor pool tables, specialized weather-resistant fabrics like Sunbrella® are used to prevent fading and moisture damage.
What Are the Different Pool Table Leg Styles?
The legs of a pool table are a defining feature that establishes its overall style. Whether you prefer a classic, traditional, or modern aesthetic, there is a leg style to match. Leading brands like Brunswick and Olhausen provide distinct choices that can dramatically alter the table’s presence in your game room.
Some of the most common pool table leg styles include:
- Tapered Legs:
These legs are wider at the top and narrow toward the bottom, offering a clean, contemporary look that complements many modern interiors.
- Ball & Claw Legs:
A classic and ornate option, the Ball & Claw leg features a carved wooden ball held in a bird’s claw. This style is synonymous with traditional, elegant pool tables.
- Post Legs:
Simple, sturdy, and straight, post legs (sometimes called column legs) offer a robust, no-frills look that works well in rustic or transitional spaces.
- Pedestal Legs:
Instead of four individual legs, some tables are supported by two large pedestal bases. This design creates a unique, substantial look and can be found on both traditional and modern tables.
Certain models, like the Brunswick Allenton or Glenwood, allow you to choose between different leg styles for the same table frame, giving you an extra layer of control over the final design.
Can I Get an Outdoor Pool Table or Other Game Room Furniture?
Absolutely. The demand for complete and versatile entertainment spaces has led to exciting innovations in outdoor pool tables and matching game room furniture. You no longer have to limit your billiard experience to the indoors.
Outdoor Pool Tables:
Manufacturers like R&R Outdoors specialize in all-weather custom pool tables. These tables are handcrafted to your specifications and built for durability.
- Frames:
Constructed from powder-coated aluminum or steel to resist the elements.
- Cloth:
Use specialized Sunbrella® fabric that is rated for outdoor use to resist fading and moisture.
- Versatility:
Many outdoor models offer dining conversion packages, including matching benches and hardtops, transforming your game table into a complete outdoor dining set.
Matching Game Room Furniture:
Creating a cohesive look is simple with brands like Legacy Billiards. Because they manufacture their own products, they can guarantee that the finish on your pool table will perfectly match their other game room furniture, including:
- Bars and pub tables
- Barstools and chairs
- Card game and poker tables
- Cue racks and storage solutions
This integrated approach ensures a unified and professionally designed aesthetic for your entire entertainment space.
A Closer Look at Popular Custom Models
To give you a better idea of the possibilities, let’s look at a few specific models and their customization options.
The Olhausen Breckenridge: Rustic Charm
For those who love a rustic, lodge-style aesthetic, the Olhausen Breckenridge is a standout choice.
- Material:
It is built from Pine to enhance its rustic character.
- Finish:
Comes in a specific “Matte Breckenridge Finish” that highlights the wood’s natural beauty.
- Sizes:
Available in 7ft, 8ft, 8.5ft (Pro), and 9ft sizes.
- Unique Feature:
This model offers an optional accessory drawer that is built directly into the table’s frame, providing a seamless and convenient storage solution.
The Brunswick Allenton: Classic Versatility
The Allenton is one of Brunswick’s most popular tables, known for its clean lines and broad appeal.
- Leg Styles:
Its key customization feature is the choice between modern Tapered legs or classic Ball & Claw legs.
- Finishes:
Available in several of Brunswick’s signature finishes, including Espresso, Tuscana, and Rustic Dark Brown.
- Sizes:
Offered in 7ft and 8ft sizes.
- Practicality:
The Tapered Leg version is compatible with Brunswick’s under-table storage drawer.
The Legacy Billiards Collins: Mid-Century Modern
The Collins table from Legacy Billiards is perfect for homes with a mid-century modern design.
- Leg Style:
Features distinctive round, angled legs that define its retro-chic look.
- Finishes:
Available in multiple finishes like Shade, Walnut, and Graphite, which can be matched to other Legacy furniture.
- Storage:
Compatible with Legacy’s optional “Perfect Drawer” for discreet accessory storage.
- Custom Touches:
Sights are made from diamond-shaped pearl, and it features leather drop pockets.
The R&R Outdoors Oasis: All-Weather Entertainer
The Oasis model from R&R Outdoors is designed for those who want to take the game outside.
- Construction:
Built with a durable powder-coated metal frame.
- Finishes:
You can mix and match from a palette of eight powder coat finishes for a two-tone look.
- Cloth:
Uses weather-resistant Sunbrella® fabric, available in a huge range of colors.
- Dual Purpose:
It’s designed as a dual-purpose table that easily converts into a dining table, with matching benches and a protective cover available. You can even add a custom logo or family crest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between woolen and worsted pool table cloth?
- Woolen cloth is the standard felt found on most residential tables.It has a noticeable nap (fuzz) and provides good durability at a lower cost. Worsted cloth, like Simonis, is woven differently to eliminate the nap, resulting in a smoother, faster playing surface preferred for tournament play.
Can I get a storage drawer with my custom pool table?
- Yes, many custom pool tables offer an optional accessory storage drawer. Legacy Billiards features its “Perfect Drawer,” while Olhausen and Brunswick offer drawer options on many of their models. These drawers are designed to fit discreetly under the table frame and are perfect for storing cues, balls, and other accessories.
What are rail sights and can they be customized?
- Rail sights are the markers, often diamond or dot-shaped, inlaid on the rails of the pool table to help with aiming. This is a great area for subtle customization. Options can include simple pearlized dots, mother-of-pearl inlays, or even unique designs like hand-hammered metal. For a truly luxurious touch, some high-end tables like the Renaissance Wren feature exquisite materials.
Are custom pool tables covered by a warranty?
- Yes, reputable manufacturers stand by their craftsmanship. Both Olhausen and Brunswick, for instance, offer a lifetime warranty on their billiard tables, providing peace of mind and protecting your investment.
Conclusion
Creating a custom pool table is no longer a luxury reserved for a select few; it’s an accessible and rewarding process that allows you to design the absolute centerpiece of your game room. By exploring the diverse options from leading brands like Olhausen, Brunswick, and Legacy Billiards, you can select the perfect size, wood, finish, and style to match your home’s decor and your personal taste. For more guidance, see this helpful article on investing in a custom pool table. From the type of wood and finish to the color of the felt and the style of the legs, every choice contributes to a table that is uniquely yours. With the added possibilities of outdoor models and matching game room furniture, you can build a complete, cohesive, and functional entertainment space for years of enjoyment.
For professional services in the Toronto area, contact Pool Table Store today.
