Most people don't pay much attention to billiard table construction. Four legs, six pockets and some cloth seem to suffice, and anything else smacks of unnecessary ornamentation. What they may not realize is that some of the most gorgeous tables on the planet get that way through painstaking attention to craft.

If you are an avid woodworker, you may already have noticed what makes pool tables special. Because they must support hundreds of pounds of slate and players without giving a millimeter, these are extraordinary edifices of construction. And because they must provide for fast game play that lasts years or decades, they must also be versatile, balanced and forgiving.

Every Skill

Putting together a high-quality table takes a disparate constellation of skills, from cabinetry and design to garment-working and detail work. Many of the best tables use inlays, sculpted legs and upholstered leather pockets to create the full effect. Add in the many parts, from the rails to the apron, and it's no wonder most people rightfully consider a pool table the sort of thing best left to the experts.

The good news is that a growing number of West Coast companies are doing this work well every day, providing realistic alternatives to major manufacturers. Instead of paying thousands for the table you saw on ESPN, you can custom-build one even more stunning by working directly with the designer. If you want an inexpensive table that will last forever, you may find value in visiting the sites of these smaller artisans.