What is a quality pool table and how do you know the difference? Many companies seem to specialize in mimicking the appearance of quality while peddling products that tend to fall apart within a few scant years. Needless to say, these are not exactly the sort of investment you want to make if you are serious about this game.

Travel to your local pool hall and you will immediately notice a few things. If it's a place that attracts reputable players (look for custom cues and guys playing games other than eight-ball), chances are the cloth is heavy weight and worsted to prevent any threads from snagging the balls. The tables are sturdy and level, and the pockets forgive even a hard hit on the object ball.

The Little Things

The truth is that quality pool tables take many weeks to manufacture because it is such an exacting process. When all the seams must be flush and level, the upholstery stunning, and the legs as fine as anything you'd find on an elegant dining table, you know you are getting a table for the ages. Full aprons, good stains on hearty hardwoods and real leather at the corners all connote quality.

There are only a few ways to get this kind of table. You can look on the Web for the major suppliers, or you can look around your west coast backyard for smaller manufacturers whose products have earned the endorsement of experts in the game. Whatever you choose, you may want to speak with the builders about good design before you finalize any of your custom ideas.