Proper Luxury Pool Table Maintenance & Care
- Keep it Clean: The first step in maintaining your luxury pool table is to keep it clean. Simply wiping down the surface regularly with a soft, damp cloth to remove any dust or debris will keep it looking great.
- Use a Cover: When the pool table is not in use, it’s a good idea to cover it. This will prevent dust, debris, and sunlight from damaging the table’s surface. Additionally, it can accidental scratching or damage.
- Keep the Table Level: Maintaining a level pool table is the only way to ensure an accurate game each time you play. Use a level to check your table regularly.
- Maintain the Cloth: The cloth on your pool table can wear down over time, so it’s important to maintain it properly. Brush the cloth regularly with a pool table brush to remove any dust or debris. If the cloth becomes stained or worn, it may need to be replaced.
- Keep the Cues in Good Condition: Pool cues are an important part of playing pool, so it’s important to keep them in good condition. When not in use, keep them stored in a cue rack or holder to protect them from falling or other damage. Additionally, regularly clean the tips of the cues with a cue tip cleaner to ensure a smooth and accurate shot.
When determining what size luxury pool table to choose for your home, the most important place to start is to measure your available space. You want to ensure you have enough space to not only fit the table but to accommodate pool cues and players easily. Consider how a game is typically played, take note of any potential obstacles, and get accurate dimensions before purchasing your pool table.
After measuring your space, the next thing you want to do is consider the type of playing experience you would like to have. If you have a large enough space to accommodate a wide range of pool table sizes and you are a billiards aficionado, you may want the largest table you can purchase. Larger pool tables are more challenging and require more skill so they are optimal for experienced billiards players. However, if your primary goal is fun and leisure, or children will often be playing, you may want a slightly smaller table. It will still be a challenging and authentic billiards experience but may be easier and more fun to play on for more inexperienced or casual players.
Once you’ve got your measurements and have considered your typical style of play and goals for your billiards experience, it is time to select your pool table size. Pool tables come in various sizes, ranging from 7 feet to 9 feet in length. The most popular sizes are 7 feet, 8 feet, and 9 feet. The size you choose will depend on the available space and your playing preferences. A 7-foot table is suitable for small rooms, while an 8-foot table is ideal for medium-sized rooms. A 9-foot table is best suited for large rooms and serious players. Now, you are ready to order your luxury pool table and start enjoying the fun of billiards at home!
Enhance Your Home Decor with a Luxury Pool Table
The design and style of many pool tables make most pool tables look more like something that belongs in a dive bar or rec room than a high-end piece of decor that belongs in your home. Pool tables are far more than decor, of course, but they are large and noticeable so the last thing you want is to put an unattractive pool table in the middle of a beautifully designed and decorated home. The clash will be obvious and unappealing. Fortunately, luxury pool tables are available in a wide array of designs, materials, and finishes. In fact, some look more like works of art than pool tables – but still give you all the function and fun of a pool table. When you make an investment in a pool table, it should be a luxury pool table that enhances the beauty of your home.
Experience the Best in Gameplay with a Luxury Pool Table
The simple reality is that luxury pool tables not only look better but they are also actually made of better, more durable materials. Additionally, they are often available with more unique features that appeal to the most discerning billiards aficionados. Choosing the right luxury pool table can make all the difference in the gameplay experience. With a luxury pool table, you can rest assured that the table will be made with excellent attention to detail, exceptional materials like premium cloth that improve gameplay, and solid and sturdy construction for more stable and consistent gameplay.
How Do Luxury Outdoor Pool Tables Differ From Indoor Pool Tables?
Indoor pool tables are not made to withstand things like direct sunlight, rain, and other outdoor elements. Fortunately, luxury outdoor pool tables are made with a 100% metal frame and all exterior finishes are designed to withstand the elements. Because they are designed and constructed with outdoor use in mind, outdoor pool tables are capable of receiving direct sunlight and even water exposure without being damaged. And, they can be stored outside year-round for convenience and maximum fun!
The Many Advantages of Owning a Luxury Outdoor Pool Table
Luxury outdoor pool tables are an excellent investment because they are built to last for generations. No matter where you live, when the weather is nice, you want to be outside. What better way could there be to enjoy a lovely day outside than with a game of billiards? Outdoor pool tables provide hours of entertainment and fun for people of all ages and skill levels. And, high-end luxury outdoor pool tables are beautifully designed and durably constructed so they not only provide a lot of fun but serve as a beautiful centerpiece on your patio. Whether it is just you and your family enjoying a nice day, or you are hosting friends, everyone will love your outdoor pool table and want to get in on the action.
The Art of Custom Pool Table Design
While game room furniture is practical, it can also complement your home’s design or enhance the overall feel of your rec room. If you’re looking for a new pool table, custom pool tables may be the ideal addition to your home.
What Are Custom Pool Tables?
A customized pool table is a personalized piece of furniture for your billiards room. What type of table do you like the most? Are you interested in sleek, modern tables or large, ornate pieces? Custom tables can include different materials, colors and styles that you do not typically see on traditional pieces.
How Do You Create a Custom Pool Table?
Think about how you want your billiards room to look. People decorate their game rooms with a variety of different themes and furniture. You can choose to create a table that complements your game room or build the space around your custom table.
To create custom pool tables, begin with the materials. You can build a pool table with various types of wood, including the following:
- Oak: Oak is a durable, grainy hardwood that does not warp. The wavy grain is distinct to oak.
- Maple: Maple is a more affordable hardwood that comes in white or white with a reddish tint. You can stain maple to mimic other wood types.
- Cherry: Cherry wood is a red to blond hardwood with straight grain. It is easy to polish and tends to darken as it ages.
- Walnut: Walnut is a hardwood that ranges from dark brown to yellow. It is strong and supports intricate details and carving.
Once you choose the wood type, you can select the billiards cloth and surface material.
Choose Custom Pool Tables With Craig Billiards
Choosing custom pool tables allows you to build a table that reflects your personality, home design and overall play style. You have the power over aesthetics, durability and playability. Contact us today for more information on game room furniture.
Why Invest in a High-End Pool Table?
When looking for a pool table, you have a lot of options. When approaching the investment, think of it like all other furniture in your home. You wouldn’t purchase an inexpensive, low-quality couch for your living room, would you? Why consider a pool table that is subpar to your high standards? High-end pool tables are worth the investment once you understand the various benefits attached.
Elegant Aesthetic
Think about designer pool tables. These are high-end tables reminiscent of those manufactured for over 100 years. The tables are made from high-quality wood, with ornate features that exude luxury. Instead of obtaining a plain, run-of-the-mill table, you get a piece of art that complements the luxurious, relaxing setting of a high-end billiards room.
Improved Playability
The design of your table can alter how you play the game. To play a smooth game of pool, you should have a slate surface. Slate surfaces are uncommon in inexpensive tables but a must-have in high-end pool tables. In addition, manufacturers pay attention to the standard pocket size to improve gameplay.
Increased Durability
Pool has remained essentially the same since the 19th century. In fact, some of the old pool tables are still around today. If you want your pool table to last for decades, you must invest in a high-quality piece of furniture. Cheaper tables may be made with plywood or other low-quality materials. Over time, the surface can warp or deteriorate.
Tables made from high-quality materials are meant to be played for decades. If the surface cloth wears down, you can replace the cloth, rather than the whole surface.
Trust Craig Billiards for High-End Pool Tables
If you love a good game of pool and appreciate the aesthetic of luxury billiards rooms, then you cannot forego a high-end table. The investment can be worth it. Contact us today to visit our showroom or to express interest in our high-end pool tables.
How Can a High-End Pool Table Enhance Your Home?
Pool is a game that uses a cue and several balls that players try to get into various pockets on the side of the pool table. People generally play billiards at a bar or a designated pool hall. However, some people purchase high-end pool tables for their homes so they can enjoy the activity from the comfort of their own game room or basement. Here are some ways that a pool table can enhance a home.
By Providing Decoration
While the purpose of a pool table is much more than decoration, a fancy billiards table can be a focal point and source of conversation in a room. A pool table is not something that everyone has in their home, so having one will make a space appear more interesting and upscale. Pool tables come in a variety of styles and their materials may be from many different types of woods and finishes, so enthusiasts can match their tables to the style of their existing home decor.
By Providing Entertainment
Another way that high-end pool tables enhance a home is by providing a source of entertainment. It can greatly elevate a game or entertainment room that might only have a television and board games, or be a wonderful addition to a room that already has equipment for other games, such as foosball and air hockey. The home will become a gathering point for game nights and other get-togethers.
In the Market for High-End Pool Tables?
When a homeowner is ready to take the next step and purchase a pool table to enhance their living space, they will first want to find a reputable seller. Craig Billiards has a selection of pool tables that will elevate game nights in any home. Contact us to learn more and speak to one of our representatives who can help make a decision regarding a billiards table purchase.
Upgrading Your Game Room With a Shuffleboard Table
If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to upgrade your game room, shuffleboard tables fit the bill. Shuffleboard is a casual, enjoyable game, and you can find a table to complement just about any space and style.
The Game of Shuffleboard
People have been playing shuffleboard for more than 500 years. There are no complex rules to learn or feats of athleticism needed; you simply send your weights gliding down the court or the table in an attempt to score the most points and maybe bump your opponent’s weights off the board as well. (Tables are padded to reduce noise.) Official games have standardized scoring and are played one-on-one or with two teams of two players each, but feel free to make up your own versions and house rules to accommodate any number of players.
Shuffleboard Tables
Shuffleboard began as an outdoor game played on a court with large discs. This version is still popular today, but shuffleboard tables bring the fun indoors and don’t require cue sticks. While the tables used in official competitions are 22 feet long, you can find tables as short as nine feet and almost every length in between. Most tables are 30-32 inches high and 30-32 inches wide.
Shuffleboard tables are made from a wide variety of wood and feature an array of colors, finishes, and design styles. When choosing a table, take the time to find the perfect match for your space. If you’re visiting a showroom, bring measurements and photographs so you’re not working from memory. When taking measurements, it can be helpful to have a friend or two act out the game so you know how much room to allow at each end of the table.
Craig Billiards is proud to provide the finest quality pool and shuffleboard tables as well as set-up and refurbishment services. Contact us today so that we can help you complete your dream game room.
The Importance of Luxury Pool Tables in Your Home’s Design
A pool table is an exciting purchase that can make friends and family come together. However, it’s also an important piece of furniture that should be held to the same high standards as the rest of your home. Luxury pool tables are the best way to complete a game room.
Luxury Pool Tables Excel in Performance
Did you know that some pool tables on the market use imitation slate instead of genuine stone? The best pool tables are always built from real slate, so look underneath the table before you buy.
Why slate? This traditional material ensures the longevity and performance of the pool table. Slate is far more durable and smooth than the fiberboard in low-quality imitations, making for more enjoyable games. Professional pool players exclusively choose slate tables.
A Luxury Pool Table Is an Important Furniture Purchase
After making sure a pool table is slate, consider it aesthetically as a piece of furniture. A pool table should be an heirloom piece that lasts generations.
You wouldn’t buy an inexpensive chair to put in a luxury kitchen or pass on to your children, so take care selecting a pool table. A wide variety of design styles are available to match your home, from ultra-modern to antique.
Trust the Experts in Luxury Pool Tables
Let the experts at Craig Billiards help you navigate the world of luxury pool tables. Contact us to add a fun and well-crafted centerpiece to your game room.
Why You Should Shop for Pool Tables at a Local Store Rather Than Online
In the modern day, you often don’t have to leave the house to shop for needed items. However, there are still some purchases that are best made in person rather than on the internet. When shopping for pool tables, plan a visit to see tables in a showroom.
Avoid Bait-and-Switch Pool Tables
All game tables are not created equal. An inexpensive table that looks great in a picture may have been sitting in a warehouse for years before shipping out to you.
Many warehouses aren’t climate-controlled, and swings in temperature and humidity can cause tables to crack or warp. This makes it impossible to play a satisfying game of pool. Shopping in person ensures you won’t be surprised by a bait-and-switch.
Go Beyond a Picture and See for Yourself
It can be difficult to determine build quality and an exact wood tone from a picture alone. Remember that a pool table is a piece of fine furniture, and even top-quality finishes may look lighter or darker in a photo than they will in your game room. Visiting a store ensures that the table you choose will be the right fit.
Get Expert Advice on Pool Tables
If you’re buying a first pool table, you may not know all of the ins and outs of pool tables or how they should be maintained. Visiting a store allows you to ask an expert essential questions. Contact us at Craig Billiards for more information and directions to our showroom.
Tips for Styling Your Billiard Room
Choosing the right felt color in your billiards room is personal. Pool tables are the centerpiece of this room, and you want yours to showcase your style. Here are some suggestions to help you make the right choice.
Considering Pool Tables as Part of Your Decor
Your billiard room’s decor dictates your table’s role in that space. Think about the style of the room you want to create. A maroon cloth might look great if your table is ornate and dark. A soft gray fabric may look best if your table is polished and light.
Avoiding Dark or Bright Colors
Black or very dark felt may be sleek and stylish but can be a disagreeable option. Darker felt colors create unwanted shadows that can interfere with your accuracy. Bright colors can be distracting to your eyes and can affect concentration.
Designing Pool Tables in Your Home
Though you should avoid specific colors, you can certainly choose a shade that suits you. The color of the pool felt does not have to match a space exactly. You can find a hue that will fit your room and your personality.
Contact us today or visit our showroom, where you can find the right items for your home’s pool tables, game tables, game room furniture and more!
How To Pick a Pool Table That Fits Your Room
Pool tables are harder to size than standard tables. Not only are they bigger than regular tables, but they also require playing space on all sides. Ideally, your table should comfortably fill the room without causing the players to feel cramped. Here are the main factors to consider while choosing the right table for your space.
Pool Tables Come In Different Sizes
Pool is also known as billiards, and table sizes vary greatly depending on the region and style of play. However, the most common table sizes are 9, 8, and 7 feet long, and they are always rectangular and built with a 2-to-1 ratio.
Consider that placing your table in a rectangular room will give the space a nice, symmetrical feel. On the other hand, placing your table in a square room can feel a bit awkward, but can also provide an excellent opportunity for benches and chairs on two sides.
Pool Cues Come In Different Sizes
Your room needs enough space to accommodate a standard 58-inch pool cue on all sides. Consult a sizing chart to view different room, table, and cue size configurations. You can even purchase shorter cues if your space is limited.
An Industry Expert Can Help
For professional expertise and excellent customer service, contact Craig Billiards to help with all your pool table needs.
Why Billiards Are Popular in Family Homes Today
Billiards aren’t just for adults. Increasingly, families are installing billiards tables in their homes to promote fun and togetherness.
Billiards Cut Down on Screen Time
Many parents are trying everything they can to reduce screen time and encourage face-to-face interaction. If a method can get the whole family off the couch, that’s even better.
A game of billiards gets everyone on their feet and is engaging enough to compete with any vlog or Instagram feed. Billiards is often described as a game that’s easy to learn but hard to master, so there’s always a new technique or trick shot to challenge players of any level.
Outdoor tables can also bring families together in the fresh air while keeping everyone entertained.
Billiards Teach Kids How To Compete With Grace
Unfortunately, many multiplayer video games targeted at kids fail to foster a healthy competitive culture. Name-calling is much easier from behind a screen. More and more kids are playing online games, but switching to billiards teaches them how to compete in a healthy way.
Billiards hardly ever stop after one match. Back-to-back games reinforce that the spirit of playing and connecting with others is more important than winning.
A billiards table is a practical and worthy addition to any family home. Check out Craig Billiards’ selection of tables, or contact us for more information on game room furniture.
How Can You Tell if a Pool Table Is High Quality?
Buying a pool table means investing in a piece of furniture you can enjoy for decades. With all of the options for pool tables, how can you be sure the table you’re considering is built to last? Here are some aspects to look for.
Quality Pool Tables Contain Real Slate
Slate is the traditional foundation of a pool table. This hardy stone keeps tables durable and level over countless games. Inexpensive tables often use a cheap slate alternative called Medium Density Fiberboard. This artificial material is lighter and easier to source and ship, but it simply isn’t an adequate replacement for slate.
MDF tables warp over time unless they’re kept in a humidity-controlled environment. Even if they remain level, MDF performs noticeably worse than slate as a playing surface. Look underneath a pool table to be sure it’s made of real slate.
Choose Tables Made Entirely by One Manufacturer
Some companies outsource the production of their pool tables or use premade components. Quality pool table manufacturers make all of the table’s components themselves. That way, the manufacturer has full control over each piece, so every element coordinates and is held to a high standard.
Craig Billiards’ pool tables are all made from slate and come from trusted manufacturers, so you can shop with confidence. Contact us for more information on game room furniture.
How To Find a Pool Table That Will Last a Lifetime
You love to play pool, and you’ve finally decided to purchase a billiards table. However, with so many options available, shopping for pool tables can be a confusing experience. You not only want something that will look great in your home, but something that will last. Before you buy, take the following steps to find the best table.
Consider the Materials
Pool tables built with cheap materials will not stand the test of time. Wood is ideal for the frame, but a wood playing surface may warp over time. Slate surfaces with solid wood frames offer the highest-quality play in a beautiful package.
Measure Your Space
Always measure your space before adding any furniture, especially a pool table. You may dream of owning an eight-foot, professional-grade table, but that size may be too large for some homes. The best table for you will fit comfortably in your space and allow you to move freely around the room. You will not want to keep a table for life that feels intrusive.
At Craig Billiards, we only sell pool tables that will last a lifetime. Visit our showroom or give us a call to find the pool table of your dreams. With one of our outstanding products, you’ll be running the table for years to come.
Why You Should Pay More for a Better Pool Table
Pool tables are among some of the classiest entertainment options out there, and having one in your home can be a great way to add some elegance to a space while also providing a leisure activity for guests or family. While it may seem like any pool table will be just fine, there are a couple of reasons why you should pay more for a better one.
Durability and Maintenance
One great reason to spend more is for a more durable, well-built pool table. The quality of the materials and build will make a difference in how well a pool table stands the test of time. And while maintaining your pool table isn’t necessarily your top consideration, it can be a nuisance dealing with a worn-out billiard cloth or other elements of an old pool table.
Design Potential
Pool tables are often thought of as having more of a “classic” look, but there are many different styles out there to choose from that will complement just about any home interior, from modern to mid-century modern to industrial. Don’t miss the opportunity that buying a pool table gives you to make the style in your home pop even more.
If you’re looking to add a pool table to your home setup, contact Craig Billiards about their excellent options for stylish, high-quality pool tables and other billiards; you won’t be disappointed!
What Size Shuffleboard Table Should I Get for My Home?
A shuffleboard is a game in which players push weighted discs down a court with cues. Depending on how large your designated game area is in your home, you may find that some shuffleboards are too big or small for the allotted space. Here is what you should know about choosing the right size of shuffleboard table for your home.
Sizing Your Shuffleboard Table
The standard regulation size shuffleboard table measures 20 inches wide and 22 feet long. You’ll want to measure the space in your home where you plan to place your shuffleboard to make sure it fits comfortably in the area and doesn’t make you feel too restricted in your movements when you play.
When determining whether you can fit a standard-sized shuffleboard in your home, think about having room for spectators, having sufficient elbow space, and keeping an adequate distance from fragile items (such as windows).
If you need to, get a shuffleboard in custom dimensions. Measure the space in your home where you want your shuffleboard to be. You can get shuffleboards in different lengths, from 8-foot to 22-foot lengths. Just give yourself enough space to move around the board and play without worrying about breaking something.
Order Your Shuffleboard Table Today
You’ll find some of the highest-quality shuffleboard tables here at Craig Billiards. Contact us to learn more about choosing the right size of table for your home.
How To Choose the Perfect Pool Table for Your Home or Business
Purchasing a pool table for your home or office space is a major decision that shouldn’t be made hastily. There are many factors to consider when shopping for pool tables. Here are a few of them.
1. Size
First and foremost, this piece of game furniture needs to fit in your chosen room! This involves more than just determining the size of the space; you also need to consider the cue sticks, which can range in length.
2. Material
Traditionally, pool tables are made using slate, a smooth and durable surface that lends itself well to accurate game play. This is the gold standard, though there are many alternatives on the market.
3. Frame
You’ll also need to consider frame materials, especially if you are looking to put the table outdoors and need it to stand up to the elements. It is of the utmost importance that your table not warp or tilt, so high-quality wood or metal is essential.
4. Design
Some people prefer a traditional look, whereas others want a table that matches the modern decór of their home.
Contact Craig Billiards for Your Pool Table Needs
Craig Billiards can help you select from a number of beautiful and functional pool tables. Contact them at (480) 907-7600 to visit the showroom.
The Power of a Billiard Table To Transform Your Home
Few purchases do more to energize the space in your home than a brand new billiard table. Setting one up immediately imparts a kind of classic elegance to a room, and that is just the beginning. The real beauty comes with the fun and excitement that people of all ages experience around a quality table. At our billiard store in Arizona, we offer all the products and services you need to make playing pool a treasured tradition.
Quality Pool Tables
Indeed, we can’t hide the excitement we feel about our table offerings. Whether you need an indoor or outdoor table, we have many options from California House and Goldenwest, long-respected manufacturers of quality tables. We carry the sizes you need and we furnish just about any look you are searching for, in styles that range from upscale elegance to something more rustic.
Whether you come into our showroom or shop online, you will find the best tables for many hours of entertainment. Soon your friends and family will be making memories by playing some of these popular games:
- 7-ball
- 15-ball
- Cutthroat
- Pea pool
- Bank pool
- One-pocket
Excellent Services From the Billiard Store
Once you have a table, it is important to keep it in good shape. Our store offers essential services to make sure you get the most enjoyment out of your game. If you need to move your table, we can help with tear down, move and set up. If the surface seems a little off, our technicians can perform leveling so the balls roll true.
We service cloth recovering and cushion replacement as well as carry the cue sticks, balls, chalk and other accessories you will need from time to time. Our store also has nice options for chairs, bar and counter stools, pub tables, shuffleboard, table tennis and more.
Our billiard store covers all of Arizona and beyond with one main goal: to make your home the fun place it should be. Contact us today to learn more.
Tips for Picking the Perfect Pool Table for Your Home
Deciding to get a pool table is an exciting event, one that will lead to hours of fun. When it comes to pool tables, there are many types and sizes so selecting the best one for your home depends on several key factors. Keeping these in mind will lead to a flawless purchase that will transform your game room.
Consider Location and Size
In many ways, these are among the easiest choices. While most people locate a billiard table inside the home, we know that outdoor areas also make great spaces to play pool. For an outdoor location, pick a table that can handle the heat, humidity and other weather demands in your area. At Craig Billiards, we offer a large selection of tables made from 100% metal frame construction that stand up to direct sunlight and water exposure.
Whether indoors or outdoors, choose a table that fits the space of your room, enabling shooters to have the room to perform all of their shots. Also keep in mind ceiling height, seating, accessories and other space considerations. Our tables come in 7-foot standard length, 8-foot pro length and 9-foot options.
Look Into Types of Pool Tables
If pool is your game, great. You will have a large choice of tables from California House, a leading manufacturer of quality tables since 1953. The ability to pick from a variety of finishes allows you to get the look you want and make a showcase of your game room.
Our tables also come in many different designs and a choice of baize materials. Goldenwest, a Portland, Oregon, manufacturer of tables since 1968, has attractive designs in classic, designer, legendary, modern and rustic categories.
After you have narrowed down your options, it is a good time to look into pricing, materials, durability and other personal preferences. Rest assured, we have many perfect pool tables for your enjoyment. Contact us today.
Add Table Tennis to Your Game Room
Table tennis has a long-standing history as one of America’s favorite pastimes. Although the game was originally invented in London, the sport is very popular in Europe and Asia. China has a long-standing history of producing Table Tennis champions. The term Ping Pong is the trademark name for the popular game, trademarked by the Parker Brothers, the American board game company. The sport began as a parlor game in the 1880’s and by 1901 it had gained popularity and even began to have tournaments. The first world championship was held in 1927 and won by a Hungarian player. Table Tennis even helped smooth US relations with China during the Cold War. During the 1900’s developers of the games established that a celluloid ball provided the best bounce, and in the 1950’s the sandwich rubber paddle was created, which is the type of paddle used today.
At Craig Billiards, we feature the wonderful, luxury game room furniture by California Home. Their furniture is expertly created with solid hardwood frames and a base for stability and function. The design of these tables is elegant with modern lines, but traditional style. Each Table Tennis table is designed to function as a stylish dining table while not being used for table tennis. Each table features a solid walnut net that is quickly and easily installed and removed for an easy transition.
Table tennis is a game that is easily accessible for any age or skill level. It is a wonderful way to entertain your friends and make lasting connections with your family. With more of us spending time at home now, it’s a wonderful change of pace to get up and play a game together. Let us provide you with a stylish, functional table that will give you years and years of fun and entertainment.
Types of Pool Table Cloth
Most pool table cloth can be referred to as “felt” as well. It is made up of a combination of wool and nylon. Worsted cloth is recommended as the best type of pool table cloth. The wool goes through a special spinning process that removes the fuzziness from the surface. Worsted cloth is made from longer wool fibers than other woolen fabrics. This creates a smooth, tight surface, that allows the billiard balls to roll smoothly. Worsted cloth results in less maintenance than other billiard cloths.
Standard pool tables use napped cloth that has a loop weave and has a “nap”. This type of cloth requires brushing and more maintenance. Napped cloth may slow the ball down a little bit more than worsted cloth. Teflon treatments can also prolong the life of your billiard cloth. If you are looking for more professional quality for your table, then worsted cloth would be the better purchase.
Championship Billiard cloth, a product we carry, offers a wide variety of colors to choose from. Simonis, the other leading brand we carry, also offers many colors to choose from so that you will have the perfect look for your pool table. Championship offers different blends of wool and nylon to fit your budget. Championship brand cloth can also be tailored to the speed you want on your table. Championship carries hybrid woolen, woolen, and worsted. With worsted being the best quality and superior finish.
Most professional event tables use Simonis 860 because it has the fastest surface. Simonis is made with a tight weave of worsted wool that repels liquids and stains. This feature will prolong the life of your table. Please let us know if you have any more questions about the types of pool table cloth. We are here to guide you and help you choose the best cloth for your pool table.
How Much Room Do You Need for a Pool Table?
So, you’ve decided to invest in your fun and entertainment by buying a pool table. The next thing you need to do is figure out where you will be putting it. Pool tables come in a wide variety of dimensions and the available space you intend to use will determine exactly what pool table can fit in the space. Determining how much room you need for a pool table requires more than just figuring out if the physical dimensions of the billiards table fit in your room – you need adequate available space for actual gameplay.
The four most common sizes of pool tables are 7’, 8’, Pro 8’ / 8’ oversize, and 9’. Though the standard pool cue length is 58’’, there are also a variety of pool cue lengths including 52’’, 48’’, and 36’’. So, when it comes to sizing a pool table for a room you need to think about both the pool table dimensions and your desired pool cue length. The last thing you want to do is damage your home with your pool cue or miss a crucial shot because you do not have adequate space. Don’t forget, you are not just factoring in the pool cue length, you need room for your backswing to actually execute the shot.
California House Pool Tables, one of the brands we carry at Craig Billiards, has a useful pool table room sizing chart to help you determine ideal room dimensions for your desired pool table size and cue combination.
If you need help determining how much space you need for your pool table, as well as your ideal pool table size and cue length, the team at Craig Billiards is experienced and knowledgeable and can assist you in all your billiards table inquiries.
Proper Shuffleboard Table Maintenance and Care
Your shuffleboard table is an investment and it will provide a great return in both entertainment and value when well maintained. Proper care to maintain the shuffleboard table’s original condition, placement, and unique adjustments made for optimal gameplay in your space is important because, without it, your table could become compromised which will impact gameplay and could lead to table damage. Below, we outline some of the fundamentals of shuffleboard table maintenance and care.
Proper Shuffleboard Table Maintenance and Care
- Protect your shuffleboard from direct sunlight to prevent damaging the wood.
- Choose quality shuffleboard cleaner and wax. The specific types of products for your shuffleboard table will depend on the surface material and finish.
- Before you wax your shuffleboard table for the first time, it is very important to clean and polish it. For traditional wood shuffleboard tables, a mixture of water and vinegar is generally ideal for cleaning. For polymer finish shuffleboard tables, you can use a multi-purpose cleaner or glass cleaner.
- Waxing your table regularly is one of the most important aspects of proper shuffleboard maintenance and care. Ideally, you will apply shuffleboard wax to your table on a weekly basis (or at a minimum, twice per month) and buff it lightly with a dry, soft towel. The frequency with which you will need to wax depends on how often you use your shuffleboard table. After waxing, wait at least 30 minutes before playing to allow the wax to harden.
- Before each time you play, it is ideal to apply a silicone spray, allow it to set for a few minutes, buff it, and then apply your shuffleboard speed powder. Now you are ready to play!
Pool Tables Scottsdale by CraigBilliards.com
Your Game Room is a Family and Friend Magnet!
Your Game Room will become your family and friends gathering place. Many parents grew up with a billiard table in their home when they were growing up. They want to replicate that experience for their kids. They recall great times when their friends would come over and hang out at their house. Many parents want to create a family game room so their kids spend more time at home versus in someone else’s home or on the street.
For young adults having a game room in their home is a great way to entertain friends versus going out to a bar or club. Their home becomes the go to place to watch a game, shoot some pool and socialize with their friends.
The same goes for retired folks, they want the game room for both family and friends. Creating a family game room often means that the grandkids come over to hang out more often. It really makes for a more fun place to gather, and gives you something to do besides just watching TV or playing on your computer.
The great thing about a contemporary game room is that now you can have so much more than a pool table! A custom or semi-custom pool table can be paired with a ping-pong conversion top to do double duty. Adding a shuffleboard table is also a great idea, and with today’s custom designs, these tables are a work of art that adds beauty and value to your home. Custom design means that your new shuffleboard table can match the decor of your home, whether it be traditional, modern, loft-inspired or vintage.
Stop by CRAIG BILLIARDS to see our line of in-stock, ready to deliver pool tables and shuffleboard tables. It’s time to start working on your gathering place!
RECREATIONAL RELAXATION
By Scottsdale Airpark News – June 01, 2016
Craig Billiards specializes in pool tables and furnishings to create game rooms for gatherings
Story and Photos by Ken Abramczyk
Craig Connelly calls himself the “billiards elder” of Arizona—and for good reason.
During his 40-year career, Connelly has sold and installed more than 50,000 pool tables in Arizona alone, mostly through his company Connelly Billiards, which he owned and operated from 1980 to 2009.
Five months ago, he opened Craig Billiards in the Scottsdale Airpark to market and sell equipment for a sport that was played by 34.5 million U.S. participants in 2013, according to www.statista.com.
“What’s cool about (pool) is it’s a great family activity or social activity,” Connelly says. “You can have friends over and, instead of watching TV, you can shoot pool and interact and it requires hand-to-eye coordination.”
Back in business
Connelly kick started his new business after experiencing the highs and lows of manufacturing, selling and distributing billiards.
Connelly began his career manufacturing pool tables while he attended ASU in the late 1970s, applying his woodworking skills he learned in his youth and metalworking in high school. He was hired to help a pool table maker at his one-man shop at 48th Street and University Drive in Tempe.
The tables were built during the week. On Fridays, Connelly delivered them to customers. In 1980 he decided to forego two corporate job offers upon his ASU graduation to start Connelly Billiards in Tucson. The business eventually grew to more than 150 dealerships across North America and abroad. In 2008, Connelly started a factory in Nicaragua. As chairman of the Billiard Congress of America’s specifications committee, Connelly wrote a majority of the table specifications for the industry in the 1990s, he says.
Like other industries, pool tables sales tanked with the recession. The American and international markets were further decimated by the less expensive Asian pool tables hitting the American market that Connelly called inferior. “You don’t know if the wood was dried or what chemicals were used to dry the product,” Connelly says.
In 2009, Connelly sold Connelly Billiards’ Tucson operations and the company name to a conglomerate in Texas in 2009. That company moved the Tucson operations to Texas. Connelly tried to continue to manufacture tables in Nicaragua, but he lacked capital to expand it globally and that forced him to close the factory in 2014.
Tabletop fun
Connelly sells American-made pool tables, but he also stocks shuffleboard, air hockey and foosball tables, and game tables for card players. He even sells a pool table that converts to a dinner table by adding a tabletop, and carries outdoor billiard, shuffleboard and foosball tables.
For those who want additional seating and bar ambience, he sells game room furniture, including bars, bar stools, pub tables and spectator chairs, including one with a compartment in an arm to store cigars and an ashtray.
Craig’s main line is pool tables, manufactured in Portland, Oregon, by Golden West Billiard Manufacturing. It features a designer series with styles varying from contemporary with its Reverse Rainbow incorporating LED lighting in its arch and base to the Heartland series with its craftsman style to match traditional woods in the home.
Even with all of his varied inventory in other games and furnishings, most customers look at the pool tables. Connelly says consumers should look at American-built tables with thick beams and thick corner blocks, “You are only going to buy one or two, so why not buy a table that is solid and well-built?” Connelly says. “They should look for solid wood and confirm that it is, and look for an American manufacturer.”
Connelly outlines a size chart on his company’s website so that customers can figure out what size works best in a particular room. Colors of the table’s cloth surface also can be matched up to other colors in the room.
As for the other game tables, shuffleboard is a hot item, as the board fits well in a tight space. “It only takes up an area about three feet from the wall,” Connelly says. The tables also can be used for bowling because special bowling pins are available to add a little variety to the table’s usage.
Now that the economy has rebounded, Connelly set up shop and hopes to begin manufacturing pool tables in an approximate 4,000-square-foot area behind his 2,500-square-foot showroom.
He remembers starting out in 1980, driving up and down the West Coast, learning as much as he could about manufacturing pool tables. “I just looked at the competition and think ‘that’s that, now how do we do it better?’”
That attention to detail and researching the competition began at a young age. “When I was 5, I started selling Kool-Aid. A kid down the street had a stand, so I bought some of his Kool-Aid. It was warm.
“I knew then I had to have a bigger sign and some ice cubes.”
Craig Billiards
15816 N. Greenway Hayden Loop, Suite 400
Scottsdale 85260
(480) 907-7600
www.craigbilliards.com
Two of the main concerns and questions billiard/ pool table customers ask is if their available space is large enough for a pool table, and which size table is best for the room area.
Let me start with explaining how the 3 main sizes of pool tables are measured. Even though we call pool tables 7′ 8′ or 9′, the true measurement is from the nose of the cushion to the opposite cushion (both width and length).
Bar Size pool tables are measured 39″ x 78″ and are called 3 1/2 x 7′ (a 7 foot table)
Standard Size pool tables are measured 44″ x 88″ and are called 4 x 8′ (an 8 foot table)
Tournament Size pool tables are measured 50″ x 100″ and are called 4 1/2 x 9″ (a 9 foot table)
There are other sizes of billiard tables globally but these are the 3 main sizes for pool tables in the USA and Canada.
What Size Pool Table Do I Need?
There are minimum room dimensions that are recommended for a pool table. These numbers are based on the standard cue length of 57″- 58″:
- a 7′ pool table requires a minimum room size of 12′ 9″ x 16′
- a 8’requires a minimum room size of 13’2″ x 16’10”
- a 9’requires a minimum room size of 13’8″ x 17’10”
Choosing a pool cue size:
If you don’t have quite the necessary room size listed above, or you have a pole or obstruction in the room, you can always purchase a 36″ 42″ 48″ or 52″ cue stick. For example just subtract the 52″ cue from the 58″ cue and you need 6″ less in width and length of your room.
Stop by or call Craig Connelly at CRAIG BILLIARDS if you would like to discuss the required room size for a pool table further. We are happy to work with you to find the perfect furniture for your game room!
