Choosing Your Perfect Pool Table: English vs. American and What You Need to Know

Purchasing a pool table is an exciting prospect, but with various types and considerations, it's common to feel a little overwhelmed. One of the most frequent questions we encounter at The Snooker and Pool Table Company is: "What's the difference between an English and an American pool table, and which one is right for me?"

Understanding these distinctions is crucial to ensuring you invest in a table that perfectly suits your playing style, available space, and aesthetic preferences. Remember, at The Snooker and Pool Table Company, we specialise in bespoke, custom-made, high-quality tables designed to be the centrepiece of your home.

English Pool Tables: The Pub Classic

Key Characteristics:

• Size: English pool tables are generally smaller, typically 6ft or 7ft in length. This makes them ideal for homes with more limited space.
• Balls: They use smaller, 2-inch balls, commonly seen in red and yellow or spots and stripes.
• Pockets: The pockets are tighter with rounded corners, demanding more precision and skill in potting.
• Cloth: These tables often feature a "napped" cloth (like baize), which has a slight directional pile. This slows the ball speed and affects spin, adding to the tactical nature of the game.
• Slate Bed: Most quality English tables have a single piece of slate, contributing to a true and consistent roll.
• Gameplay: English pool is known for its tactical depth and requires a finer touch due to the smaller balls and tighter pockets. It's the game many in the UK are familiar with from pubs and clubs.

American Pool Tables: The Fast-Paced Game

Key Characteristics:

• Size: American pool tables are larger, typically ranging from 8ft, to 9ft in length. The larger size necessitates more dedicated space.
• Balls: They use larger, 2 1/4-inch balls.
• Pockets: Pockets are wider and more forgiving, with straighter edges, making potting easier and encouraging a faster-paced game.
• Cloth: American tables use a "napless" or "speed cloth," which is smoother and much faster, allowing balls to travel with less friction and more spin.
• Slate Bed: Larger American tables often feature a sectional slate bed (typically three pieces), which are expertly joined during installation to create a level playing surface.
• Gameplay: American pool is generally a more aggressive and fast-paced game, often involving power shots and intricate position play due to the larger playing area and faster cloth. Games like 8-ball and 9-ball are popular.

Room Size: A Critical Consideration

Regardless of whether you choose an English or American table, room size is paramount. It's not just about fitting the table itself, but also ensuring ample cueing room on all sides. As a general rule, you need to consider the table's playing area dimensions and add at least two cue lengths (one for each side of the table) to both the length and width of the room.

For example, a standard 57-inch cue requires significant clearance. If space is a concern, you can opt for shorter cues, which can provide an extra foot or so of room. Always measure your room carefully before committing to a table size.

Build Quality and Materials: An Investment in Enjoyment

When buying any pool table, consider the build quality. A slate bed is highly recommended for a truly level and professional playing experience that will last for years. While MDF tables are available at lower price points, they can be prone to warping. Our bespoke tables feature robust, solid wood frames, offering superior durability and a luxurious aesthetic that lasts a lifetime.

Which Pool Table is Right for You?

• For the Casual Player or Limited Space: An English pool table is often the ideal choice. Its compact size and familiar gameplay make it perfect for home entertainment and improving precision.
• For the Serious Player or Ample Space: If you have a larger room and are looking for a faster, more dynamic game that challenges different aspects of your skill, an American pool table might be a better fit.
• Consider Your Purpose: Are you looking for a family activity, a serious training tool, or a stylish furniture piece? Your primary use will also help guide your decision. Many of our clients also opt for our innovative dining table versions, allowing their beautiful pool table to double as an elegant dining surface.

At The Snooker and Pool Table Company, we specialise in crafting bespoke, custom-made, high-quality English and American pool tables, designed for endless enjoyment and to perfectly complement your space. We're here to help you navigate these choices and find the perfect table for your home and your game.

Ready to find your ideal pool table? Explore our collection and guides: The Snooker and Pool Table Company