Furnishing a games room, trying your hand at a new hobby, or recreating a pub or bar environment at home? A pool table is a great piece of entertainment equipment, but with so many options and sizes, it's hard to know what to look for. So, whether you're a pro or just trying your hand at the game, we've broken down all the things you need to consider before making that all-important purchase.
We've got details on table sizing, cue variations, table style, and additional handy features that might improve your overall experience. Whether you're looking for a simple 6ft or 7ft piece, or a fancy folding table with a cover that turns into a dining table, there are plenty of options out there. Plus, we've listed the top 10 best pool tables to buy from UK retailers such as Amazon and Argos.
Quick List - Top Pool Tables
Hy-Pro
A Reasonably-Sized 6 Foot Table Which Folds Away for Easy Storage
VIAVITO
Get Style and Convenience From This Modern Table With Automatic Ball Return
GRAFICA MA.RO SRL
Save Space Without Ruining the Game With This 7 Foot Option Which Doubles as a Dining Table
Hy-Pro
A Perfect Middle-Ground Pool Table Suitable for Both Children and Adults
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Table of Contents
The most important thing you need to consider when shopping for a pool table is the size - it's easy to underestimate how much space is needed! You need to be able to take shots from every angle around the table, so make sure that there'll be enough space to properly manoeuvre your cue without bumping into walls or obstructions.
Table sizes vary from 8-foot all the way down to 3-foot. If you're serious about pool, it's natural to want the largest table you can fit. 8-foot tables are the industry standard and will give you a more enjoyable and professional game. Similarly, 7-foot tables are relatively substantial. These are often found in bars and will create a reasonable challenge without using too much floor space.
Opting for a smaller table between 5 and 3 feet will make for an easier game and may even mean you can get the kids involved! These tables tend to be less robust and only really suitable for casual use. However, if you're just looking for a little light entertainment that can be easily stowed away, this will be ideal.
Don't have much space? Take a look at our list of the best party games!
Pool cues also vary in size, which is another key element in choosing the proper setup for your home. Standard cues are 57-inches, but your perfect cue could vary depending on your table size, body size, experience, and preference. With a 57-inch cue, you need to account for a minimum of 60-inches of additional space around the table in every direction in order to give you enough room to manoeuvre.
Most pool tables have cues included that are in proportion to the table itself. However, if you have your heart set on an 8-foot table but can't quite manage 60-inches of extra space, you could always buy smaller cues separately and save space that way.
Smaller cues are also great for shorter players, so this is important to consider if you'll be playing with children. While the average 57-inch cue is suitable for most people, players between 4'0 and 5'0 may prefer a 42-inch cue, and those between 5'0 and 5'8 may be more comfortable with a 52-inch. Plus, if you're over 6'5, you can size your cue up to 61-inches.
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The larger your table, the more attention-grabbing it will be. While not everyone will be concerned about the aesthetics of their home, chances are, you'll feel much better about your new purchase if it fits in seamlessly with your decor. Table styles generally fall into three different categories.
As mentioned above, most tables tend to come with pool cues and balls, but it's important to double-check this before buying, as you may need to make some purchases separately. These things will prepare you for a basic game, but you can get even more out of your setup with additional features.
One thing to look for is foldable frames, which are great for small spaces and multi-purpose rooms, as they make the table easy to store when not in use. Similarly, interchangeable tabletops will allow you to get multiple games out of the same table, so they save on floor space overall. Some even come with tabletops suitable for dining!
You should also check for automatic ball return. This internal mechanism collects the potted balls and stores them on a rack inside the table. The balls can then be released at the start of a new game. It can be a more expensive option, so if you're on a budget, you may want to try a table with static potting holes where you collect the balls yourself and set them aside while not in play.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Hy-Pro 6ft Folding Snooker and Pool Table | ![]() | A Reasonably-Sized 6 Foot Table Which Folds Away for Easy Storage | |
2 | VIAVITO T200 6ft Pool Table | ![]() | Get Style and Convenience From This Modern Table With Automatic Ball Return | |
3 | GRAFICA MA.RO SRL 7 Ft Red Pool Table Billiard Indoor with coverage | ![]() | Save Space Without Ruining the Game With This 7 Foot Option Which Doubles as a Dining Table | |
4 | Hy-Pro 4ft 6in Folding Snooker and Pool Table | ![]() | A Perfect Middle-Ground Pool Table Suitable for Both Children and Adults | |
5 | Chad Valley 3ft Table Top Pool Table | ![]() | This Tabletop Option Is Ideal for Casual Games in Small Spaces | |
6 | VIAVITO PT500 7ft Pool Table | ![]() | Large Size on a Low Budget With This Contemporary Black-Felted Table | |
7 | hlc 3ft 5 in 1 Game Table | ![]() | Interchangeable Tabletops Transform This Into Five Exciting Games for the Price of One | |
8 | GRAFICA MA.RO SRL 7Ft Pool Table | ![]() | A Sturdy Modern Option to Rival the Tables at Your Local Pub | |
9 | Simba 8 Ft Pool Table Billiard | ![]() | Play Professional Games on This 8 Foot Table With All the Required Extras | |
10 | Charles Bentley 6ft Premium Pub Style Snooker & Pool Games Table | ![]() | Foldable Classic Table With Two 48" Cues for Smaller Spaces and Players |
Since this table is foldable, you won't necessarily need a huge space to make it work. As long as the room is large enough, it can be set up temporarily for a game or two and then stored away when not in use.
At 6ft, it's a little smaller than professional or bar tables, so it'll be ideal for most spaces without compromising too much on size. Plus, it comes will all the extras to get you started and still manages to be one of the cheapest on our list!
If you often play in pubs and bars, you're probably used to the convenience of the automatic ball return mechanism. If you're looking to replicate this authentic experience in your own home, this modern table will be perfect.
As well as an automatic ball return and a large 6-foot tabletop, this table comes with balls, cues, chalk and a triangle, so you'll have everything you need to get started on a game right away.
This stylish stained wood option is perfect for getting multiple uses out of your pool table. The bench seating opens up for ample storage, and the additional tabletop totally transforms the entire setup into a dining space.
The 7-foot size is on par with bar tables, which is great for providing a challenging game. It also comes with 6 cues, so you can try your hand at various sizes to find out which works best for you.
This is a low-budget option that doesn't compromise on functionality. With two ball sets and cues, you'll have everything you need to play, and it's easy to store while not in use, with legs that completely fold away.
At 4 feet, it's small enough for children to learn the game or even for casual adult games in smaller spaces. The classic style is great if you want to keep things traditional, too.
This tabletop setup is small enough for children but can also be a great novelty to break out for a casual game at parties. It's the smallest on our list, at 3 feet, but still includes all the basic extras you need for a game.
Chad Valley is a trusted brand in children's entertainment and gaming, so if you want something reliable that's sure to keep the little ones entertained, this is a great low budget option to consider.
This 7-foot table is one of the cheapest you can get at this size. For the style-conscious shopper, the black felting and light wood finish come together in a wonderfully chic and modern look.
However, although it's a lovely looking table, it isn't easily stored, and the balls will need to be manually recovered each time they are potted. Even so, we think it would be a great addition to any modern home.
Your children will never tire of this 5 in 1 table, which includes interchangeable tabletops for basketball, table tennis, hockey and archery. The pool feature is not to be frowned upon either, with cues, balls and chalk to get you started on your game.
At just 3 feet, though, the games won't be too engaging for adult players, so it's probably not one for the professionals! Still, if you're looking for ways to keep the kids entertained, you can't get much better than this.
This 7-foot table is well built and boasts a sturdy and reliable construction. The automatic ball return makes managing potted balls easy, meaning you can focus on improving your game.
As it's so bulky, it's not particularly easy to store, so it will only be suitable for those with larger spaces. If you're shopping for a smaller room, you'd be better off with a foldable option.
This is the largest table on our list at a massive 8 feet! If you're looking for the height of professionalism, this is it, with its industry-standard size and a huge list of included items.
The only reason it didn't make it further up the list is that there are tables just a foot smaller at less than half the price. Still, if you're in it for the professional feel and money isn't an object, this is a great table!
If you're shopping for a table with the whole family in mind, this classic foldable table from Charles Bentley will work perfectly without obstructing the everyday hustle and bustle of family life.
The 48-inch cues are a great size for a 6-foot table, and they'll make it easier for younger family members to join the fun. However, there are similar tables available at a lower price, so if you've got the space to make it work with a larger cue, you might be better off with our number 1 ranking.
No. 1: Hy-Pro|6ft Folding Snooker and Pool Table
No. 2: VIAVITO|T200 6ft Pool Table
No. 3: GRAFICA MA.RO SRL|7 Ft Red Pool Table Billiard Indoor with coverage
No. 4: Hy-Pro|4ft 6in Folding Snooker and Pool Table
No. 5: Chad Valley|3ft Table Top Pool Table
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