If you’re ready to build your own pool hall, you’re in good company. For over 500 years, royalty and commoners alike have enjoyed the game of billiards. The game originated in France in the 1400s and was played outdoors like croquet. Over time, the game grew in popularity throughout Europe, and carpenters built tables specifically designed for billiards.
Before you join historical greats like King Louis XVI and Mark Twain with your own in-home pool hall, consider whether you should build your own table or browse new or used pool tables for sale. Choose a traditional design or customize your table with a unique design and unusual materials. With your table in place, decorate your basement or den to reflect your personality.
Build your own Table
Pool tables typically measure seven, eight or nine feet long and three feet high. They are half as wide as they are long. Most home tables measure eight feet long by four feet wide, and you can adjust the height. While you could choose to buy a new pool table, you could buy a used table and re-cover it or build your own table from a pre-built frame. Before moving your table into the pool room, measure the space. You need at least five feet of space on all sides of the table in order to provide adequate room for the players.
Die-hard do-it-yourselfers might consider building the table from scratch. If this approach suits you, start by assembling a sturdy, straight table. Cut a piece of wood to the desired length and width. Insert holes for the pockets before securely attaching the legs and support brackets between the legs.
After building the base, glue the one-inch thick piece of slate to the tabletop. Gently cut out the pocket holes. Use adhesive to seal the felt or fine worsted, wool bedcover to the slate. Traditionally, green felt represents the grassy origins of the game, but red and blue felt will not hinder game play. Finish assembly by attaching the cushions to the board and the netting under the pockets.
Unconventional Building Materials
Designing a customized table remains one advantage of building your own pool table. Use the wood of your choice for the legs and frame. Add decorative inlays or fancy designs. Consider specialty woods like pine or bamboo to fit your personality and the style of your home. As long as you have the space, you can convert nearly any rectangular object into a pool hall table.
While most pool tables function as pure entertainment, you can design a table that offers additional options. Set a solid cover over the billiard table, and turn it into a dining table. Build your own ping-pong tabletop that easily sets over the pool table. These convertible options give you the best of both worlds—a functional pool hall for the weekends and family dining space for weekdays.
Décor
When your friends walk into your in-home pool hall, they will be ready to play and have a good time. Create a functional party environment that reflects your personality.
Every pool hall needs space for the pool supplies. Hang cue racks, chalk and sticks near the table. If you’re competitive, consider hanging a chalk board on the wall to keep score.
Everyone’s going to want refreshments during your pool tournaments. If you have space, build a generous bar area where your guests can serve themselves drinks and snacks. Nail shelves or ledges along the wall to hold wet cups. You don’t want your friends spilling food or setting their wet cups on your table. Consider covering the floor with stain resistant carpet or hardwood to make post-party clean up a cinch.
Lighting sets the atmosphere for your pool hall. Hang a single light above the table to illuminate your playing field or install recessed lighting in the room. Pendant lights set the mood and are reminiscent of traditional pool halls.
While you may love pool, your guests might wish to do something else, especially because only a few people can play pool at one time. Set up a dartboard or plug in an arcade game to give everyone an enjoyable time together. Find used bar stools and tables to provide affordable seating for players waiting for their turn or for guest who wish to visit with each other.
Polish your pool hall with memorabilia. Hang pendants from your favorite sports team, items that represent your hobby or framed mirrors. Personalize your pool hall to create a fun, exciting atmosphere where your friends will want to be every weekend.
An in-home pool table adds value to your home and gives you a reason to entertain friends. After you build or buy a pool table, decorate your pool hall to fit your style and personality. Bring your gang together in a cozy but functional pool hall for hours of entertaining fun.
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