Are slate alternative pool tables good?

Here at Carolina Pool Tables Plus, we want everyone to have an enjoyable pool-playing experience, and a big part of that is choosing the right equipment. When it comes to the game, few things have a bigger impact than the table itself, and players have strong opinions on what should go under the felt. Among pro players, slate pool tables are often considered the only way to go, but more casual enthusiasts may find that other materials better suit their needs (particularly budgetary needs). In this article, we at Carolina Pool Tables Plus will go over the relative merits of slate pool tables versus their alternatives so that you can decide which is right for you.

Table of Contents Show

Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)
What Are Slate Pool Tables?
Benefits of Slate Pool Tables
Disadvantages of Slate Pool Tables
What is alternative slate on a pool table?
Are slate pool tables Better?
What is the best material for a pool table?
What is the difference between a slate and non slate pool table?

Slate – Slate pool tables have a number of advantages over those topped with other materials. In addition to its strength and durability, slate’s main quality that makes it so well-suited to this application is the way that it can be leveled with extreme precision (to within .0001–or one ten-thousandth—of an inch). In a game that’s all about positioning, keeping the playing surface level is essential to making sure that the balls don’t start rolling randomly, and slate pool tables are the best for accomplishing that goal.
Slate Alternatives – The most common alternatives to slate pool tables are those made of wood, mostly fiberboard and plywood, but plastics are occasionally used as well. These tables are considered toys and will never play level and will not last long. They also are typically not designed to be re-covered, so once the cloth has worn out, the table will need to be thrown away.

We at Carolina Pool Tables Plus hope that this information helps you decide what type of pool table is best for you. If you would like further advice, just give us a call to consult with one of our experts.

By building your own pool table, you have the chance to select all the materials and forms to fit your personal tastes. Instead of using slate, which can be expensive, consider several alternatives according to your needs and preferences. If you are a beginner or if children will be using the table, a less professional material may serve admirably.

Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)

Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) offers a strong, long-lasting, moisture-tolerant alternative to slate. It is a wood-based composite material made from softwood wood fibers. The individual particles of MDF are far smaller than those found in particleboard, making it a reasonable candidate to replace the smooth slate of traditional pool tables. Several plans for pool tables specify using MDF. BuildaPoolTable.com advises using the material, citing its strength and resiliency compared with its relatively low price. HGTV also specifies MDF in its plans for building your own pool table. Nonetheless, MDF cannot offer the same lifespan or resiliency of slate, making it best for family or amateur play.

Permaslate

Another alternative to slate, permaslate is a highly resilient and lightweight option. Permaslate is composed of a type of particleboard sheathed with layers of plastic. It works well for pool tables, as its smooth surface resembles slate and, like slate, it can withstand extreme pressure or shocks. Nonetheless, permaslate may not last as long as a slate table. Permaslate is much lighter than slate, making it easier to work with while building. Often used as an alternative to slate roofing, permaslate comes in 12-by-18-inch tiles, sold in packages of 25 tiles. When sold for roofing, the tiles come with a 50-year guarantee. While the guarantee may not apply when used for a pool table, it demonstrates the resiliency of the material against the elements.

Honeycomb

An inexpensive alternative to slate, honeycomb tables consist of a stiff honeycomb material sandwiched between two sheets of plastic. Like permaslate, these plastic-based surfaces have the advantage of being lightweight and easy to handle. However, compared with slate, honeycomb may warp or wear over time, compromising the pool table for play. According to HGTV, using a honeycomb layer beneath MDF can help prevent the pool table surface from warping. For their DIY pool table project, they use a combination of the two materials.

If you’re thinking about getting a pool table, you have options for slate and slate-alternative surfaces. Which do you choose? Is a slate pool table worth it? Learn more about the pros and cons of slate pool tables to make the decision for yourself.

What Are Slate Pool Tables?

Slate is a metamorphic rock that evolves from mudstone, also known as shale. Over time, heat and pressure change the clay in mudstone into minerals such as mica, quartz, hematite, pyrite, and feldspar. The minerals align in the slate to allow it to flake off into sheets. While the most common use of slate around the world is for roofing material, it also makes an excellent surface for pool tables.

Slate pool tables typically have a single piece of stone for the surface or three pieces. differences in play between these types are minimal. And three-piece slate surfaces are easier to install or move.

Benefits of Slate Pool Tables

Unlike wood, slate does not warp, even in high humidity. Plus, since slate is a rock, the material is durable and long-lasting. Many pool table manufacturers may offer long-term or lifetime warranties on the slate surfaces of their tables. In fact, even hard jump shots don’t damage the slate.

Disadvantages of Slate Pool Tables

Slate pool tables have two main disadvantages. First, they are exceptionally heavy, weighing hundreds of pounds for the slate alone. Tables that use these surfaces are equally dense and sturdy to support them. Therefore, you need to have professional assembly of your pool table. When you move or need to have the table relocated to another room, you should also hire experts for moving the table to avoid personal injury or damage to your home.

Secondly, slate tables tend to cost more. However, the cost is offset by their longevity, which means that you will likely not need to purchase another pool table unless you want to add more to your game room.

Check out our selection of pool tables at A&C Billiards and Barstools. We provide our customers with options that include slate and non-slate surfaces. Plus, we’ll help with putting together the table after purchase and provide you with other services. Contact us if you have questions about our selection, need to request services, or want directions to our showroom. We’re experts in pool tables and accessories and want to help each of our customers to find the best option for their lifestyle.

Sources

https://billiards.colostate.edu/faq/table/slate/

https://aandcbilliardsandbarstools.com/services/

https://www.libertygames.co.uk/store/pool_tables/buying-advice/mdf-vs-slate-pool-tables/

https://aandcbilliardsandbarstools.com/product/the-brookline-7-or-8-foot-black/

https://www.legacybilliards.com/blogs/resources/why-are-pool-tables-made-of-slate

https://www.sportsrec.com/slate-vs-nonslate-pool-table-6710322.html

https://aandcbilliardsandbarstools.com/

https://aandcbilliardsandbarstools.com/contact/

https://geology.com/rocks/slate.shtml

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What is alternative slate on a pool table?

Slate Alternatives – The most common alternatives to slate pool tables are those made of wood, mostly fiberboard and plywood, but plastics are occasionally used as well. These tables are considered toys and will never play level and will not last long.

Are slate pool tables Better?

While heavier and more expensive than wood, slate ensures that the play surface remans smooth and level. Wood, as well as table tops made from synthetics, can warp quite easily. Because it is so durable and known to last, many manufacturers will provide a lifetime warranty for a slate pool table.

What is the best material for a pool table?

Slate is the end all be all when it comes to pool table quality. While substitutes like plywood, slates, and fibreboard are common, none deliver the accuracy and smooth playing experience of slate. The simple fact is, smooth flat sheets of slate are ideal surfaces for billiards and other cue sports.

What is the difference between a slate and non slate pool table?

Slate is the main kind, but the non-slate category is much wider. There are materials that are like slate, such as slatron and permaslate, and some have a plastic honeycomb surface or even particle board.