Building a poll [billiard-(pool)] table
#1
Building a poll [billiard-(pool)] table
Hello everyone,
I was thinking of building a billiard table with my brother could be a cool and fun project to work on.
We plan on making a 8 foot table, with slate as the base, with custom wooden legs and cabinet, we want to place it outside on our patio, is that a good idea? Would it get ruined, we would probably get a cover for it, but still.
A few more things, we plan on using slate, but that's very expensive [$500-$600], does anyone know why slate is better than solid wood for example?
Anyone also build something like this in the past? How much did it cost in the end? Was it fun, hard, easy, did it come out good?
Looking for feedback of any kind, is this doable for two guys that basically don't have much hardwood experience, just a will.
I was thinking about making a small replica of it [20% of real size] to see how it would be, and to get an idea of what in involves.
I will be using this guide a lot - http://www.bestbilliard.com/resources/buildtable.cfm
Thanks guys!
I was thinking of building a billiard table with my brother could be a cool and fun project to work on.
We plan on making a 8 foot table, with slate as the base, with custom wooden legs and cabinet, we want to place it outside on our patio, is that a good idea? Would it get ruined, we would probably get a cover for it, but still.
A few more things, we plan on using slate, but that's very expensive [$500-$600], does anyone know why slate is better than solid wood for example?
Anyone also build something like this in the past? How much did it cost in the end? Was it fun, hard, easy, did it come out good?
Looking for feedback of any kind, is this doable for two guys that basically don't have much hardwood experience, just a will.

I was thinking about making a small replica of it [20% of real size] to see how it would be, and to get an idea of what in involves.
I will be using this guide a lot - http://www.bestbilliard.com/resources/buildtable.cfm
Thanks guys!
#2
Tomer, Welcome to the DIY Forums.
Kind of a hard project for inexperienced woodworkers. A wood top is not a good idea. Depending on the type of wood, it could be very expensive also. The patio idea won't work if you want it to stay level (flat). The humidity will reek havoc on wood. Your cover (felt) would also suffer. Pool tables need a controlled environment, no drastic changes in temp and humidity.
You could build one using the Sears principle. They have a top that sits on a waffle type frame. You may be able to find a plastic type material that would not warp for the top. Still an expensive venture. We don't try to discourage DIY projects but some are not wallet friendly or a good idea. Good luck on whatever you decide to do.
Kind of a hard project for inexperienced woodworkers. A wood top is not a good idea. Depending on the type of wood, it could be very expensive also. The patio idea won't work if you want it to stay level (flat). The humidity will reek havoc on wood. Your cover (felt) would also suffer. Pool tables need a controlled environment, no drastic changes in temp and humidity.
You could build one using the Sears principle. They have a top that sits on a waffle type frame. You may be able to find a plastic type material that would not warp for the top. Still an expensive venture. We don't try to discourage DIY projects but some are not wallet friendly or a good idea. Good luck on whatever you decide to do.
#3
Originally Posted by majakdragon
Tomer, Welcome to the DIY Forums.
Kind of a hard project for inexperienced woodworkers. A wood top is not a good idea. Depending on the type of wood, it could be very expensive also. The patio idea won't work if you want it to stay level (flat). The humidity will reek havoc on wood. Your cover (felt) would also suffer. Pool tables need a controlled environment, no drastic changes in temp and humidity.
You could build one using the Sears principle. They have a top that sits on a waffle type frame. You may be able to find a plastic type material that would not warp for the top. Still an expensive venture. We don't try to discourage DIY projects but some are not wallet friendly or a good idea. Good luck on whatever you decide to do.
Kind of a hard project for inexperienced woodworkers. A wood top is not a good idea. Depending on the type of wood, it could be very expensive also. The patio idea won't work if you want it to stay level (flat). The humidity will reek havoc on wood. Your cover (felt) would also suffer. Pool tables need a controlled environment, no drastic changes in temp and humidity.
You could build one using the Sears principle. They have a top that sits on a waffle type frame. You may be able to find a plastic type material that would not warp for the top. Still an expensive venture. We don't try to discourage DIY projects but some are not wallet friendly or a good idea. Good luck on whatever you decide to do.
I was planning on building the cover [main table] from slate [rock], that won't warp, but the rest of the table would be wood, could that warp?
The patio is flat [I think], so it shouldn't be a problem. The table would probably sit under shade, protection against rain/sun. AND it would have a plastic cover, would that work?
I estimated the total cost would come out $1000 USD, is that a reasonable estimate?
Thanks,
- Tomer
#4
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similar question - building a pool table
I have a dining table sitting around (60x40"). Its a good quality one made of oak but haven't been used for a while. I was wondering if I can purchase any pool top to go over this dinning table? I don't plan to use the pool table that frequently, just mainly for recreation. Please let me know if there are any options.
#5
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Hi guys!
i wonder why people want to pay money for a pool table plan, if there are really (!) great and free pool table building plans out there. i am thinking about building one soon and i have found after a long time of research this really great construction plan from a german guy, translated into english:
http://build-a-pool-billiard-table.umuluku.com
although the domain name "umuluku" sounds funny, the plan is really serious. the guy planned it with CAD and even made pretty good 3d rendering simulations of the table. also a lot of technical drawings show the details.
i believe this one works, since the quality of the plan is just great. and it's free! if there is anyone out there who might think about building one of this too, let me know! we may exchange some useful informations and help eachother
greets
Larry
i wonder why people want to pay money for a pool table plan, if there are really (!) great and free pool table building plans out there. i am thinking about building one soon and i have found after a long time of research this really great construction plan from a german guy, translated into english:
http://build-a-pool-billiard-table.umuluku.com
although the domain name "umuluku" sounds funny, the plan is really serious. the guy planned it with CAD and even made pretty good 3d rendering simulations of the table. also a lot of technical drawings show the details.
i believe this one works, since the quality of the plan is just great. and it's free! if there is anyone out there who might think about building one of this too, let me know! we may exchange some useful informations and help eachother

greets
Larry