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Purchasing a used pool
table is an excellent option if you are on a budget
and are looking to complete your game room, or wish
to hone your billiard skills at home. Aside from the
overall table condition, it is important to consider
the factor of transportation when shopping for your
table. While you may find a great discount pool
table from a local private party sale, there is a
serious risk of causing table damage and even injury
to yourself while moving from point A to point B.
There are many
national and international pool table vendors that
specialize in offering used pool
tables or wholesale tables, and often times their affiliations with
local pool table movers & installation services
allow you to receive professional pool table
installation at a discounted price. Another benefit
of purchasing a used pool table from a vendor is
that their product is generally inspected for
quality condition, and they do not often sell tables
that are in poor condition or at the end of their
life, unless otherwise stated.
As with purchasing a
brand new pool table, it is important to understand
the various sizes, dimensions, and models of pool
tables available for purchase before making a buying
decision. It is recommended that you review our
section on pool tables for more information on the
variety of table options available.
If you decide to
purchase used pool tables from a private party
because you've found the bargain of the century, do
your homework and always remember that if it sounds
too good to be true then it probably is. For a small
service fee, you can contract a local pool repair
service technician to accompany you and inspect the
pool table integrity before deciding to make a
purchase. If after all our persuasion to hire
professional assistance, you still choose not to do
so because perhaps you are on a budget, or are just
set on the do it yourself mentality, please consider
the following.
A simple element of the
pool table to inspect is the table felt of cloth. If
you see any visible tears or rips, perhaps a
discoloration cause by sun damage, or any other
alarming defect, then you know that you will have to
refelt the table. This should not be a deal killer
if you've found a quality brand name table with
solid structural integrity. Replacing the pool table
felt can cost anywhere from $125 - $250 dollars and
is a worthwhile investment.
Inspect the slate
carefully for cracks and deformations. While it is
not likely that you will have an option to remove
the felt to visually inspect the pool table slate
condition, run your fingers across the entire area
of the table feeling for dips, cracks, gaps and
other obstructions. Pool table slate is not cheap,
and it is not economical to transport. The cost of
shipping alone may be as costly as the purchase of a
good quality used pool table found else. Be patient,
and do not compromise when it comes to slate
condition.
Pay extra attention to
the condition of the wood beams supporting the pool
table slate. Check for cracks and water damage and
most importantly sturdiness of the table legs. If
the table legs are wobbling or lose, this is an
indicator of underlying issues affecting the
structural integrity of the table. Take advantage of
these resources to shop and compare used pool tables
available on the market. |
