While the most common pool table in use today is the regulation six pocket table, there are actually a number of different types of pool tables that have been designed for different cue games. Other designs of pool tables include the twelve-foot table used for snooker or English billiards and the ten foot tables used during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. During the 1970's and 1980's, there was also a popular game of pool that was played on an octagon shaped table with a set of bumpers in the middle.
The common six pocket pool table of today shares little in common with the first billiard tables. Much like ping pong, billiards was invented as an indoor innovation to popular outdoor games such as croquet and golf. The first cue games appeared during the late sixteenth century and were played with the thin end of a mace rather than a cue. This mace was used to push the balls around the table and to keep the balls from falling off the edge of the early billiard tables. It was not until the dawn of the nineteenth century that first pool cues appeared and the sport evolved into a shooting game. The concept of pocket pool was the last innovation and was originally used as a hazard for players to avoid.
Of all of the features to take into consideration when purchasing or maintaining a pool table, none are quite as important as ensuring that the felt surface is absolutely flawless. Despite the popular nomenclature, the fabric surface of a pool table is not "felt" but a manufactured woollen textile known as baize. Because even the slightest amount of surface moisture can affect the game, some pool tables are designed to provide constant warmth to the surface of the pool table and keep it completely dry.
A well constructed pool table should not require much maintenance, but there are a few simple things that an owner can do to ensure that his table has a long lifespan. While care must be made not to damage the surface of the table while making tricky shots, the biggest enemy of a pool table is moisture. A moment's carelessness by leaving a wet beverage on the fabric of the table can permanently damage the surface, and high humidity will slowly warp the table over time.
While the most popular form of pool is the game of eight-ball, there are many other fun billiard games that you can play with a regulation pool table. Snooker is fairly popular in parts of Europe, while other common games include nine-ball, one-pocket and bank pool.
The traditional six pocket pool table must meet certain criteria in order to be up to regulation for professional play. A regulation eight-ball table is nine feet long and four and a half feet wide. Pool tables can either be constructed with the cost effective single slab of slate or the three slab design that keeps the humidity on the surface of the table to a minimum.
While a severely damaged pool table made need to be refinished by a professional furniture repair person, there are many pool table repair projects that any amateur craftsman should be able to accomplish. The most important parts to focus on are ensuring that the table is perfectly steady and universally level. In many cases, the fabric surface of the table may need to be replaced as well.
Matthew Kerridge is an avid pool fan and loves playing the sport. If you want more information about any type of pool table or are searching for a trusted pool table company please visit http://www.topofthecue.com
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