Pool tables are a popular piece of furniture in many homes. Although pool tables are extremely heavy and cumbersome, many people enjoy having the feature in their homes. Not only can a pool table be an iconic centerpiece to a room, but it can also provide hours of entertainment. When purchasing a pool table, you need to have an appropriate space to accommodate such a large object.
There is not one specific measurement for placing a pool table into your home, but it is recommended that you have a clearance of at least five feet on each side of the table. While this is ideal, you could get away with a smaller space.
In this article, you will learn about the ideal space for a pool table and the considerations you need to make when purchasing a pool table.
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Ideal Space for a Pool Table
If you are looking to set up a billiards area that mimics that of an actual pool hall, you will want to make sure you have ample space around the table. While a pool table could easily fit into a small room, it may be challenging to engage in play without enough space.
Most billiards experts recommend having at least five feet on each side of the table. This means you will need to plan to have at least ten feet across both the table’s length and width. Having this much space is important because it allows you to play from every side of the table.
Can a Pool Table Fit in a 12 x 12 Room?
When choosing a pool table, it is important to know the room size. If you are searching for a standard-size pool table, which is eight feet, you will not be able to fit it into a 12 x 12 room. While the pool table itself will easily fit into the room, you will find it very difficult to shoot from all sides of the table.
If you are looking to outfit a 12 x 12 room, you would be best off by choosing a smaller seven-foot table. Unfortunately, this is not considered a professional size, but it will suffice to use the table for entertainment purposes. With a seven-foot table, you will have just enough space to play on all sides of the table.
It is also important to consider the size pool cue you will be using. You may find that the table easily fits into the room, but you cannot position yourself to play well with the cue you have. If you find yourself downgrading to a seven-foot table, you will want to use a shorter cue to help with ease of play.
Considerations When Purchasing a Pool Table
Deciding and moving forward with purchasing a pool table should not be done without careful consideration. Sure, a pool table can provide hours of fun and may even give you a nostalgic feeling, but there are a lot of factors to consider before taking the plunge.
Size of room: As you learned, pool tables require a significant amount of space if you want to use them to their full potential. Purchasing a pool table that does not fit in the designated space will likely cause a lot of frustration, not to mention expense.
If you are unsure of the size pool table your room can accommodate, it is wise to ask for the help of a pool table expert. Most pool table dealers will provide a free measurement and estimate to help ensure you are purchasing the appropriate table.
Size of table: Not only do you need to know the size of the room you are placing a pool table in, but you need to familiarize yourself with the sizes of pool tables that are available. This is important because while you may not be able to fit a standard-size table into the room, you may be able to get away with a slightly smaller version.
Sizes of Pool Tables
Not all pool tables are created equally. Because they are a popular entertainment option for many homes, there are varied sizes to choose from. The size of the room and your pool playing needs will dictate the size table you choose. There are three standard-size pool tables to choose from.
Seven feet: a seven-foot table is the size table you will find in a bar or arcade that offers pool as an option. The table is not the size professional players would use but allows for recreational play. Because homes often do not have a large pool table space, this is often the popular size option.
8 Foot: An eight-foot table is what is used by professional pool players. If you are playing pool to practice competitively or holding tournaments at your home, you will want to purchase this size table.
9 Foot: This is an extremely large pool table for in-home use. The amount of space required to house such a large pool table is substantial and will not be found in the average home. This size table is considered a professional size table and is not often found in recreational settings.
The good thing about having a variety of sizes to choose from is a pool table that will fit in the space you have designated as your recreational area.
Weight of table: You must factor in the weight of a pool table when placing it into your home. Pool tables can weigh between 100 and 1,000 pounds, depending on the size and material it is made of.
Because a pool table can be so heavy, you need to find the best place in your home to place the table safely. If you are considering putting the table on a second floor, you want to make sure the floorboards can hold the table, other furniture, and people in the room.
It is often recommended that the pool table be placed on a lower level of the home to help ensure the floor can hold the extra weight. Failure to consider this could result in a tragedy that could have been prevented.
Set up: Once you have chosen a pool table, you will want to determine what is included with the setup. Remember, a pool table is not exactly something you can put in the back of your car and carry into the house. Because a pool table is cumbersome and will require balancing once it is set up, it would be best to have set up and installation included in the price.
Tips for Making a Pool Table Fit
Unless you have a massive room to put your pool table in, you will need some tips and tricks to use the room effectively.
- Put storage and seating on the outside perimeter.
- Determine the feel of the room when choosing furniture
- Make sure the pool table is the correct size for the room
Remember, fitting a pool table in the room is not the only thing you need to consider. You need to make sure you are maximizing the space you have. By placing furniture and storage on the room’s perimeter, you will help open the room a bit and provide a comfortable atmosphere to entertain in.
Final Thoughts
Pool tables are a fun addition to any home and can provide hours of entertainment. When choosing a pool table, you must understand the size options and the space required to use the pool table. Ideally, you will have at least five feet of space on each side of the pool table. If the room is small, you may opt for a smaller pool table to help you meet this requirement.