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I almost bought a “like new” pool table off Craigslist for $800 last year. Beautiful photos. Great price. Seller seemed legit.
When I showed up, the slate was cracked. Felt stained with what looked like beer. Cushions dead as concrete.
Moving it would’ve cost $400. Recovering the felt another $300. New cushions $600. Suddenly that $800 table would cost $2,100—more than buying new.
I’ve bought three pool tables (two used, one new) and helped friends buy four more. Here’s what actually matters when deciding new vs used.
New Pool Tables: What You’re Really Paying For
Price Breakdown
Budget Tables ($500-$1,200):
- MDF or particle board frame
- 3-piece slate or synthetic playing surface
- Basic cloth (usually synthetic blend)
- Limited warranty
Barrington Springdale 7.5ft Table – Decent entry-level table for casual players.
Mid-Range Tables ($1,200-$3,500):
- Solid wood frame
- 3-piece slate (usually 3/4″ thick)
- Wool/nylon blend felt
- Better cushion quality
- 1-5 year warranty
Playcraft Charles River 8′ Slate Pool Table – Good balance of quality and price.
Premium Tables ($3,500-$8,000+):
- Hardwood construction
- 1-inch slate (3-piece)
- Championship-grade cloth
- Professional cushions
- Lifetime warranty on frame
Brunswick Black Wolf Table – Tournament-quality table that lasts generations.
Advantages of Buying New
Warranty Protection: Frame defects, slate issues, cushion problems—all covered. My new table had a leveling issue after six months. Manufacturer sent a technician. Free.
Customization Options:
- Felt color (I chose electric blue)
- Wood stain
- Pocket style
- Rail sight markers
Known History: No mystery stains. No hidden damage. No previous owner mistakes.
Delivery and Setup: Most new tables include professional installation. That’s worth $300-500 right there.
Disadvantages of Buying New
Depreciation: The moment it’s delivered, value drops 30-40%. Like driving a car off the lot.
Higher Initial Cost: Same quality used table costs 50-70% less.
Wait Time: Custom orders take 6-12 weeks. I waited three months for my Brunswick.
Used Pool Tables: The Smart Money Option
Where to Find Used Tables
Facebook Marketplace – Best selection. Easier communication than Craigslist. Can see seller profiles.
Craigslist – Still active in most cities. More scammers though.
Estate Sales – Sometimes incredible deals. Sometimes absolute junk. Hit or miss.
Pool Hall Liquidations – Commercial-grade tables. Usually beat up. But those cushions and slate withstand professional play.
I found my best table on Facebook Marketplace. $600 for a $2,500 table. Previous owner just needed it gone fast.
Used Table Price Guide
$200-$500 Range: Red flags everywhere. Usually:
- Particle board construction
- Warped playing surface
- Dead cushions
- Heavily stained felt
Only worth it if you’re handy with full restoration. Even then, questionable.
$500-$1,200 Range: Sweet spot for quality used tables. Look for:
- Solid wood frame
- 3-piece slate
- Cushions with some life left
- Felt that can be recovered
This is where I shop. Good tables exist here.
$1,200-$2,500 Range: Nearly-new or lightly used tables. Sellers:
- Divorcing (sad but true)
- Moving and can’t take it
- Upgrading to tournament table
- Estate sales
Best value if the table checks out. You’re getting 80% depreciation for 10% wear.
$2,500+ Range: High-end used tables. Often better quality than new mid-range tables at same price.
Advantages of Buying Used
Massive Savings: 50-70% off comparable new table prices.
Immediate Availability: Pick it up this weekend. No 3-month wait.
Already Depreciated: Your $1,000 used table will still be worth $800-900 in three years. New table loses value immediately.
Negotiation Room: Listed at $1,200? Offer $900. Worst they say is no.
Disadvantages of Buying Used
Moving Costs: $300-600 depending on distance and stairs. Sometimes exceeds table cost.
Hidden Damage: Cracked slate, dead cushions, warped frame—expensive surprises.
No Warranty: You own all problems immediately.
Unknown History: That stain might be wine. Might be something worse. You’ll never know.
Critical Inspection Checklist (Used Tables)
Slate Inspection
Before visiting: Ask seller: “Is the slate one piece or three? Any cracks?”
Three-piece is standard. One-piece is heavier but less likely to crack.
At the table:
- Run hand across entire surface feeling for cracks
- Look for visible crack lines
- Check seams on 3-piece slate (should be tight)
- Bring flashlight and inspect from underneath if possible
Cracked slate = walk away. Replacement costs more than most tables.
Cushion Test
Shoot a ball moderately hard into each cushion. Should bounce back 60-70% of original speed.
Dead cushions sound dull, not crisp. Ball barely bounces.
Test all six rails. They age differently depending on sun exposure.
Replacement cost: $400-700 for full set. Factor that into your offer.
Frame and Legs
Check for:
- Solid wood (not particle board or MDF)
- Tight corner joints (no wobbling)
- Level legs (bring small level)
- No water damage or rot
- No major scratches/gouges
Lift table cover off and look at underside. Water stains mean trouble.
Felt Condition
Acceptable wear:
- Slight fading
- Minor nap wear in common areas
- Cleanable chalk dust
Deal breakers:
- Burns/melted spots
- Large stains
- Tears or rips
- Pulled-away from rails
Felt replacement costs $200-400. Not a deal breaker if price reflects it.
Pocket Condition
Leather pockets last forever. Plastic pockets crack.
Check for:
- Secure mounting
- No cracks in plastic pockets
- Leather pockets not dried/cracked
- Drop design (ball drops clean)
The Level Test
Bring a small ball and level.
Place ball center table. Shouldn’t roll anywhere. If it rolls, table isn’t level.
Place level on rails in multiple spots. Should read level on all six rails.
Not level? Usually fixable during professional setup. But worth noting for negotiation.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Moving and Setup
DIY Moving: Don’t. Seriously. Slate weighs 400-800 pounds. You’ll crack it or throw your back out.
Professional Movers:
- Local move (under 20 miles): $300-500
- Long distance: $500-800+
- Stairs: Add $100-200 per flight
- Reassembly: Included or $200-300 extra
I tried moving a table with friends once. Cracked the slate. $800 mistake.
Get moving quotes from multiple companies.
Recovery and Maintenance
Immediate costs:
- Felt replacement: $200-400
- Cushion replacement: $400-700
- Leveling and setup: $200-300
- Chalk, brush, cover: $75-100
Annual costs:
- Felt brushing (free with brush)
- Ball cleaning ($15/year in cleaner)
- Occasional releveling ($100-150)
Room Preparation
Before table arrives:
- Level floor (sometimes requires shims)
- Proper lighting ($80-300)
- Cue racks ($35+)
- Adequate clearance (4-5 feet all sides)
My basement floor wasn’t level. Paid $150 to have it shimmed properly before table installation.
Room Size Requirements
Standard Table Sizes
| 7-Foot Table | 8-Foot Table | 9-Foot Table |
| Table dimensions: 39″ x 78″ Room needed: 16′ x 13′ Most common home size | Table dimensions: 44″ x 88″ Room needed: 17′ x 14′ Great compromise size | Table dimensions: 50″ x 100″ Room needed: 18′ x 15′ Tournament regulation |
Measure your room BEFORE shopping. I almost bought an 8-footer that wouldn’t fit. Close call.
Brunswick Room Size Calculator
Cue Clearance
Standard cue is 57-58 inches. You need cue length plus 5 feet clearance on all sides.
Tight room? Buy shorter house cues (48-52 inches) for those awkward rail shots.
New vs Used: Real Cost Comparison
Scenario 1: Budget New Table
Barrington 7ft Table:
- Table cost: $1,000
- Delivery/setup: Included
- Accessories: $75
- Total: $1,075
Immediate play: Yes Expected life: 5-10 years with care Resale value: $300-500
Scenario 2: Quality Used Table
8ft Slate Table (Used):
- Table cost: $800
- Moving/setup: $400
- Felt replacement: $300
- Accessories: $75
- Total: $1,575
Immediate play: After setup Expected life: 15-25 years Resale value: $700-900
Scenario 3: Premium New Table
Brunswick 8ft Black Wolf:
- Table cost: $4,500
- Delivery/setup: $500
- Accessories: $150
- Total: $5,150
Immediate play: 6-12 week wait Expected life: Lifetime (30+ years) Resale value: $2,000-2,500 (after 5 years)
Scenario 4: Premium Used Table
Brunswick 8ft (Used):
- Table cost: $1,800
- Moving/setup: $450
- Touch-up/recovery: $400
- Accessories: $150
- Total: $2,800
Immediate play: After setup Expected life: 20+ years remaining Resale value: $1,500-1,800
My Recommendation by Budget
Under $1,500: Buy quality used. Search 4-6 weeks for the right table. Inspect thoroughly. Factor in moving costs.
Best value exists in this range if you’re patient.
$1,500-$3,000: Toss-up. New mid-range or premium used. Depends on:
- How soon you need it
- Room for negotiation on used market
- Warranty importance
$3,000-$5,000: Still lean used unless you want specific customization. Premium used tables in this range are exceptional value.
$5,000+: Buy new. At this budget, warranty and customization matter. You’re buying a lifetime piece.
Red Flags When Buying Used
Seller won’t let you test: Walk away. Always test cushions, level, everything.
“Slate is fine, trust me”: Nope. Inspect personally or bring someone who knows tables.
Pressure to buy immediately: Good tables sell fast, true. But high-pressure = something hidden.
Price too good to be true: $2,000 table for $300? Either damaged or stolen. Both problems.
Won’t answer basic questions: How old? Why selling? One-piece or three-piece slate? Legitimate sellers answer quickly.
Cash only, no test: Scam vibes. I’ve walked away from three “deals” like this.
Best Times to Buy
Summer: Moving season. Lots of inventory. Sellers motivated.
January-February: Post-holiday cash crunch. Sellers need money. Negotiate hard.
Estate Sales: Families just want stuff gone. Best deals I’ve seen.
Pool Hall Closures: Commercial tables at residential prices. Usually need work but slate and cushions are professional grade.
What I’d Buy Today
Budget: $1,000-1,500 (Used): Search Facebook Marketplace for 8ft slate table. Inspect carefully. Budget $400 for moving, $300 for possible felt replacement.
Target total: $1,200-1,500 all-in for quality table.
Budget: $2,000-2,500 (New): Hathaway Augusta 8ft Slate Table – Good quality, includes setup, ready to play.
Budget: $4,000+ (New): Brunswick or comparable premium brand. Custom felt color. Professional setup. Buy once, play lifetime.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not measuring room properly: Bought table. Wouldn’t fit. Selling it at loss. Measure twice, buy once.
Skipping professional moving: DIY moving saves $300. Replacing cracked slate costs $800. Math doesn’t work.
Ignoring cushion quality: Dead cushions ruin gameplay. Test thoroughly.
Forgetting accessories budget: Table is only part of cost. Brush, chalk, cover, rack, cues—budget $150-300.
Impulse buying used tables: Take your time. Right table will appear. Wrong table is permanent headache.
Final Buying Checklist
Before visiting/buying:
- [ ] Room measured and confirmed adequate
- [ ] Budget includes moving and setup
- [ ] Inspection checklist printed
- [ ] Moving quotes obtained
- [ ] Flashlight and level packed
At inspection:
- [ ] Slate checked for cracks
- [ ] All cushions tested
- [ ] Frame inspected (solid wood, no damage)
- [ ] Pockets checked
- [ ] Felt condition noted
- [ ] Level tested
- [ ] Photos taken for reference
Before purchase:
- [ ] Moving scheduled
- [ ] Payment method confirmed
- [ ] Seller contact info saved
- [ ] Any included accessories inventoried
Where to Shop
New Tables:
- Amazon – Good selection, easy returns
- Wayfair – Decent prices, delivery included
- Local billiards stores – Test before buying, expert advice
Used Tables:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Craigslist
- Estate sale websites
- Pool hall liquidation sales
Related Resources
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Prices accurate as of January 2025. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.