Talk to the pool purist or even the avid novice and most will tell you that the question of whether the best pool table is a slate table or a wooden table is not a question worth asking. Anyone who has played both table variants will know the difference between a smoothly moving slate bed table and a less reliable wooden one. While other factors, such as table leveling, also play a role, high-quality slate bed tables give the ball a real, straight spin every time you play a shot.
slate beds
When we talk about the use of slate or other materials in the construction of pool tables, we are referring to the bed that is under the felt and on top of the table construction. Essentially, it is this bed that the pool balls will roll down when you play your shot, so it is important that it is straight, flat and level. Any deviation can lead to the ball rolling away from the true line. This deviation becomes even more pronounced as the ball rolls slower, but can also be noticeable during hard and fast shots.
Consistently direct shots
Consistency is the key to a good game of pool or billiards. Slatron, a synthetic material, is the most common slate replacement for pool tables. While more affordable than a large, flat slate bed, it’s still of considerably lower quality. Slatron beds and beds made from materials other than slate not only mean your shots will be more prone to inconsistency, but they’re also much more likely to sag, warp and generally disfigure over time. . Slate is a strong and robust material that will not suffer the same disfigurement.
Warping and disfigurement on non-slate tables
Non-slate beds are also more prone to environmental and atmospheric conditions. Lath and wood-based materials are certainly more prone to moisture and even excessively low and high temperatures. Some of the lower quality pool tables that do not use slate can warp very quickly. While slate pool tables can be more expensive than their non-slate counterparts, you need to consider how long each will last and how well they will withstand the pressure of being used and not being used.
Taking into account the weight of the board
Slate is a heavy material and is not only a consideration during the construction of a pool table, but may also be worth considering when purchasing. Hardwood cross frames are usually required to ensure the pool table can support the weight of the slate bed and this can add more weight. However, while this can be a problem for shipping and moving the table, it shouldn’t be a problem in most home pool halls.
Other factors that determine the quality of a pool table
The level of the table will also be a factor in determining the consistency of shots played. A well laid out table on a level surface using good quality slate will play the best shots and continue to do so consistently throughout its lifespan. Conversely, a poorly designed table, one with an inferior non-slate base material, or one that is not properly level will inevitably lead to poor shots and unpredictable ball spin.