Are you interested in buying an outdoor pool table, or perhaps just to enrich your knowledge? Then you are in the right place. Also known as an outdoor billiard table, it has become a popular choice for many homeowners. It is the perfect addition to every backyard, and it’s also an excellent choice for entertainment.
This article is designed to provide incisive information on outdoor pool tables and address all your concerns. Among other things, we shall look at:
- body construction.
- Pool table material.
- Outdoor pool table accessories.
- Weather on the pool table.
- Important things to consider before purchasing an outdoor pool table.
Body Construction of Outdoor Pool Tables
Outdoor pool tables have important parts made to suit the outdoor environment. The pool table material and parts play a crucial role and should be considered when buying an outdoor billiard.
Frame and Leg Materials
The outdoor pool table’s frame and legs are made of aluminum or stainless steel. While being sturdy, rustproof, and durable, these materials can withstand the harsh elements of weather.
Steel and aluminum have enabled the construction of unique designs and high-quality outdoor pool tables. With a sturdy frame and legs, a more significant concern is now a bed and cloth materials.
Outdoor Pool Table Bed Materials
Pool table bed refers to the actual playing surface beneath the cloth. The bed is one of the critical features of an excellent outdoor billiard table – a damaged bed leads to a terrible game.
Typically, three different materials are used to construct pool table beds, namely slate rock, pearl board, and treated composite wood. Slate rock is perfect for pool table playing surfaces; however, on the downside, it is expensive and heavy.
Pearl boards, made from polyester and Formica, are less expensive. Manufactured and treated composite wood also makes good pool table beds. You may prefer the pearl boards or treated wood because they are cheap and light compared to slate rocks. Lighter pool tables are easy to move outdoors.
On the high-end market, luxurious outdoor pool tables are made with waterproof fiberglass for durability and superior design. All the materials are treated to make them withstand rust and UV lights.
Weather Resistant Pool Table Cloth Materials
We cannot ignore the importance of material used in the manufacture of pool tables for outdoor usage. An indoor pool table can do with standard cloth material made with a mixture of wool and polyester or wool and nylon, but the outdoor table needs more rigid and water-resistant fabric.
Sunbrella cloth made of acrylic is the best. It is incredibly durable unless you decide to damage it with a knife or sharp object. Other typically outdoor materials include Polytech and Taclon. While providing a smooth playing surface, the outdoor fabrics are engineered to withstand the harsh weather elements.
Bumper Materials
There are three types of bumpers or rail cushions – K55, K66, and U56 – but the first two are common in outdoor billiard tables. Since the K55 and K66 are made from natural rubber, they can better withstand the harsh weather elements.
And to minimize the effects of extreme outdoor conditions, weatherproof covers are used to protect bumpers and pool tables and extend the pool’s lifespan.
Outdoor Pool Table Accessories
All outdoor pool tables come with essential accessories necessary for playing games. These outdoor pool table accessories include a set of balls, two cue sticks, chalk, and one triangle rack.
To withstand harsh environmental elements, outdoor pool table cues are made of aluminum. However, should you opt to use wooden cue sticks, you must always remember to store them indoors or cover them with weatherproof covers.
Setting Outdoor Pool Tables
Always set outdoor billiards tables on flat and firm surfaces such as concrete slabs, pavers, and deck. Setting on grass comes with level and stability issues due to soft ground, especially during the rainy season. But this can be solved by placing square bricks under each leg.
Multi-Purpose Outdoor Pool Tables
on top of playing your favorite game with your friends and family members, they can also be used for:
1. Dining table – Some outdoor tables have dining tops made of glass or high-pressure laminate (HPL). This top also helps to prevent water from standing on the waterproof cover.
2. Two games on one table – outdoor tables can also be used as table tennis tables, giving you a perfect opportunity to play two games on a single table. However, the table tennis top is not designed to stay outdoor hence should always be stored indoors.
Weather On Outdoor Pool Tables
Outdoor pool tables are designed and constructed with the harsh weather elements in mind – wind, snow, rain, sun, and temperature. First, they are built with rustproof metals and further treated to maintain their colors and pristine look for years.
Second, they are made of high-quality pool table cloths that don’t fade quickly despite prolonged exposure to sunlight. Furthermore, the pool table cloths for outdoor use are water-resistant. On design, most outdoor tables have pockets for quick water drainage, especially during rainy seasons. These pockets prevent water from accumulating on the pool table.
Despite the design and top-quality materials used in the construction of outdoor billiards tables, owners must actively make efforts to protect and maintain their outdoor tables.
Care and Maintenance of Outdoor Pool Tables
Can you keep a pool table outside? The answer is yes but purchasing an outdoor pool table costs more than the indoor tables and is under the threat of harsh weather elements thus needs protection and care. To protect it and enjoy long-term usage, do the following.
Always Cover with Waterproof Covers
Most outdoor tables come with waterproof covers, but you must purchase one if yours does not have one. Even an outdoor pool table can do without a cover, it is always better to cover it whenever not in use. The cover helps to protect the table from harsh weather that causes fabric thinning and fading.
Do not Misuse your Pool Table
You might be tempted to place or keep items on the pool table or even use it as a countertop- this is a bad idea. Even though outdoor pool tables are strong and sturdy, they will wear out if misused. Using the table for what you purchased will ensure that it stays in excellent condition, and you will use it for a long. Simply, use the table for entertainment – unless it is the multi-purpose type.
Always Clean your Pool Table
Cleaning is one way to take off pool tables – after all, you will not enjoy playing on a dirty table. A soft bristle brush quickly and effectively removes loose dirt on the pool table cloth and the sides. However, pool table manufacturers recommend using a special brush made explicitly for cleaning billiard. Standard cleaning procedure entails using a damp cloth to wipe clean your outdoor pool table.
Take Advantage of Outdoor Shades
Even though they are designed for outdoor usage, if you have shades such as under a balcony, it’s perfect for outdoor pool tables. A waterproof cover combined with the shades will ensure your table lasts for a long while retaining its unique beauty.
Other Safety Tips
This include:
- Not placing drinks on the pool table.
- Wipe any accidental spills on the pool table immediately.
- Not smoking around it.
- Avoid sitting on rails as it will cause the cushion to come off.
Although outdoor billiards tables are designed for outdoor use, the above tips should help you take care of and maintain your pool table for longevity. What are the guides to consider when buying an outdoor pool table?
Pool Table Buying Guide
We have looked at outdoor pool tables in general, including pool care and maintenance; and how outside pool tables withstand harsh environmental conditions. Let’s now turn our focus on another vital aspect – things to consider when buying the table.
There are three essential considerations you should put in place while choosing an ideal outdoor pool table. Before you set off to the market to find an outdoor table, let us take a look at this pool table buying guide where we enlighten you with a few tips and tricks about the right choice to make.
Size, Space, and Design
Size, Space, and designs are vital aspects while selecting an outdoor table. Choosing suitable billiard tables can provide you a lifetime of great fun.
Pool tables come in different sizes, i.e., 7, 8, and 9 ft. Outdoors space is not a concern as indoors; thus, you will not worry about low ceilings or smaller space. Ideally, have at least 4ft of space from either side of the table.
Verified For Outdoor Use
Most importantly, select a pool table suitable for outdoor use. Here is to do it:
1. It should be of high-quality materials
Select a pool table made of high-quality materials that can withstand harsh climatic conditions. Hence go for frames made of aluminum, steel, waterproof fiberglass, or marine plywood.
2. Waterproof playing surface
The table should have a waterproof cloth. This will ensure that it is not easily affected by water.
3. It should have a well-fitting waterproof cover
Your outdoor table should come with a waterproof cover, or if it does not have one, you can buy it separately.
Price Tag
Outdoor billiard tables are made with high-quality and unique materials, making their price tag go up. Prices tag starts from $1,250 onwards for a beautiful quality outdoor pool table.
Conclusion
That’s it, everything worth knowing about the outdoor pool table. We hope you have learned enough to decide on a suitable one to complement your backyard. Apart from being sturdy, it should have a waterproof playing surface, outdoors verified, and reinforced for added support.
