Sports Articles

Outdoor Pool Tables

More people than ever are enjoying the sport and the skill of playing pool. And, more and more families are interested in getting billiard pool tables for their homes to provide a wonderful array of games that everyone in the family can enjoy. Unfortunately, there are many families who just cannot find the room for a full size pool table in their house, but fortunately for them, outdoor pool tables can fit the bill.

Outdoor tables are specially designed and manufactured to be able to stand up to and endure the challenges of the being outside in the environment and subject to the elements of nature. They are built to be tough and sturdy, to resist mildew, mold, and the various pests that might try to invade the structure or surface. Outdoor billiard tables are virtually impervious to humidity, rain, snow, sleet, sugary beverage spills and can even handle roughhousing.

There’s no use trying to play a game of pool on a pool table that has a less than perfect surface. Warping, marring, severe scratching and other damage to the surface has a huge impact on how the balls move and react during play, making it impossible to predict the behavior of their movement. For this reason, it is extremely important that outdoor pool tables have very good weather proofing protection.

While most billiards pool tables that are used inside have a slate surface that is covered with pool table felt, the outdoor tables can be made from a variety of different materials which are treated for outdoor use. Slate is a very dense and durable stone that is the preference of billiards players around the globe. When used as the surface of an outdoor pool table it is covered with a special sealant, such as epoxy, to provide weatherproofing and prevent damage to the surface.

Another common type of material used for the beds of outdoor tables is concrete. In these types of billiards pool tables, special fibers are also mixed in with the concrete to add strength and to help it weather better. Resin pool table beds are also used in the outdoor models. The resin surfaces are made of a high-density polymer that is one to two inches thick and which is extremely weather resistant.

The side rails of outdoor tables are most commonly made out of either a nylon or an acrylic fabric. These types of materials will not allow any liquids to get past the surface. With this material, the surface of the pool tables can be cleaned with soap and water, or with warm water that has a bit of chlorine added. Manufacturers expect that with proper care, the surface of the table will last five to ten years before it needs to be refurbished. The frames of most outdoor tables are made of aluminum, polyethylene or fiberglass and will last for decades.

To offer even more use for outdoor tables, some manufacturers make models with a top that easily converts to other uses. This allows you to get more use out of your investment by being able to play table tennis when you have had enough of billiards, or use it for other games or as a large craft or project table. Since outdoor billiards tables start at about a thousand dollars and go up from there, people appreciate the versatility that this provides.

Many people wonder if playing pool on outdoor pool tables is the same as playing on the more familiar indoor tables. Users report that there can be some small differences in how the balls move, spin and bounce off the bumpers because of the different surface materials used. However, most people say that playing on an outdoor pool table is almost exactly like playing in a stuffy, smoke-filled bar room, except for the smoke.

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