What Are the Biggest Mistakes People Make When Buying a Pool Table
Buying a pool table is an exciting investment, whether you’re creating a home game room, upgrading your entertainment space, or fulfilling a lifelong dream of owning a high-quality table. But many buyers make costly and avoidable mistakes that affect how the table looks, lasts, and plays. A pool table should deliver years of enjoyment, and that means choosing carefully and avoiding common pitfalls. One of the smartest decisions you can make is selecting premium materials—especially the right cloth, such as Gorina pool table cloth, which ensures smooth performance and long-term durability.
Below are the biggest mistakes people make when buying a pool table—and how you can avoid them.
Choosing the Wrong Table Size
One of the most common mistakes is buying a pool table that simply doesn’t fit the room properly. Even if the table itself fits, many buyers forget to account for cue space around all sides. Without adequate clearance, players end up making awkward shots, scraping walls, or damaging the table rails.
Before choosing a size, measure your room carefully and consider standard cue lengths. An 8-foot table may sound appealing, but if the room is too small, gameplay becomes frustrating. Inadequate spacing can even lead to accidental damage to the Gorina pool table cloth, as players may lean over or drag cues across the surface. Taking the time to measure prevents long-term regret and ensures your room feels comfortable and open.
Prioritizing Appearance Over Construction Quality
A beautifully designed pool table can be tempting, but looks aren’t everything. Some buyers make the mistake of choosing a table based purely on style without paying attention to build quality. A table made from MDF or low-quality wood may warp, sag, or loosen over time.
The best tables use solid hardwood frames and a genuine slate playing surface. Slate provides a perfectly flat, stable foundation that lasts decades, while cheap alternatives deteriorate quickly. And even with premium slate, performance depends heavily on the surface cloth. Using Gorina pool table cloth ensures that, beyond strong construction, your table delivers tournament-level smoothness and precision.
Ignoring the Importance of the Cloth
Another major mistake is assuming all pool table cloth is the same. Lower-cost felt may look fine at first, but it wears quickly, pills, traps chalk dust, and slows down ball roll.
Buyers who skip quality cloth often end up paying more later when they need to re-cloth the table sooner than expected. Choosing Gorina pool table cloth from the start offers durability, speed, and a professional feel. Its tight weave ensures consistent ball movement, and its high-quality fibers resist stretching, friction burns, and fading.
The cloth you choose affects every shot you make, so it’s worth selecting the best.
Overlooking Room Lighting
Many people focus entirely on the table and forget about lighting, which is essential for accurate play. Poor lighting creates shadows, glare, and eye strain, and it can make even a high-end table feel cheap.
Ideally, lighting should be centered, evenly spread, and bright enough to showcase the table’s details—especially premium cloth like Gorina pool table cloth, whose rich texture and color are enhanced by good illumination. Buyers who skip proper lighting often regret the dull, uneven look of their game room.
Not Considering Future Maintenance
A pool table is not a maintenance-free purchase. Some buyers underestimate the need for regular brushing, cleaning, leveling, and eventual re-clothing. Choosing low-quality materials may seem economical at first, but long-term upkeep becomes more difficult and expensive.
Tables covered with Gorina pool table cloth tend to require less maintenance because the fabric resists wear and stays smooth longer. Even so, owners should plan for routine brushing and occasional professional servicing. Failing to consider maintenance needs can shorten the life of the table dramatically.
Buying a Table That Doesn’t Match the Home’s Style
A pool table is often a central decorative piece, and buyers sometimes pick one that clashes with the style of their room. A highly ornate table may look out of place in a modern home, while a sleek minimalist design may not suit a rustic or traditional setting.
The cloth color is also part of the aesthetic. Using Gorina pool table cloth gives you a wide range of rich, vibrant color options that complement your décor. Choosing a cloth color that fits the interior enhances the room’s atmosphere and makes the table feel like a cohesive part of the home rather than an awkward addition.
Choosing the Cheapest Option
Budget is important, but going too cheap usually leads to disappointment. A poorly built table won’t stay level, and inexpensive cloth quickly loses its smoothness. Many buyers end up spending more in the long run on repairs, upgrades, and replacements.
A quality slate table covered with Gorina pool table cloth is a long-term investment. It provides superior playability, lasts for years, and maintains its beauty—even with heavy use. Buyers who prioritize value over price avoid the cycle of constant repairs and enjoy a table that remains impressive for decades.
Forgetting to Test the Table Before Buying
A common mistake—especially when buying online—is not testing the table in person. Every brand feels different, and buyers may be surprised by the cushion response, pocket style, or table speed once it arrives.
Trying out a table ensures you understand its play characteristics, and you can often request a preview of tables covered with different fabrics. Tables using Gorina pool table cloth immediately stand out for their consistent speed and professional performance, so testing helps confirm you’re choosing the right surface.
Not Planning for Professional Installation
Many buyers underestimate the importance of proper installation. A pool table must be precisely leveled, assembled correctly, and fitted with tension-balanced cloth. Improper installation leads to dead spots, uneven ball roll, and premature cloth wear.
Professional installers understand how to stretch, cut, and secure Gorina pool table cloth perfectly—ensuring the playing surface performs exactly as it should. Skipping this step often results in costly adjustments later.
Conclusion
Buying a pool table is a big decision, and avoiding common mistakes ensures you get a table that looks incredible, plays beautifully, and lasts a lifetime. Measure your space, invest in strong materials, pay attention to the cloth, and think about long-term maintenance. Choosing Gorina pool table cloth enhances every aspect of your table, from appearance to performance, giving you a premium playing experience.
With careful planning and thoughtful choices, your pool table will become a centerpiece of enjoyment, comfort, and style in your home.
