Discover the Best Pool Table Brands for Your Home Game Room: A Comprehensive Buying Guide

A pool table is much more than just a piece of furniture; it’s a dynamic addition that transforms your home into a vibrant entertainment hub. Serving as an eye-catching focal point, a magnetic social destination, and a source of timeless entertainment, a quality pool table also subtly boosts your home’s appeal and value. It’s an investment in countless hours of fun, skill development, and memorable moments with family and friends. Choosing the right pool table, however, requires careful consideration, especially when it comes to the craftsmanship and reputation of the brand behind it.

The nameplate on a pool table speaks volumes about its quality, durability, and playability. To ensure you’re making a wise investment that will bring joy for years to come, it’s essential to shop like a pro. This involves comparing products from the best pool table brands, understanding their unique offerings, and identifying which one aligns perfectly with your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and playing needs.

Top 3 Best Pool Table Brands for Your Home

When you’re comparing pool tables from the top brands, several crucial factors come into play: the table’s design and aesthetics, the variety of models available, the overall pricing structure, and importantly, the shipping and installation fees. Based on these comprehensive criteria, the following three brands have consistently earned their stripes, distinguishing themselves as leaders in the billiards industry and ideal choices for your home game room.

Imperial

Imperial stands as the largest distributor of billiard equipment and game room furniture across the United States. This significant presence means wide availability, strong distribution networks, and a brand recognized for its expansive product range.

Based in Carlstadt, New Jersey, Imperial offers an impressive and fashionable range of pool tables designed to delight both home designers and decorators. Their commitment to aesthetic versatility is evident in the variety of leg styles available, allowing you to perfectly echo your house’s architectural aesthetic—be it traditional, transitional, mid-century modern, modern, or contemporary. This attention to design ensures your pool table isn’t just a game piece, but a cohesive part of your home’s decor.

Imperial’s design philosophy often favors classic, versatile colors such as black, brown, gray, and white. This choice ensures that their 7-foot and 8-foot models blend seamlessly into any space, gracefully counterbalance vibrant interior visual elements, and remain stylish amid ever-changing design trends. Beyond their primary function, some Imperial tables are ingeniously convertible into dining and tennis tables, offering unparalleled versatility for both indoor and outdoor use, maximizing the utility of your investment.

Unfailing craftsmanship is another hallmark of Imperial pool tables. This revered billiard institution carves its pool tables from top grades of sought-after North American hardwoods, including robust ash, durable Douglas fir, and elegant maple. This dedication to premium materials ensures not only stunning aesthetics but also exceptional stability and longevity, providing a consistent and true playing surface for years.

Perhaps the best part for aspiring players is that Imperial designs its home pool tables with professional players in mind. For a price range of $2,995-$9,999, you can casually play billiards on equipment engineered to deliver the level of precision and performance required in competitive environments. This means perfecting your stroke and polishing your skills becomes an easier, more enjoyable endeavor on an Imperial pool table. Before you know it, you’ll be aiming to nail Efren Reyes’s magical z-shot and recreate many other iconic trick shots with confidence.

Imperial’s pool table prices are transparent and customer-friendly, typically including shipping and installation, which is a significant advantage. Furthermore, the company’s dynamic approach to launching new models and discontinuing older ones means you’ll frequently find opportunities to snag a bargain from its clearance selection, making high-quality billiards even more accessible.

Olhausen

Olhausen is a bona fide billiards icon, proudly selling approximately 30,000 pool tables yearly. This impressive volume speaks to their widespread appeal and the trust customers place in their brand. The company offers an astonishing variety with more than 60 signature models across seven distinct series—ensuring you’ll be truly spoilt for choice when selecting your perfect table.

Headquartered in Portland, Tennessee, this esteemed game room equipment company has perfected the science of pool table construction. Every Olhausen masterpiece is engineered with meticulous attention to detail and features premium components designed for superior play. Key elements include a precise premium slate bed for a perfectly level playing surface, durable T-nut rails that secure the cushions, the innovative Uniliner^® for enhanced structural integrity, and their renowned Accu-Fast^® cushion, which provides unparalleled accuracy and rebound consistency.

Olhausen’s commitment to quality extends to its material sourcing. The company procures most of its lumber from slow-growth trees in the Northeast. These trees yield tighter wood grains, rendering Olhausen table cabinets, legs, aprons, and top rails less susceptible to discoloration, warping, and other issues common with lesser woods. This results in tables that maintain their beauty and structural integrity for generations.

Olhausen pool tables are available in four popular sizes: 7, 8, 8.5, and 9 feet long. To assist in your selection, they provide the Accu-Mat measuring aid, a valuable tool that helps you accurately assess your available space and choose a piece that fits your room perfectly, ensuring optimal playability and comfort around the table.

What truly sets Olhausen apart from many other high-end pool table brands is its extensive customization options. This bespoke approach allows homeowners to create a truly unique centerpiece that reflects their personal style and integrates seamlessly with their home’s aesthetic. You can tweak almost every aspect of your pool table, including its size, the finish of the wood, the style of the rail sights, and the color of the felt cloth. You even have the option to decide whether or not to add a convenient storage drawer, tailoring the table to your precise needs and preferences.

While many of their tables are custom-quoted, Olhausen does offer the “Buy Now” series as an exception to its quote-based pricing policy. In this selection, models’ starting prices range from $4,665 to $15,600, offering a range of options for direct purchase. Shipping is typically free, providing added value, though it’s worth noting that a local Olhausen dealer may charge you extra for professional installation, which is highly recommended to ensure proper setup and optimal play.

Brunswick

Brunswick was virtually synonymous with billiards long before anyone even considered making a list of the best pool table brands. Founder John Moses Brunswick began bringing top-shelf pool tables to households in the mid-1800s, effectively transforming cue sports into a beloved American pastime. Owning a Brunswick table is not just acquiring a piece of furniture; it’s investing in a piece of American history and a legacy of unparalleled excellence.

Based in Bristol, Wisconsin, this iconic manufacturer continues to push the boundaries of innovation without ever breaking with its rich tradition of quality. Brunswick prioritizes quality over quantity, a philosophy evident in every table they produce. The company offers 7-foot, 8-foot, and 9-foot tables across approximately 40 models, spanning a broad range of price points from $2,900 to $18,250. This wide selection ensures there’s a Brunswick table to fit various budgets and preferences. Furthermore, you can choose from five distinct colors and 20 finishes, allowing you to perfectly match your new pool table to your space’s unique personality and existing decor.

The different table sizes cater to diverse playing environments and player preferences. Seven-foot pool tables are ideal for less spacious rooms and perfect for casual matches with friends and loved ones, offering a more intimate playing experience. Eight-foot and 9-foot tables, on the other hand, suit roomier playing areas, providing a larger, more challenging surface designed to thrill serious billiards players seeking a competitive atmosphere and championship-level play.

Every Brunswick product is a living legacy of the company’s unwavering commitment to ingenuity in billiards equipment construction. Their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality are so profound that only a few top pool table brands can truly rival Brunswick’s standards.

Each model displays forward-thinking elements, including high-performance hardware and their renowned Superspeed^® cushion system, known for its lively and consistent ball rebound. Brunswick meticulously kiln-dries all solid wood used in their tables—a critical process reducing lumber’s moisture content to a desired level in an environment with controlled air circulation, temperature, and relative humidity. This essential step prevents shrinkage-related defects, ensuring the wood remains stable, durable, and beautiful for decades.

The slate beds, bearing the “Brunswick Certified” stamp of approval, not only meet but often overshoot the machining and curing standards set by the Billiards Congress of America. This rigorous certification ensures a perfectly flat and consistent playing surface, guaranteeing a lifetime of unparalleled playability and enjoyment.

Brunswick efficiently delivers pool tables to homes throughout the contiguous U.S. For convenience and peace of mind, delivery and professional installation are offered at a fixed cost of $699, ensuring your table is set up correctly and ready for play from day one.

Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Pool Table

Beyond brand reputation, making an informed decision about your pool table purchase involves evaluating several key characteristics:

Room Size and Table Dimensions: This is paramount. A 7-foot table (often called a bar box) requires a minimum room size of 13′ x 16′ for comfortable play with standard 58″ cues. An 8-foot table (standard home size) needs 13′ x 17′ 6″, and a 9-foot table (regulation size) demands 14′ x 19′. Always measure your room carefully to ensure ample cueing space around all sides of the table.
Slate Quality: The heart of any pool table is its slate. Look for genuine, diamond-honed, backed slate. Most high-quality tables use three-piece slate for easier installation and leveling, allowing for minor adjustments over time. The thicker the slate (typically 1 inch), the more stable and level the playing surface will be.
Felt/Cloth Type: The cloth affects ball speed and spin. Worsted wool cloths (like Simonis) are preferred by serious players for their fast, consistent, and durable surface, resisting “ball burn” marks. Blended wool cloths are more affordable, slower, and often preferred for casual play. Consider the color for aesthetics and visibility.
Cushions and Rails: High-quality cushions, typically made from K-66 gum rubber, provide consistent and accurate rebound. Brands like Olhausen (Accu-Fast) and Brunswick (Superspeed) invest heavily in their cushion technology for precise bank shots and predictable play. The rail construction itself should be solid hardwood for durability.
Construction Materials and Frame: A robust frame, often made from solid hardwood or high-density engineered wood, is crucial for stability and preventing warping. Look for sturdy leg construction and a stable cabinet. Kiln-dried wood, as used by Brunswick, is a sign of superior craftsmanship, preventing wood movement due to humidity changes.
Aesthetics and Design: Your pool table should complement your home’s decor. Consider the wood finish, leg style, pocket design, and overall aesthetic. Many brands offer traditional, modern, rustic, and even convertible tables to fit various tastes and functions.
Budget: Pool tables vary widely in price based on materials, brand, size, and features. Set a realistic budget, but remember that a higher upfront investment in a quality brand often means greater durability, better playability, and long-term satisfaction.
Installation and Warranty: Professional installation is highly recommended to ensure the slate is perfectly leveled and the table is assembled correctly. Verify what’s included in the price (delivery, setup) and understand the warranty offered by the manufacturer, as it reflects their confidence in their product.
Accessories: Don’t forget to budget for essential accessories like a quality set of billiard balls, cue sticks (of varying weights/lengths), a bridge stick, a triangle and diamond rack, chalk, and a dust cover.

Investing in Excellence: Choosing the Right Pool Table for Lasting Enjoyment

Billiards equipment can represent a significant expense, but it’s an investment that pays dividends in entertainment and the aesthetic appeal of your home. By ordering from any of these top brands—Imperial, Olhausen, or Brunswick—you are choosing excellence and ensuring you get the biggest bang for your buck. These companies have proven track records of quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, delivering tables that are not just beautiful but also built for precise play and lasting enjoyment.

Beyond the quality of the table itself, it’s also vitally important to invest in a good cue stick. As it greatly impacts your accuracy and overall game performance, a high-quality cue can elevate your game significantly, making every shot feel more controlled and confident. By carefully considering all the factors outlined above and choosing from these esteemed brands, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a lifetime of memorable billiards experiences in the comfort of your own home.