Dive into the World of Billiards: Pool Table Felt

Billiards, often referred to as the “gentleman’s game,” is a pursuit of precision, strategy, and finesse. To excel in this timeless pastime, one must not only possess the skill of a seasoned player but also the knowledge of the essential components of cue sport. Among these components, irregardless of table size a crucial element of the game is which pool table felt is right for your game. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unravel the in’s and out’s of pool table felt, exploring its various aspects, from its composition to its role in enhancing your game room.

The Fabric of Excellence: Understanding Pool Table Felt

Billiard Table Felt vs. Billiard Table Cloth: The terminology may differ, but the essence remains the same. Pool table cloth or felt is the textile cover that envelops the playing surface of a billiard table. It’s the canvas upon which every stroke, every bank shot, and every jump shot unfolds, making it a fundamental component of the game.

Billiard Balls and Felt: The texture, friction, and consistency of the felt significantly impact the path, speed, and spin of the balls. Upgrading your pool balls to higher grade of plastic can help resist the instant friction temperature between the ball and the cloth which ultimately leaves less marks on cloth. We recommend upgrading your pool balls to Aramith, these pool ball sets make a big difference in your play and the longevity of your felt.

Game Room Aesthetics: Beyond its functional role, pool table felt plays a crucial role in the overall aesthetics of your game room. Whether you opt for a classic, dark green felt reminiscent of traditional billiards halls or choose a bold electric blue to make a statement, the cloth’s color and texture contribute to the ambiance of your space. Here is a look at how many colors are available, there are multiple shades of every color, some of our favorite colors are euro blue and english green. 

The Fabric’s Composition: Woolen vs. Worsted

Wool & Nylon Blend Cloth: Woolen billiard cloth is a popular choice for casual players and recreational game rooms. It is crafted from a blend of wool and nylon fibers, creating a surface that’s both durable and affordable. While woolen cloth may lack the speed and precision of its worsted counterpart, it provides a consistent and forgiving playing experience.

Worsted Cloth: For those seeking the highest level of play, worsted cloth is the gold standard. Crafted from tightly woven, high-quality wool, worsted wool offers unparalleled speed, accuracy, and durability. It allows for faster cue ball travel, cleaner ball paths, and exceptional control—qualities that professional players and enthusiasts covet. Worsted wool can come in many different variation for example snooker players will opt for the Simonis 760 cloth, while pool player enjoy playing on Simonis 860

Teflon and Durability

To enhance the longevity of pool table felt, some manufacturers incorporate Teflon coatings into their fabrics. Teflon provides a protective layer that guards against spills, stains, and wear and tear, ensuring your felt retains its pristine appearance and performance for years to come. It’s a valuable feature, especially if your game room sees heavy traffic.

Maintaining the Pristine Surface: How to Clean Pool Table Felt

Ensuring the longevity and performance of your pool table felt goes beyond the initial selection; it requires consistent care and maintenance. Here’s a simple guide on how to keep your pool table felt clean and in optimal condition.

1. Brushing: Invest in a pool table brush with soft bristles, horsehair brushes are a great option. Gently brush the felt in straight, overlapping strokes, moving from one end to the other. This removes dust, chalk residue, and small debris that can affect ball movement.
2. Avoid Spills: Preventing spills is the first line of defense. Keep drinks and food away from the table to avoid accidental stains. If a spill does occur, blot it immediately with a clean, dry cloth to absorb the liquid.
3. Chalk Residue: Over time, chalk can accumulate on the felt. To remove it, use a specialized pool table brush or a clean, damp cloth. Make sure to wipe gently to avoid damaging the cloth. Another tool you can use is the Simonis X-1. Another useful tip is to not chalk your pool cue over the table, helping to cut down on maintenance on brushing.
4. Cover When Not in Use: When your pool table is not in use, cover it with a high-quality pool table cover. This protective layer shields the felt from dust, sunlight, and potential damage.
5. Breaking Cloth: A breaking cloth is a great option for players looking to keep burn marks to a minimum. Burn marks are little white spots that appear on your cloth from the friction of the pool ball turning against cloth. A breaking cloth is a small piece of billiard cloth that is placed under the cue ball when breaking. This can be purchased at Show me billiards or can be a piece of remnant cloth from your most recent pool table recovery service.

By incorporating these simple cleaning and maintenance practices into your billiards routine, you’ll not only preserve the beauty and durability of your pool table felt but also enhance your overall billiards experience.

A Wish List of Billiard Accessories

Whether you are a snooker pro, or just starting off playing pool, to complete your billiards experience, consider adding pool table accessories such as pool cues, cue ball racks, and other cue accessories such as cue tips, cue chalk, cue cases, cue racks, and table brushes to your game table wish list. These items not only enhance your gameplay but also keep your billiard table and felt in pristine condition. You can checkout a wide variety of accessories and new products at Show me billiards. Here are a few websites that you can shop for accessories.

In Conclusion

Pool table felt is more than just a covering; it’s an essential canvas that brings the game of billiards to life. From its role in ball movement to its impact on your game room’s ambiance, the choice of felt is a decision that every billiards enthusiast should consider carefully. Whether you seek the performance of worsted cloth or the balance of woolen fabric, your selection of pool table felt will undoubtedly contribute to countless hours of enjoyment in your game room.