A good used pool table is one of the best values in recreational equipment. A bad used pool table is an expensive problem. The difference usually comes down to knowing what to inspect before you buy — and what red flags to walk away from. Here's what we look at when we evaluate a used table.

The Slate

The slate is the most important component and the most expensive to replace. A quality slate is what makes a pool table a pool table — not a toy. Here's how to check it.

How many pieces?

Quality home tables have 3-piece slate. 1-piece slate is used on lower-end tables and is much harder to level properly because you can't shim individual sections. If someone is selling a "solid slate" table as a premium feature, be skeptical — 3-piece is the standard for a reason.

Check for cracks

Get under the table and look at the underside of each slate panel with a flashlight. Cracks are disqualifying — cracked slate cannot be repaired to a playable standard and replacing a single piece of slate is expensive and difficult to match. Any visible crack on the playing surface is also a red flag, even if it's been patched with beeswax.

Check the thickness

Quality residential slate is 3/4 inch to 1 inch thick. Thinner slate (found on cheaper tables) is more prone to cracking and doesn't provide the same mass for consistent ball roll.

The Cushions

Cushion rubber degrades over time regardless of use. To test cushion life, roll a ball into a cushion at medium speed at a 90-degree angle. A healthy cushion should return the ball about 2/3 of the length of the table. A dead cushion will return it barely halfway or absorb the shot with a thud.

Cushion replacement (recushioning) starts at $349 with us, so factor that into your offer price if the cushions are dead. It's a known cost, not a reason to walk away.

The Cabinet and Frame

Look for solid wood construction, not particleboard. Run your hand under the rails and frame — particleboard has a distinctive powdery texture and will show swelling or delamination near the legs. Solid wood tables can last generations. Particleboard tables have a limited lifespan and are difficult to move without damage.

Check the legs for stability. Wobble the table gently from each corner. Some movement is normal — the table will be leveled with shims when installed — but if the legs themselves are cracked or the bolts are stripped, that's a structural problem.

The Felt

Assume the felt will need replacing and price accordingly. Used table felt is almost always worn to some degree. Check for wear tracks, pilling, stains, and tears. Refelting starts at $399 with us — include that in your budget unless the cloth is clearly in excellent condition.

Brand Research

Some brands hold up better than others. Brunswick, Olhausen, Connelly, and Diamond are consistently high-quality. Peter Vitalie, Legacy, and American Heritage are solid mid-range options. Be cautious of off-brand or "custom" tables where parts may be hard to source.

Antique Brunswick tables (Balke Collender era and early 20th century) are often exceptional quality but require specialized knowledge to evaluate and service. We work with antiques regularly — give us a call if you're looking at one.

The Move

Factor in the moving cost before you agree on a price. A used table listed on Marketplace for $500 still costs $399+ to move professionally. That's not a reason to skip professional moving — it's a reason to negotiate the purchase price or find a table that's already installed where you want it.

We offer free Tru Table inspections on any table we move or install. If you're buying a used table and want an expert eye on it before you commit, call us.

See our installation service and moving service pages for pricing. If you're not sure whether a table is worth buying, call us — we've seen enough tables to give you a straight answer.