There are many different factors to consider when purchasing a pool table. But before you even think about what color felt you want or what style table will work best in your space, you need to decide if you have enough room for a pool table. And one common question is: Can you put a pool table in a 12x12 room?
A 12x12 room is too small for a standard sized pool table (8ft). In order to make it work, you’d have to use a 6 foot table with shorter pool cues. This will insure you have enough space to take shots comfortably from every angle of the table without hitting the wall.
Read on to find out all you need to know about putting a pool table in a 12x12 room.
Is 12 Feet Wide Enough for a Pool Table?
This is one common question many people ask. They concentrate on the width of the room first, but this is only looking at part of the problem.
But, to answer the question: 12 feet is not wide enough for most pool tables. And since we’re talking about a 12x12 room, it’s not like you can turn the table to make it work. A square room limits your options. But that doesn’t mean you have to forget about a pool table altogether.
Let’s take a look at the factors involved in determining the ideal room size for a pool table.
How to Determine Pool Table Room Size
To be able to play pool comfortably, you’ll need to take into account not only the size of the pool table, but also the size of the cues you’ll be playing with.
Standard cue size is 58-inches but they also make cues shorter than this. 52” and 48” cues are fairly common.
To determine the size of your ideal room, you’ll need to know the size of your pool table and the cues.
Here’s how you do it, using an 8-foot table (the most common size for home use) and 58-inch cues.
- Determine the length and width of the pool table in inches: 8-foot x 4-foot equals 96-inches by 48-inches.
- Next, double the length of the pool cue (58-inches in this case) and add it to both the length and width of the table: 58*2=116. 116+96=212. 116+48=164.
- Turn your two totals into feet, and you have the minimum room size for that table with those cues: 212-inches is 17-feet 6-inches. 164-inches is 13-feet 6-inches. So, your total room size is 17-feet 6-inches by 13-feet 6-inches for an 8-foot table with 58-inch cues. (You can get away with a 17’x13’ 6” room).
As is obvious, this requires a much larger room than 12x12. You can do the same thing with the different sizes of pool tables and pool cues to determine if any of them will fit in your 12x12 room, but I can tell you right now that most standard pool table sizes will not.
What Pool Tables Will Fit in a 12x12 Room?
A pool table that will fit comfortably in a 12x12 room is considered a “miniature” pool table.
As mentioned earlier, the only table size that will work in a 12x12 room is a 6-foot pool table. And again, you’d have to use shorter cues to make this work. But even this combination of a smaller table and shorter cues isn’t perfect. More than likely you’ll still find yourself facing some awkward shots due to space restrictions.
Benefits of Opting for a Smaller Pool Table in Compact Rooms
While many billiards enthusiasts often dream of owning a standard-sized pool table, it’s essential to realize that smaller tables come with their own unique set of advantages, especially for those constrained by space. Here are some reasons to consider getting a 6-foot or even smaller table for your 12x12 room:
- Space Efficiency: Smaller pool tables fit seamlessly into compact spaces. This is particularly useful for multi-purpose rooms where you might want to have space for other activities, be it a home gym, study, or a kids’ play zone.
- Cost-Effective: Generally, smaller tables are more budget-friendly than their larger counterparts. This makes it feasible for many homeowners to afford them without breaking the bank.
- Flexibility: Compact tables, especially the foldable ones, offer more flexibility. You can easily move them around or store them, allowing you to free up space when needed.
- Skill Development: Playing on a smaller table with less room for cue movement can be challenging. It can push players to develop better control, precision, and adaptability in their shots.
- Great for Beginners: Smaller tables can be less intimidating for beginners, making it an excellent way for them to dip their toes into the game. It’s also more approachable for children who might find a standard-sized table too large.
- Sociable Setting: Due to the compact size, players tend to be closer together, promoting more interaction and conversation. This can make games feel more intimate and sociable.
- Safety: With limited space and shorter cues, there’s less chance of accidental damage to walls or other furniture in the room.
- Adaptability: Smaller tables can fit not just in spare rooms, but also in apartments, basements, or even outdoor patios. This means even if you move to a different home, the table will likely find its spot.
While a 12x12 room might not be fit for the traditional pool experience, it opens up an avenue for a different kind of enjoyment. With the right table, you can still have countless hours of fun, sharpen your skills, and enjoy the game in the comfort of your home. Don’t let space limitations deter you; sometimes, thinking small can lead to the most significant rewards.
Here are a few great options to choose from.
Hathaway Fairmont Portable Pool Table
For those with a 12x12 room, this 6-foot portable pool table is ideal. It comes with 48-inch cues, so you don’t need to invest in smaller ones. But the nicest thing about this table is that it’s easy to move and store, so if you find that it’s too small for your 12x12 room, you can always use it in a larger room. When you’re done, you can fold the legs up and store the table away until you want to use it again. This way you can have a pool table without needing a dedicated room for it.
You can also opt for a smaller table if you’re worried that a 6-foot table is too big for your 12x12 room. 55-inch tables are the next smallest tables under 6-feet.
RACK Crux Folding Table
This portable pool table is just over 4 ½ feet long, making it ideal for a 12x12 room. Both kids and adults can enjoy this table and it won’t break the bank. Like the Hathaway above, you can fold this table up and store it when not in use.
It comes with two 48-inch cues and a set of balls designed to fit the table’s smaller size. If you’re not sure how a pool table will go over in your spare room, getting one of the small, cost-efficient ones is a good way to decide whether you want to try and upgrade to a larger table later on.
These are just two of many options for smaller rooms. Check out this article for more information on mini pool tables!
Other Articles You May Be Interested In
- Is a 6 Foot Pool Table Too Small?
- What Size Room do You Need For a Pool Table? (With Chart)
- How Far Does a Pool Table Need to Be Away From the Wall?
- Pool Table in the Garage? Here’s What You Need to Know
- Are Mini Pool Tables Worth It? A Complete Guide
