How Heavy is a Slate Pool Table?

Slate pool tables are considered the best pool tables available, far and wide. They are used exclusively for tournaments and are the go-to for commercial pool tables for their endurance, resilience, and longevity.

That being said, slate pool tables are heavy. And weight is definitely something to consider when purchasing a pool table. So, in this article, I’ll break down the weight of these types of pool tables as I answer the question: How heavy is a slate pool table?

Slate pool tables range in weight with size, style, and materials. Most slate pool tables weigh between 700 and 1,000 pounds, but they can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds, depending on the table. Most 8-foot slate tables for residential use weigh around 850 pounds. 

Tip

If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider a wood (MDF) table. **Click here to learn the difference.

Table: How Heavy is a Slate Pool Table?

Read on to discover more regarding the weight of a slate pool table, and recommended tables on the market.

The Factors Affecting Slate Pool Table Weight

There are many different factors that contribute to pool table weight. The first is size, the second is the style of table (commercial or residential), the third is materials used in constructing the rest of the table.  

The Bigger the Table, The Heavier it Is

It’s a no-brainer that the bigger the table is, the heavier it is. But what’s the weight difference between sizes, and what are the main factors contributing to the weight of the tables?

Well, first off, bigger tables require larger pieces of slate. And slate is the heaviest part of the table. In fact, slate usually makes up around 50% of the total weight of the table.

Most modern tables have 3-pieces of 1-inch thick slate inside them. These three pieces usually start out as one big piece that has been precision-matched down to within ten-thousandths of an inch for a smooth playing surface all the way across. The large piece of slate is then cut into three pieces to make them a little easier to move. 

But, these pieces of slate each weigh somewhere between 125 and 250 pounds, depending on the size of the table.   

Commercial or Residential: Which is Heavier?

Next up is the type of table. Commercial pool tables are usually significantly heavier than residential tables. This is because commercial tables are expected to take more abuse than residential tables, and so they must be made a little tougher. 

Commercial tables may also have a coin-operated system incorporated, which adds to the weight of the table.

Unlike residential tables, most commercial tables have a solid shell around the slate to keep it sturdy and to protect the integrity of the table. They also usually have a single piece of slate instead of 3-pieces of slate. This is because commercial tables need to be moved around often for different events at the venue. With a 1-piece slate, you don’t run the risk of drastically changing the level of the slate as you move it. 

Most commercial tables have single-piece slates that are only ¾” thick. While this makes the slate slightly lighter, the heavy-duty construction of the frame and ball return system more than make up for this. As a result, a 7-foot commercial table will usually weigh around 700 pounds, whereas a 7-foot residential table will weigh between 550 and 600 pounds.   

Materials Used for Slate Table Construction

The materials used to build the rest of the pool table affect weight, but to a much lesser extent. The type of wood used to build the frame can affect the weight. Whether the rails are wood, wood products, composite, or plastic can also affect the weight of the table, although not usually enough to drastically make the table heavier or lighter. 

Understanding the Importance of Weight in a Slate Pool Table

Weight plays a pivotal role when it comes to slate pool tables, more than just the obvious logistical considerations of moving and setting up. To truly appreciate why slate pool tables dominate the market and are highly valued by professionals and enthusiasts alike, one must delve deeper into the intricacies of weight and its impact on the game.

Why Weight Matters

1. Stability: The primary reason slate tables are heavy is because of their robustness. A heavy table ensures that there is minimal movement or vibration, regardless of how intense a game gets. This stability guarantees consistent play, where balls don’t wobble or deviate due to external disturbances.

2. Durability: A heavier table, especially one constructed from high-quality materials, tends to have a longer lifespan. The weight often signifies sturdier construction, meaning the table can withstand wear and tear, accidental hits, and other possible damages, ensuring longevity.

3. Performance Consistency: The weight of the slate ensures a perfectly flat playing surface. Any inconsistencies in the table’s surface can significantly impact the ball’s movement. Heavier slates are less likely to warp over time, thus maintaining the table’s accuracy and performance.

Weight and Table Balance

When discussing weight, it’s vital to understand that even distribution of this weight is just as crucial. The legs of the table play an essential role in this. A well-designed slate pool table will distribute its weight evenly across all four legs, ensuring that no single leg bears too much load. This balance prevents the table from leaning or becoming unstable over time.

Considerations for Home Installation

For those looking to install a slate pool table in their homes, the weight does pose some challenges:

• Flooring: It’s vital to ensure that the flooring can support the weight of the table without any risk of damage. Reinforcements might be needed for certain floor types.

• Moving and Assembly: Given their weight, assembling and moving these tables require care. Professional assistance is often recommended to prevent damage to the table or the home, and to ensure the table is level once set up.

• Future Relocation: If there’s a possibility of moving homes or even rooms, the weight of the table will be a significant consideration. While they’re built to last, relocating them without the right expertise can be challenging.

Now, let’s get into some specifics. 

How Heavy is a 7-Foot Slate Pool Table? (With Examples)

7-foot slate tables are typically found in bars because of their small size, but they can also be a great addition to the home. They usually weigh between 550 and 600 pounds. 

Nixon Billiards Slate Pool Table

This Bryant Slate Pool Table is readily available for purchase at both 7 ft, and 8 ft option. With the 8 ft optionweighing in around 825 pounds.

If you’re looking to elevate your game room with a mix of style, versatility, and function, the Bryant Slate Pool Table by Nixon Billiards is an undeniable contender. This stunner doesn’t just serve as a billiards table—it effortlessly transforms into a dining table, offering a practical solution for those who love to entertain.

Available in both 7 and 8-foot versions, this table provides ample room for both casual and competitive play. Crafted from white mahogany and finished in Weathered Natural, it effortlessly blends with any décor style. One of the table’s standout features is its choice of Teflon spill-proof color felt by Championship, ensuring your table retains its pristine condition over time.

However, what truly sets this table apart is its adaptability. Optional benches and a tabletop can be added, turning your game room centerpiece into a dining room set for family gatherings or parties.

With the Bryant Slate Pool Table, you’re not just investing in a game table; you’re investing in endless possibilities for fun and functionality. Highly recommended!

How Heavy is an 8-Foot Slate Pool Table? (With Examples)

8-foot pool tables get a little heavier than 7-foot tables, as to be expected. Most 8-foot slate tables weigh around 850 pounds,

8’ Ambassador Pool Table

If you have a penchant for the classic and the timeless, the 8’ Ambassador Pool Table may just be what you’ve been searching for. Designed with traditional ball and claw legs, this table effortlessly exudes elegance and sophistication. Its two-tone black and whiskey finish provides a rich aesthetic that serves as a grand centerpiece for any room.

One of the standout features is the 3-piece 1” slate play surface, which ensures a smooth and precise gameplay experience. The table is further enhanced by K66 bumpers, guaranteeing accurate ball rebound and a professional feel to your games.

What makes the Ambassador Pool Table a full-package deal is the Deluxe Accessory Package. It comes loaded with a set of billiard balls, cue sticks, 8 & 9 ball racks, a bridge stick, a table cover, and even a 2-piece Roman Wall Rack for convenient storage. It’s not just a table; it’s an entire billiards experience packed into one elegant piece.

Additionally, the table comes with Championship Invitational Felt, and you even get to choose the color. It’s a touch of customization that elevates the table to a new level of personalization.

The Ambassador isn’t just a pool table; it’s a statement piece that says as much about your taste as it does about your skills in the game. If you’re looking for a pool table that merges traditional design with modern features, this is the table for you.

Highly recommended for those looking for a table with a more classic look!

Playcraft Rio Grande Pool Table

This Rio Grande 8-foot table from Playcraft weighs around 850 pounds. It features a rustic design that is sure to complement any game room. The weathered look of the hardwood gives this table its characteristic rustic look. This along with the joinery and steel features make it a work of art as well as a quality pool table. 

It comes with a 1-inch, 3-piece slate. The leveling mechanisms included in the legs allow for adjustments so you can get the table precisely leveled. 

This table doesn’t come with balls, cues, or other accessories, but it does include your choice of felt color and a 1-year warranty against manufacturer defects.

How Heavy is a 9-Foot Slate Pool Table? (With Examples)

9-foot pool tables are the standard size for pool tournaments. If you’ve ever watched a professional tournament on television, you’ve seen the pros playing on 9-foot tables. These are the heaviest of standard pool tables, as you would expect. They typically weigh between 900 and 1,000 pounds. 

Rasson Billiards Challenger Pool Table

This 9-foot table weighs approximately 900-pounds. Its throwback design is reminiscent of the style popular in the 60s and 70s. It’s a commercial-grade table complete with phenolic resin hardwood veneers for years and years of repeated use. 

The table is reinforced with steel and the feet have micro leveling capabilities so you can get the playing field as level as possible. It features a 1-inch, 3-piece slate and a total playing surface of 50-inches by 100-inches. 

How Heavy is a 10-Foot Slate Table? American Snooker Table

Just for fun, I wanted to mention how much your average 10-foot pool table weighs. Snooker is much more popular across the pond in England, but it’s still fun to know how much American snooker tables weigh. 

A 10-foot snooker table typically weighs around 1500 pounds. Some 10-foot tables have 3-pieces of slate, while others have 5-pieces of slate. 

How Heavy is a 12-Foot Slate Table? English Snooker Table

Full-size snooker tables are 12-feet long and 6-feet wide. These massive tables almost always have 5-pieces of slate. They weigh an average of 2500 pounds! Part of the reason for this is the pieces of slate are thicker than those in pool tables. They’re generally 1 ¾” thick. Each one of the five pieces of slate weighs around 350 pounds. 

I hope this article helps you determine what kind of pool table to get in terms of weight and size!