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.
Read on to discover how heavy slate pool tables are, with examples.
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.
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.
Valley Panther Pool Table
This pool table weighs in at 605 pounds. Valley is known for their commercial-grade pool tables, and this one is built to their exceptional standards. It has a single-piece, ¾” slate surrounded by a sleek, heavy-duty frame.
It also features a ball return instead of drop pockets, which makes starting a new game even easier. It also features built-in leg levelers. Comes fully assembled apart from the legs, so you won’t need a professional installer.
Universal Billiards Texas Colt Table
This mesh of modern and classic designs comes together well in this drop-pocket table. For a 7-foot table, the Texas Colt is a little heavy, coming in at around 800 pounds. It features a 1 ¼” backed slate and pure gum rubber rails for plenty of consistent games.
The table is hand-crafted in Dallas, Texas, and is partially made from reclaimed materials. The solid hardwood rails and premium leather pockets make for a tough, sturdy, 7-foot table ideal for any game room.
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, but this is not always the case. As we saw on the Universal Billiards table above, there are always exceptions to the rule. And, the first example table on our list is light for an 8-foot table.
Brunswick Golden Oaks Pool Table
Brunswick has been making pool tables for years, so it’s no wonder that they managed to make an exceptionally light yet sturdy pool table. The Golden Oaks table weighs approximately 700 pounds.
It features a 1-inch, 3-piece slate, and select veneered hardwood. Some of the table is made from engineered wood products, which contributes to its lightweight. It’s made with heavy-gauge steel fastening systems for the ultimate in support and stability.
This table includes all you need to get started:
- 4 58-inch cues
- A set of billiard balls
- Bridge stick
- Bridge head
- Triangle rack
- Table brush
- 12 pieces of chalk
With a brand name like Brunswick, you know you’re getting one of the best tables out there.
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.
Legacy Billiards Ella Pool Table
Legacy makes an affordable, tournament-size table in the Ella. Its curved legs give the classic pool table design a modern twist. This table is approximately 900-pounds. It features premium rubber cushions, all-wood corners, and a solid wood cabinet.
The slate is 1-inch thick and comes in 3 separate pieces. The pockets are made of genuine leather and the table has a furniture-quality finish.
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!
