A new slate pool table for home use costs between $1,800 and $3,000 on average. MDF (wood-bed) tables are significantly cheaper, running $300 to $1,500. At the high end, custom and designer tables can push past $5,000 to $10,000 or more. The biggest price drivers are the playing surface material, the build quality of the frame, and the brand name on the table.
I’ve bought two pool tables over the years. My first was a $700 MDF table that served me well for about four years before the bed started showing wear. My second is a mid-range slate table that cost just under $2,500 with delivery. The difference in playing quality is significant, but the MDF table was the right choice when I was starting out and didn’t know if I’d stick with the hobby.
Price Ranges by Playing Surface
The playing surface is the single biggest factor in the price of a pool table. Everything else, from the frame wood to the felt quality, scales up or down based on whether the bed is slate or MDF.
Under $500: Budget MDF tables. These are entry-level tables with particleboard or basic MDF beds, lightweight frames, and standard accessories. They work for casual play and kids’ game rooms. Expect them to last 3 to 5 years in a climate-controlled space. The felt and cushions on tables in this range are functional but won’t feel like what you play on at a pool hall.
$500 to $1,500: Mid-range MDF and entry slate. This is where the market starts to split. At the lower end, you get higher-quality MDF tables with sturdier frames, better felt, and improved cushion rubber. At the upper end, you start seeing entry-level one-piece slate tables from smaller brands. The playing experience improves noticeably over budget tables.
$1,500 to $3,000: Standard slate tables. This is the sweet spot for serious home players. Tables in this range use three-piece slate beds (usually 3/4-inch or 1-inch thick), solid wood frames, and tournament-grade felt options. Brands like Olhausen and Brunswick dominate this space, along with Imperial. Most tables at this price point will last 20 years or more with basic maintenance.
$3,000 to $5,000: Premium slate tables. You’re paying for thicker slate (1-inch standard), exotic wood frames, premium Simonis or Championship felt, and better cushion rubber. The playing experience is closer to what you’d find in a professional tournament venue. Brands at this level often include delivery and professional installation in the purchase price.
$5,000 and up: Custom and designer tables. At this price, you’re buying furniture as much as a pool table. Custom wood species, hand-carved details, leather pockets, and one-of-a-kind designs push tables into the five-figure range. The playing surface is excellent, but much of the premium goes toward aesthetics rather than playability improvements.
What Drives the Price Up
Beyond the playing surface, several factors determine where a table falls in the price spectrum.
Frame and leg construction matters more than most buyers realize. Cheap tables use press-board or thin MDF for the cabinet and legs. These can bow or wobble within a few years, especially under the weight of a slate bed. Quality tables use solid hardwood (oak, maple, or poplar) for the frame and legs. The wood costs more, but it keeps the table stable and level for decades.
Felt quality affects both price and gameplay. Budget tables come with polyester blend felt that pills and wears quickly. Mid-range tables use wool-nylon blends that last longer and play faster. Premium tables offer worsted cloth like Simonis 860, which is what you see on tournament tables. Upgrading the felt on a budget table is possible but adds $200 to $400 to the total cost.
Cushion rubber is often overlooked. The rubber bumpers on the rails determine how balls bounce off the cushions. Cheap tables use low-grade rubber that deadens over time, making bank shots unpredictable. Quality tables use K-66 profile rubber that maintains consistent bounce for years.
Brand reputation carries a premium. Olhausen and Brunswick tables cost more partly because of name recognition, but also because these companies have decades of manufacturing consistency behind them. You’re paying for predictable quality and warranty support. I’ve played on no-name tables that felt fine, but the peace of mind with a known brand is real, especially on a purchase this large.
Used Pool Tables
The used market is where budget-conscious buyers find the best value. A slate table that cost $2,500 new might sell for $800 to $1,500 used, depending on age and condition. The slate bed itself doesn’t degrade, so the main things to check are the felt condition, cushion rubber bounce, and whether the frame is still solid and level.
I’ve seen excellent deals on local marketplace listings where families are moving and need to get rid of a table quickly. The key expense with a used table is moving it. Professional pool table movers charge $300 to $500 to break down and reassemble a slate table at the new location. That cost is unavoidable unless you have experience leveling slate, which most people don’t.
When buying used, avoid tables with visible water damage on the legs or frame, as this usually means the slate shims and leveling are compromised. Also check that the slate pieces sit flush at the seams. A ridge or gap between slate sections means the table wasn’t properly set up or has shifted.
Additional Costs to Budget For
The sticker price on a pool table isn’t the final number. Here are the extra costs that catch first-time buyers off guard.
Delivery and installation runs $200 to $400 for slate tables if not included in the purchase. MDF tables are lighter and some buyers can set them up without professional help, but slate requires a team. Some retailers include white-glove delivery in the price, so ask before buying.
Accessories are sometimes bundled but often sold separately. A basic kit with two cues, a ball set, a triangle rack, and chalk costs $50 to $150. Upgrading to quality cues adds another $50 to $200 per cue. If you’re buying a table for the first time, budget at least $100 for accessories unless the table comes with a complete starter package.
Refelting will eventually be necessary, typically every 3 to 7 years depending on how often you play. Professional refelting costs $300 to $500 including materials and labor. You can do it yourself for $100 to $200 in materials, but it requires patience and a staple gun.
Room preparation is easy to overlook. You need clearance on all four sides of the table for a full cue stroke, typically 4.5 to 5 feet from each rail to the nearest wall. If your room is tight, check our guide on wall clearance requirements before buying.
Worth checking out: If you’re shopping for a solid home table, take a look at the Barrington Billiards 7.5ft Table on Amazon.
FAQ
How much does a pool table cost on average?
A new slate pool table for home use costs between $1,800 and $3,000 on average. MDF tables run significantly cheaper at $300 to $1,500. Used slate tables in good condition typically sell for $500 to $2,000 depending on brand and age.
Why are slate pool tables so expensive?
Slate is heavy, difficult to transport, and requires professional installation. A three-piece slate bed alone can weigh 400 to 500 pounds. The frame and legs must be built to support that weight, which means higher-quality wood and construction. Shipping costs are also substantial because of the weight.
Is a cheap pool table worth buying?
For casual play, yes. A $500 to $800 MDF table gives you a functional playing surface that lasts 5 to 8 years in a climate-controlled room. If you play weekly or plan to keep the table more than 5 years, investing in a slate table pays off in durability and playing quality.
What extra costs come with buying a pool table?
Delivery and professional assembly typically run $200 to $400 if not included in the purchase price. A basic accessory kit with cues, balls, a rack, and chalk costs $50 to $150. Refelting runs $300 to $500 when eventually needed. Budget an extra $300 to $600 beyond the table price.
Related Articles
For more on this topic, check out pool table reviews, best pool tables under $1,000, best pool tables for small spaces, how long MDF tables last, and refelting costs.
Check out our top-rated gear picks — selected and reviewed by billiards enthusiasts.