Slate vs. Slatron Pool Table: What’s the Difference?

There seems to be a bevy of different types of pool tables nowadays. There are several different materials used to make the bed, or playing surface, of pool tables. And if you’re in the market for a table, or simply curious about the different materials, you may be wondering: “There’s slate and there’s slatron; what’s the difference?” Well, I’m here to tell you.

Slate is a type of metamorphic rock. It’s heavy, long-lasting, and the only material used in pool tables for professional tournaments. Slatron is considered the best alternative to slate, but many people find it lacking. It’s made of particleboard covered by plastic to create a smooth surface. While most players prefer slate tables, slatron is ideal for certain situations.

Why Players Prefer Slate

Read on to discover more about the difference between slate and slatron pool tables.

Slate vs Slatron: Which is More Durable?

Before slate was used in pool tables, wood was the primary surface for billiards. That was until 1826 when a man named John Thurston got the bright idea that flat rock would make a better playing surface. It wouldn’t warp like wood and would ensure a smooth, flat playing surface.

Slate vs Slatron: Which is Cheaper?

It didn’t take long before the billiard world caught on and never looked back. Well, kind of. The truth is that wood tables are still made today, even though slate is by far the more popular material for pool tables.

Slate vs Slatron: Which is Lighter?

Slatron is a natural progression in the search for a lighter material that will play similar to slate.

The Pros and Cons

Ever since plastic started being used in many consumer goods, its uses have expanded almost beyond comprehension. It is only natural that it would be used in pool tables as an alternative to slate.

Slatron Pros and Cons

Why Players Prefer Slate

For Kids

Most pool players who have played on both slate and slatron main complain that the “feel” of slatron tables is inferior. The balls seem to move differently. They don’t roll as smooth or as straight as they do on a slate pool table.

For Those on a Budget

With the right equipment, you could surely measure the difference between how the balls behave on a slatron table vs a slate table, but most players don’t go this far. They simply know that playing on each table is different enough to facilitate a preference for slate.

For Those Who Move Often

But this is not to say that slate is the best table for everyone. After all, it’s a matter of feel for most. But, we’ll get to that in due time. First, let’s take a look at hard facts about each type of table.

For Recreational Play

Slate vs Slatron: Which is More Durable?

Considering the Long-term Investment: Value Over Time

Slate tables are many times more durable than slatron tables. Even though slatron tables have a layer of protective plastic on them, they can still warp. Although slatron is more durable than MDF, it’s still made of wood and plastic, neither of which are completely warp-resistant like slate is.

Maintenance Costs

Slate vs Slatron: Which is Cheaper?

Making the Choice: Value Over Time

So, for those looking for a cheap table that will give them a few good years of play, a slatron table might be the best bet.

Slate vs Slatron: Which is Lighter?

Another big purchasing factor is how heavy the table is. Slatron tables are much lighter than slate tables— usually by hundreds of pounds. Many people prefer a light table that they can move easily if needed.

However, this is a double-edged sword, because a light table means a less sturdy and durable table. It also means that, if someone leans on it, it can move. Or if someone sits on the table, it may damage it.

However, with the proper care, a light slatron table is ideal for those who don’t want to deal with the hassles that come with a heavy slate table.

The Pros and Cons

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Worth checking out: If you’re shopping for a solid home table, take a look at the Barrington Billiards 7.5ft Table on Amazon.

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For more on this topic, check out pool table reviews, best pool tables for small spaces, standard pool table sizes, how heavy slate pool tables are, and how long pool tables last.