Building a Slate Pool Table

Plans and Design

The first step to take is to read plans and designs for slate pool tables. Building one can be a complex process. You need to balance and build the legs, attach the table, cut the holes and design a ball retrieve if desired, so finding a free set of plans online or in a book is the best way to begin. You will find that most plans are very detailed and that many instructional books on building a pool table give you good advice and explanations about the process. They tell you which wood to use, how to achieve a perfectly level table and where to find accessories. Avoid books with short cuts or "faster ways" to build a pool table.

Finding the Slate

You can buy slate from a masonry store. It is sold in slabs and can be cut to the proper size you need. It is expensive, however. Slate is also sold from pool table suppliers. This is most likely a better option because it is the right kind of slate for a pool table. The reason is it is made for this use. Other slate is rough cut slate that can be used for tiles and tables; it may need to be polished and sanded to a perfectly flat and level surface and that takes special machinery. Check around at masonry supply companies first just see what they offer and what they charge for slate, then visit a pool and billiards company to see what kind of slate they sell.

Size

When you build a pool table you can make it any size you like. That's the best part about building your own. You don't need to wedge it into a room or bump up against the walls when you shoot. Just make the pool table the right size for your room.

Time and Costs

If you are going to build your own pool table be forewarned that the costs are going to be about as much as buying one new. You will spend at least $1,000 or more just on the basic supplies, and maybe more. However, you will end up with a better table and feel the satisfaction of doing it yourself. You could spend anywhere from a few weeks to a few months completing the project as well. There is a lot of measuring, cutting and woodworking that needs to be done, and everything must be precise.