Last Updated on September 1, 2020 by Jake
Purchasing a pool table can be a large investment. Various factors play a role in the type of table that is the best for you. Before buying, one of the questions that many people ask is what is the difference between wood vs slate pool table?
Depending on what your goals are with your pool table, a slate or wood pool table could be right for you. Typically, experienced pool players say that you need to buy a slate pool table. There are however times when a wood pool table might make more sense for you. Also, note that wood and MDF pool tables are synonymous when you are shopping!
Wood Pool Table
Pros
The material used to construct wood pool tables is lighter than slate. Because of this, it’s much more mobile and easy to move around your game room.
The wood material is much cheaper than the slate material used to make pool tables. Because of this, wood pool tables are naturally cheaper than slate pool tables. So, if you are on a budget a wood pool table option might be the preferred option for you.
In addition to price, wood pool tables are oftentimes the best pool table for kids. This is because of two reasons:
- First, as mentioned before, a cheap pool table is preferable for kids and beginners. You don’t want to invest a ton of money into something when you don’t know if the people using it will like it or not.
- Second, there aren’t many options out there for mini pool tables made of slate. Often, the best pool table for beginners is a table that is smaller than the regulation size. There is an abundance of mini wood pool tables but not so many slate options.
Cons
You get what you pay for. While wood pool tables are a cost-effective option, some aspects of a wood table are just naturally not the best quality.
For example, wood tables are susceptible to warping over time if the table isn’t in a perfectly climate-controlled area.
So, if you plan to keep your pool table in your garage or you live in a super humid area, your wood table could be warped over time.
Also, if you happen to spill a drink on the table it will be absorbed and warp your playing surface.
Aside from this, the gameplay of wood pool tables is much slower compared to slate. Many makers of wood pool tables will try to tell you that the feel of their table is similar to a slate table, but they are embellishing. Players don’t have the same level of speed or control.
Best MDF / Wood Pool Tables
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Hathaway Hustler Pool Table, Blue, 8-Feet | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Sunnydaze 7-Foot Pool Table | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Hathaway Jupiter 7' Pool Table, 84" L x 48" W x 31" H, Black | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Hathaway Mirage 7.5' Pool Table, Black/Red | Check Price on Amazon |
Slate Pool Table
Pros
As you can imagine, a slate pool table surface will provide superior gameplay. Balls will roll straight and true. Players can control the cue ball with precision.
Professional pool and billiard tournaments are played on slate bed surfaces for this reason. If you are the type of player who loves to improve, you will want to play on the best surface.
A slate pool table is extremely durable. Warping should not be an issue unless you really hit something hard into the surface of the table. Temperature won’t affect the table. You might need to replace the cloth from time to time, but the surface itself could last you a lifetime.
Cons
The main reason people choose a wood vs slate pool table is the price. Slate pool tables are definitely on the pricier end of the spectrum.
This is largely due to the fact that the heavier material costs more to source, shape, and transport. Some of that cost naturally gets passed along to the end customer.
The weight of slate pool tables can also be viewed as a downside. Often times pool tables remain stationary for months and years on end, but some people prefer a more portable or transportable pool table.
Best Slate Pool Tables
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Barrington Claremont Slate Billiard Table Set: 100-Inch Wooden Game Room Pool Table - Premium Heavy Duty Queen Anne Leg Billiard Table with Wool Cloth | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Carmelli Cobra Authentic 3-Piece Slate Regulation 8' Billiards Pool Table with Black Felt and Accessories | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Barrington Urban Professional Billiard Pool Table, Full Set with Accessories, Standard 8’ - Modern and Stylish Wooden Playing Tables with Balls, Cues, Rack - Billiards Game Complete Sets | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Fat Cat Reno 7.5’ Pool Table with Dark Cherry Finish and Wine Colored Cloth, Accuslate Billiard Surface for Consistent Straight Shots and Sturdy Straight Legs for Stability | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Triumph 89” Santa Fe Billiard Table Featuring Traditional Claw Feet and Drop Pockets | Check Price on Amazon |
 | EastPoint Sports Masterton Billiard Pool Table - Tan Felt , 87-inch - Features Traditional Claw Legs and Parlor Style Drop Pockets - Includes 2 Cues, Billiards Balls, and Triangle | Check Price on Amazon |
Wood vs Slate Pool Table – Final Decision
At the end of the day, your preferences and goals for your pool table matter when deciding a wood vs a slate pool table. For beginners, kids, or folks on a budget, I recommend a wood pool table.
For intermediate, expert, or aspiring players with a little more of a budget, I’d suggest ponying up for a slate bed pool table.
Wood vs Slate pool table – where to buy?
You can easily buy various pool tables on Amazon. If you’re looking to step up your billiard knowledge, check out our other great resources right here:
Need some ideas for your game room? Check out our post on game room ideas to get inspired!
