How Much Is a Pool Table? | Real Costs By Size And Type

That number catches most first-time buyers off guard. The sticker price is rarely the final cost. Delivery, professional assembly, and a basic accessory set push the total up by several hundred dollars. What you actually spend depends heavily on table type, size, and whether you buy new or used — and the spread between a kids’ table and a tournament-grade model is enormous.

What Drives A Pool Table’s Price?

Four factors determine the price: playing surface material, construction quality, size, and the cost of getting it into your room.

Slate vs. non-slate. Slate is the single biggest price driver. A slate playing surface is heavier and flatter, giving a consistent roll across the entire table. Non-slate tables, usually made of MDF or wood, play fine for casual games but warp and wear faster. Budget MDF tables commonly cost $300–$1,500 and are positioned for kids or light recreational use.

Build quality and materials. Solid hardwood frames, thicker slate (typically 1 inch or more), higher-grade cloth, and custom finishes all add cost. A table from a major manufacturer like Brunswick Billiards or Imperial sits at a different quality level than a budget brand, and the price reflects it.

Delivery and installation. These are easy to overlook. Retail guides commonly list $200–$400 for delivery and $300–$600 for professional installation. Slate tables arrive in heavy pieces and need leveling and cloth stretching — work best left to a pro. A full accessory set (balls, cues, rack, brush) adds roughly $200–$400 more.

If you’re working with a tighter budget, our tested roundup of the best budget pool tables covers solid slate models that won’t break the bank.

Price By Table Type And Quality

Pool table prices cluster into clear tiers. These ranges reflect current U.S. retailer and consumer guidance.

Retailer listings tell the same story. A.E. Schmidt prices its entry-level through premium home tables from roughly $2,495 up to $11,940. Brand-name collections from Olhausen, Brunswick’s Contender line, and Playcraft occupy the mid-range, while the Brunswick Gold Crown and Diamond tables anchor the premium tier. On the budget end, Fat Cat, Hathaway, and GoSports dominate the MDF category.

Does Pool Table Size Change The Cost?

Yes, and size matters more than most buyers expect. The three standard sizes serve different purposes, and comparing them as interchangeable options is a common mistake.

7-foot tables are the bar-table size. Consumer guides often list them at $300–$1,500, but quality home models from established manufacturers typically run $2,500 or more. These fit smaller rooms and play faster.

8-foot tables are the most common home size. Pricing spans roughly $800–$3,000 in general guides, though quality slate models from major brands usually start around $3,000. This size balances playability and room footprint.

9-foot tables are the professional tournament standard. Prices commonly range from $2,000–$10,000+, depending heavily on build quality and brand, and professional-grade models climb well beyond that. These tables need a genuinely large room — they’re built for clubs and serious players, not small rec rooms.

New Vs. Used: Which Saves More?

A used pool table often looks like the obvious money-saver, and it can be — but the math isn’t always clean. Used tables commonly sell for $700–$3,000 depending on condition and grade. The catch: moving a heavy slate table, replacing worn felt, and leveling it professionally can eat a large chunk of the savings.

A restored or premium used table runs $2,500–$4,500 or more, which often lands close to the price of a new mid-range model. Before buying used, factor in the full cost of delivery, reassembly, new cloth, and any repairs. When those costs push the total near a new entry-level slate table, buying new usually wins — you get a warranty and a table that hasn’t been mistreated by a previous owner.

What Should You Budget All-In?

That includes the table itself, delivery, professional installation, and a basic accessory set.

The most common mistake is quoting the sticker price and ignoring the add-ons. Another is assuming every table is slate — MDF tables are cheaper for a reason, and serious players will feel the difference in every shot.

Shop from established manufacturers like Imperial or PoolTables.com, get an itemized quote that includes delivery and setup, and buy the biggest quality slate table your room can genuinely fit.