Things to Consider When Buying a Used Pool Table

Although we are in the business of selling new pool tables, occasionally we have customers who are interested in purchasing a used pool table. After many years of servicing all makes and models of pool tables as well as dismantling, moving and re-assembling used pool tables, I can easily say that when you think you are getting a good deal on a used pool table you probably aren’t. Here’s why:

1. First of all, if you are buying a used pool table that has somehow ended up online or in the newspaper this means that the person selling the table doesn’t have any friends or family members who wanted it. This could be for one of two reasons – either the seller wants too much for it or it is not in very good condition. In either case, you have to wonder if this is a good buy for yourself. If the seller wants too much for it, could you purchase a similar table new and have it custom made to your specifications plus have new cloth and accessories included? Probably! If it is in rough condition, do you really want it anyway, even if it was really cheap? If you just finished renovating your game room and spent time and money to make it look amazing, do you really want to put a crummy looking table in? Probably not!
2. Next is the table itself. We have dismantled many a table that had cracked, chipped, broken or mismatched slate pieces which the buyer and even the seller were unaware of before it came apart. This is important because you will probably have to replace the slate, which will include replacing all 3 pieces. If the table is already apart, it will be very difficult to verify all the hardware is still there in order to put it back together. Some pool table manufacturers have specialized hardware which is only available from the company that made the table. It won’t help if that company is no longer in business! Another thing to consider is that just by looking at a jumble of pieces, can you tell if everything is really there or what kind of condition its in? We have had situations over the years of missing rail pieces and once a missing leg piece!
3. When you are buying a used pool table, you never know what might have happened to it before it comes to your house. If the homeowner was a smoker, the smell will get into the wood and the cloth and will continue to smell for months if not years. If the seller had pets, it is entirely possible that the funky smell emanating from the table is cat or dog pee (yes, we have seen that as well). Cloth can be replaced, but replacing a leg that is damaged will be much more difficult. Especially if the manufacturer has gone out of business.
4. The hidden costs of purchasing a used pool table can sometimes make buying one more expensive than getting a new pool table. You will need to dismantle, move and re-install it at your house (read my article “Moving A Pool Table Yourself” to get more information on moving a pool table). If it needs new cloth, you will also need to purchase that and have it installed. If the table is not an Olhausen Billiards pool table, you may need to replace the rubber cushions as well. You may also need to purchase new pool cues, balls, triangle, rest, cue rack or light, depending on what the seller is including.

When you buy a new pool table, you get to choose exactly how it will look. You choose the table itself (traditional, modern, ornate, simple design) plus you choose the cloth and table finish to match your decor. It will come with brand new accessories and pool cues that aren’t warped plus Hot Shots includes the delivery and installation of you new Olhausen Billiards pool table. Easy and simple and depending on how much the used table you’re looking at, it could be close to the same price!

I’m not saying there aren’t some good deals to be had out there! Just be cautious when thinking about purchasing a used pool table and make sure you know all of your costs up front!