As every pool player has realized at some point or another, the regulation pool table found in most pool halls is not the same size as those found in many homes and activity centres. Pool tables come in a full range of different sizes and are often designed quite differently to incorporate different styles of play. For instance, bumper pool is a unique form of cue games that requires a pool table with a special set of bumpers installed the middle of the table. The games of English billiards and snooker are traditionally played on ten-foot tables.

The game of modern eight-ball pool shares its roots in a similar game that first appeared in the late sixteenth century. Fans of outdoor games such as golf and croquet were in search playing a similar game inside and began playing similar games on billiard tables. The popularity of tennis gave rise to the sport of ping pong in a similar manner. Early forms of billiards involved the games that required the player to push the balls about the table rather than shooting them. During the early nineteenth century, innovative players created early pool cues in order to incorporate shooting the balls into the game as well. Finally, pockets were added to the billiard table to add an extra element of hazard to the game.

Of all of the features to take into consideration when purchasing or maintaining a pool table, none are quite as important as ensuring that the felt surface is absolutely flawless. Despite the popular nomenclature, the fabric surface of a pool table is not "felt" but a manufactured woollen textile known as baize. Because even the slightest amount of surface moisture can affect the game, some pool tables are designed to provide constant warmth to the surface of the pool table and keep it completely dry.

A solid pool table can easily last for many generations so long as it is properly cared for. Much like a musical instrument, changes in humidity and temperature greatly increase the chance of warping a pool table in ways that can be fairly difficult to repair. Other damages come from simple thoughtlessness, such as setting a sweating beverage upon the fabric of the table.

Traditionally known as cue sports, there are actually quite a large number of variations that players might choose to play outside of the traditional game of eight-ball. Other common forms of billiards include nine-ball, bank pool, one-pocket and snooker.

The traditional six pocket pool table must meet certain criteria in order to be up to regulation for professional play. A regulation eight-ball table is nine feet long and four and a half feet wide. Pool tables can either be constructed with the cost effective single slab of slate or the three slab design that keeps the humidity on the surface of the table to a minimum.

While a severely damaged pool table made need to be refinished by a professional furniture repair person, there are many pool table repair projects that any amateur craftsman should be able to accomplish. The most important parts to focus on are ensuring that the table is perfectly steady and universally level. In many cases, the fabric surface of the table may need to be replaced as well.