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Owning a pool table opens up a world of entertainment for your home. Making sure that your pool table has quality accessories helps to make the most of your experience and makes gameplay more convenient and engaging. The right accessories can transform your rec room into a professional-grade billiards room. So, if you want to find the best pool table accessories for your rec room, here's what you need to know.
Pool Table Accessories & Equipment
Quality accessories give your pool table a professional-level experience for even the most casual players. Before hosting your first games, ensure you have the gear you need to run a seamless night of play. These must-haves ensure you have the right equipment for racking, shooting, and maintaining your table.
Pool Cues
First, you'll need to invest in good pool cues matched to your players' sizes, skills, and preferences. Well-made cues should be straight and have good gripping surfaces, proper weight, and balanced design.
Keep several cues on hand—enough for everyone, plus a few extras. Store the cues safely in a wall-mounted rack or case when not using them. You can check cue straightness with a cue clamp to make sure they're in good shape.
Cue Chalk
Chalk is necessary for creating enough friction between the cue tip and cue ball to prevent bad shots. Ensure players re-chalk before every shot by keeping three to four fresh cubes in holders on the rails.
Use quality hand-shaped chalk blocks made specifically for billiards and avoid cheap colored chalk that can damage tips and cloth. Keeping plenty of chalk available is key for accurate, powerful shots.
Table Brush
You should also use a soft-bristle table brush frequently between shots. This gently removes built-up chalk dust or dirt from the felt surface and helps maintain good ball rolls without obstruction during shots.
Try to have two or three brushes around the table for easy access. Regular brushing also helps to extend the cloth's lifespan and reduces the need to replace the felt too often.
Ball Racks
A good ball rack neatly arranges the balls to start games quickly. Choose a sturdy wooden rack over plastic to reliably hold the balls tight for the break shot. While plastic racks might be lighter in weight, they're more likely to develop cracks and break apart over time. Invest in a wooden ball rack sturdy enough to withstand years of play.
Pool Balls
You can't play pool without pool balls. Pick up a set of regulation 2 1/4" pool balls approved for competitive play. Clean the balls routinely with mild soap; examine for chips or cracks that impact roll, and replace complete sets as needed to maintain ideal weight and contacts. Consider useful specialty balls like cue balls with handy alignment aids to elevate your skills. You can find pool and billiard balls at sporting goods stores or from many leading brands manufacturing quality pool tables.
Table Tennis Tops
Table tennis tops, are a great option if you have limited space. These portable tops sit right on top of a normal dining table or other surface to instantly create a playable game table. Table tennis tops provide an affordable and space-saving way to enjoy tennis at home without a full-sized permanent table. With the right top, you can quickly transform any table into one suitable for fun game nights.
Innovative Accessories and Technology
Once you've got all the essentials for your pool table, you can also think about the bells and whistles. Some specialty accessories incorporate technology and innovation to aid skills, such as:
- Training Balls: “Return balls” have internal weights causing them to return to the shooter regardless of spin. This enables solo practice from any location.
- Laser Guides: Laser sights attach to cues allowing players to perfect their aim and learn ideal shot alignment. Visual guides improve skills.
Whether high-tech innovations or tried-and-true classics, having the right accessories transforms a basic table into a decked-out recreational paradise perfect for your lifestyle.
Game Room Furnishings and Decor
Decorating your game room with fun furnishings and equipment beyond the pool table will make it a space everyone wants to hang out in.
Poker Tables
A full-sized poker table with drink holders, chip trays, and felt surface allows you to host competitive poker nights at home just like the casinos. Choose a felt color and material that withstands frequent use. Built-in chip trays and cupholders make gaming convenient.
Shuffleboard Tables
Entertain guests with shuffleboard, a classic game of sliding weighted pucks down a long, smooth wooden playfield. Choose wood for durability and have scoring units at both ends to keep games competitive. Consider a table that lets you raise and lower the playfield for storage.
Air Hockey Tables
Air hockey tables feature smooth playfields with thousands of tiny holes that emit constant air currents to levitate the puck. This enables incredibly fast-paced back-and-forth play as opponents try to sink the puck into the goal.
Arcade Games
Relive the glory days of classic arcade video games like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Donkey Kong, or play a golf simulation by installing arcade games in your rec room. Everyone, across all ages, will enjoy being able to play.
Foosball Tables
Foosball tables feature rows of small metal soccer players on rotating rods that you control to kick the ball and score on your opponent. Look for a table with a sturdy cabinet, smooth playfield, and ergonomic grips that withstand competitive play.
Ping Pong Tables
Ping pong provides fast-paced fun for all ages and abilities. Look for competition-ready tables or stylized ones with the features you love. Some tables fold up for convenience or are made of beautiful wooden features that make them stand out.
Pool & Billiards Tables from Watson's
If you’re interested in finding the perfect pool table, explore the finest products in pool gaming at Watson’s
When you shop with us, you’ll find an amazing selection and personalized service, along with the guaranteed lowest prices in the USA. We have a wide variety of pool tables that come in different weights and sizes, air hockey tables, and arcade cabinets from the leading brands along with tons of accessories to make your rec room complete. Shop online or stop by your nearest Watson’s location today and create your ultimate Rec Room with us.
FAQs
How many pool cues should I have for my table?
Stock your table with cues equal to the maximum number of people who would play at once, plus a few spares. Most tables do well with 6 cues.
What size pool table brush do I need?
Standard brushes are 15-17 inches long. Match this to your table width. Larger specialty brushes clean the entire surface in fewer strokes.
Should I install a ball return system?
For convenience, it can be a good idea to install a ball return system. Ball returns eliminate manual ball chasing and keep the pace brisk. Buy an under-rail system matched to your table size.
