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Gathering in the rec room to play pool with friends and family is a tradition that creates memories to last a lifetime. With the right table, you can have that same competitive fun of a crowded pool hall without ever leaving the comfort of your home. But with so many options on the market, what are the best pool table brands?
Top Pool Table Brands
A few exceptional companies lead the pack when it comes to pool table innovation, quality, and sophistication. Here's a closer look at two of today's most popular pool table brands for homes and the value they offer.
Plank & Hide
Founded in 2014, Plank & Hide burst onto the premium pool table scene by revamping traditional designs with an emphasis on industrial-rustic aesthetics. Based in Cincinnati, their unique tables incorporate reclaimed wood, weathered metals, and fine leather for one-of-a-kind elegance.
Plank & Hide's specialty is handcrafting tables using reclaimed wood engineered to form each playing surface. Their precision woodwork highlights the natural cracks, knots, and imperfections in the reclaimed lumber. The Plank & Hide style focuses on blending eye-catching industrial and vintage elements. Many tables feature a hand-welded blackened steel frame or legs along with wood accents. Leather is integrated into pockets and bottle holders as an upscale detail.
While their pool tables use rugged materials, Plank & Hide elevate their designs through refined finishing and small luxuries like leather pockets. There is an unmistakable masculine edge to their tables that acts as a focal point for a room designed for entertainment and impressions.
While industrial styles are certainly the standout products in their collection, Plank & Hide manufactures a wide range of unique pool table styles for enthusiasts, from vintage-inspired pieces to classic pool tables that would be at home in any pub or pool hall. You can see the same level of craftsmanship and attention to detail in these more traditional styles as you would in their industrial models. With unique legs, corners, and a wooden framework, each pool table from Plank & Hide is more interesting than the last.
Plank & Hide tables are available in a variety of lengths to accommodate both tight and open game rooms. This range of options allows homeowners to find a breathtaking table to meet their unique interior design vision.
The benefits of choosing a Plank & Hide pool table include:
- Unique Style: Their striking blended designs stand out from any other pool table.
- Craftsmanship: Pool tables are made from hand-selected and joined reclaimed wood, along with exceptional attention to detail.
- Conversation Starter: The modern industrial style featuring metal and reclaimed wood is sure to intrigue guests.
- Masculine Edge: Pool tables made with rugged industrial materials give tables a refined masculine vibe.
Plank & Hide pool tables are as great a choice for urban professionals and bachelor pads as they are for big suburban families. Their bold tables transform modern living spaces into upscale game rooms; especially lofts, duplexes, and basements. For pool enthusiasts seeking one-of-a-kind rustic flair, Plank & Hide's tables deliver an unforgettable experience.
Brunswick
With origins tracing back to 1845, Brunswick Billiards is one of the most iconic and influential pool table brands in the world. Their heritage of quality American manufacturing and innovation continues to set standards across the billiards industry. Brunswick offers one of the most diverse product lines, from vintage retro models to state-of-the-art arcade-style pool tables and just about everything in between.
For over 170 years, Brunswick has been the choice of serious pool sharks and casual players alike. Their traditional table styles exude quality craftsmanship through thick slates, hardwood construction, and fine details. While time-honored craftsmanship is at the center of their business, Brunswick also has a proven track record of innovation. Their exclusive High-Performance Nut Plates, Hardened Dome Washers, and Superspeed cushion rubber enable unmatched accuracy on rails and shots.
With in-house engineering and manufacturing, Brunswick can deliver your ideal table in sizes up to 9 feet. This includes standard competition sizes as well as shortened home models for tight spaces. Their tables are right at home in professional halls as well as residential basements and are made to be compatible with all the must-have accessories for pool table owners.
Key benefits of Brunswick Billiards pool tables include:
- Heritage Quality: Unrivaled reputation with generations of proven excellence.
- Diverse Styles: A wide range of designs from ornate traditional to sleek modern tables.
- Customization: Options are available for customizing sizes, materials, and built-ins.
- Innovation: Cutting-edge features like Superpeed cushions enable smooth gameplay.
- Playability: Every table is made for ideal ball roll and bounce for competitive play.
The Brunswick name has defined great pool tables for generations. With a rich legacy and diverse catalog, you can find the perfect pool table for your space with Brunswick. Everywhere from hotels, country clubs, man caves, and billiard halls rely on Brunswick for style, performance, and heritage. And your home can, too. For home luxury, Brunswick is America's premier heritage billiards brand.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Pool Table Brand
Selecting the right pool table brand goes beyond just reviewing specs and pricing. You want the reassurance of lasting performance, quality, and style integration for your home. Keep these essential factors front of mind as you decide which brand best matches your recreational vision.
Quality of Materials and Craftsmanship
Never settle for subpar construction or half-measured workmanship in a home pool table. Take a look at how each brand engineers critical components like the slate bed, cushions, rails, legs, and playing surfaces to maintain accuracy and longevity decade after decade.
Top-tier manufacturers take painstaking measures to hand-select the finest hardwoods for ornate carvings, joinery, and legs. A thick, precision-ground slate is essential for a perfectly flat playing surface. Insist on at least 1" slate thickness. Precision leveling and felt installation should be done by seasoned professionals. Such attention to detail ensures your life satisfaction.
Also, focus on how finishings like stains, lacquers, leather, and metal accents are applied. Meticulous hand-finishing separates high-end brands from mass-production quality.
But whether you go for a Brunswick or a Plank & Hide table, quality and craftsmanship won't be an issue you need to stress over.
Brand Reputation and Prestige
The most esteemed pool table brands earn their prestigious reputation by consistently delivering excellence and satisfaction for generations of loyal customers.
Before investing in a brand, thoroughly research its reputation in billiards communities and reviews. A longstanding history of satisfied customers demonstrates a dedication to quality production and service. Also, examine the brand's reputation for finding innovative ways to enhance the customer experience. A history of excellence means you are investing in meaningful quality.
But don't underestimate the quality of newer brands, either. If you can find a quality brand available for sale at a reputable retailer with a long history of customer satisfaction like Watson's, you can bet that it's a good choice.
Budget and Price Range Considerations
Pool tables range in cost from relatively affordable models to luxury, high-priced tables. Materials, construction techniques, sizes, and ornamental detailing contribute to pricing. But it's important to remember that it's still completely possible to get a quality basic table on a modest budget that still provides years of fun.
However, also know that you get what you pay for with pool tables. Think of your purchase as an investment in fine furniture built to last for generations. Determine an appropriate investment amount based on your budget, then go for the highest caliber table possible within your budget. Understand that premier materials, artisan workmanship, and quality control come at a cost but reward you with lasting pride.
Designs and Styling
Personal taste plays a major role in selecting your ideal table style. Make sure the manufacturer you choose offers designs aligned with your home architecture and furniture. All preferences from traditional ornate carvings to sleek modern metals, can be found in the leading quality brands.
Take a look at details like the stains, woods, taper profiles, leg styles, and other features. Do these choices complement or distract from your intended room design? Think about how the table adds inspiration and purpose to the existing layout. After all, your pool table should highlight your unique style and help to pull your rec room together as a cohesive space.
Pool & Billiards Tables from Watson's
If you’re interested in finding the perfect pool table, delve into our wide range of pool products.
When you shop with Watson's, 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, air hockey tables, and arcade cabinets from the leading brands, along with tons of accessories to complete your rec room. Check out our Rec Room selections online or stop by your nearest Watson’s location today.
FAQs
What is the best quality pool table brand?
The best pool table brands include brands with stellar reputations. Two of the best include Brunswick and Plank & Hide, both available at Watson's.
How do I choose a quality pool table?
When choosing a quality pool table, opt for solid hardwood construction and at least 1-inch slate thickness, which provides durability and excellent ball roll. Also, look for fine details like leather accents and ornate woodworking that reflect meticulous craftsmanship. Precision engineering and materials define a table built to last for generations.
