Best Pool Table Felt

Choosing the best playing surface available is one way to boost the efficiency of a pool table. A high-quality material not only affects speed and precision, but also lasts longer without shedding, wrinkling, or pilling. This will extend the life of your table by many years. Selecting the perfect pool table felt is critical to improving the game’s performance.

Those who are super cautious and handle their tables with the greatest care will experience normal wear and tear. Years of tossing chalk-covered spheres at great speeds over the fabric can cause a general deterioration that will impact speed and accuracy. Wear is inevitable, regardless of the type of fabric you’re using.

Most billiard table owners aren’t aware that changing the felt on their pool table is a feasible option. But believe us when we say that if your table has been in use for a few years, even if it’s only for fun, removing the felt will revitalize your enthusiasm for the game.

So without any further ado, let’s start with knowing why this piece of cloth is so important for a good game of billiard along with 5 of the best products you can get in the market right now. Also, stick around to find our short buying guide that will properly guide you even if you are an absolute beginner.

Explaining Necessity of Pool Table Cloth

Pool table cloth comes in various types and kinds that serve different purposes. You will find the best option for re-felting or purchasing a new pool table while learning about the multiple kinds of billiard table felt as well as what each is ideal for. There seems to be a lot to think about when it comes to the pace and momentum of the ball, as well as how much longer the felt lasts and if it’s appropriate for an outdoor public table or not.

They are aesthetically good looking

The first thing anyone notices about a pool table is obviously the vivid color of the board. This is what makes the pool table stand out in a crowded room.

Green still remains to be the classic color that most people envision when they think of a pool table. But honestly, let me tell you that color has no impact on the quality of the felt or the rolling of the ball. That leaves with the option to choose any color that suits well with the rest of the decor of your room or maybe just a professional look for the pool table.

The wide range of colors depends on what type of felt you are wanting to go for. Some companies even let you customize your own felt with designs and logos. If you don’t want to be stuck with a plain and boring felt then this something you must check out.

They are durable and stain-resistant (mostly)

Some pool table felts already come in good shape but to keep the durability of the tables you need to constantly maintain them with proper care and cleaning. The durability mostly suggests how well the felts can take up stains and pressure on it.

Colors are mainly chosen to keep the aging and wearing factor in mind. Green color felts are pretty successful in hiding stains and dust better. So, even after months of rough use, you wouldn’t be able to notice the stains or scratches yet.

Some forms of felt come in stain-resistant materials, such as a Teflon coating, and you’ll often pick which part of the felt you would like to play on until you suit it.

Don’t forget to measure the weight per yard of fabric, such as 19oz, 21oz, etc., to determine the fabric’s durability; the heavier the weight, the more durable the material. The best fabrics are at least 19 ounces.

They control the speed of the balls 

The difference between a woven and a napped billiard table cloth is noticeable for ball roll and speed factors. The surface of the worsted cloth is absolutely smooth, while the nap of the woolen cloth is barely prominent.

These key factors that influence cloth speed are:

• Percentage of wool in the blend
• Finish of the cloth.

Worsted fabrics, such as Simoni, go through extra steps in the production process to make sure that all of the fibers in the fabric are the same size. They extract the pilling and the nap of the fabric with additional processing. This results in a cleaner, more detailed fabric, which improves precision and ball speed.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to move on to the best pool table felt. The reviews that follow will provide you with the best choices available on the market. After reading this article, you should be able to choose the best pool table felt for you. Follow along!

The Felts Themselves

This section compiles a list of the best pool table felts available on the market. Let’s get this ball rolling!

 1. Championship Saturn II

We start with this stylish Championship Saturn II that is one of the best pool clothes you can get on the market now. It’s available in two variants and five spectacular colors. Despite being pre-cut, there is enough fabric to cover the bed as well as rails. The wide variety of colors can be used to complement any playroom color scheme.

You can check it out here

A. A durable item

This felt is really a wool and nylon blend that would be obvious to experienced pool players. And it makes it to be a lot thicker and heavier over worsted fabric, which may be the preferable alternative. Although the playability of several lower-end woolens felts obviously cannot equate to the worsted cloth’s pace and precision, the Saturn II still performs admirably.

B. Stain-resistant material

A 75 % wool and 25% nylon mix makes up the tightly woven billiard fabric. It has a Teflon coating that makes it stain-resistant. The tablecloth contains a table spot and two bits of color-coordinated chalk.

C. An easy setup design

The natural “stretch” of the mainly woolen fabric is yet another factor in making the Saturn II, so simple to install on your table. Although “worsted” felt is the best to play on, it has very little stretch and needs a lot of accuracies when cutting. The woolen cloth provides some versatility in this field and makes installation much simpler.

2. Simonis Worsted Blend 860

Simonis has been here for a long time. In 1680, the Belgian began manufacturing a variety of fabrics, but about two centuries earlier, they focused solely on billiard felt. It comes in 25 different colors, including electric blue, camel, tournament green, and red, and is made of a 90% worsted wool and 10% nylon blend.

You can check it out here

A. The playability

This nap-free felt gives amazing playability and durability that you can’t help but see. Another attribute that sets it apart from the competition is its inherent resistance to stains and wear. The worsted fabric’s incredibly high thread count makes it hard as nails and a commodity that can outlast your typical pool table cloth. Piling, shedding, grooving, and all the other variables that impact the accuracy and quality of your felt over time are not much of an issue with this excellent product.

B. The speed

There are several other compelling reasons to make such a big investment. This professional-grade felt is extremely fast. Even though it’s not quite as swift as most of the other Simonis products, but you can expect a decent level of play to be seen in competitive matches, with the exception of it being slightly slower.

C. Wide Range of Colors

The amount of color choices available is mind-boggling. Take a look at the Amazon listing for more details. There are 25 different options to choose from! Okay, you probably won’t spend over $300 just for the crazy color selection, but if aesthetics are significant to you, this is a huge plus. The fabric components are also pre-cut, rendering the installation process an easy task.

 3. CPBA Competition Worsted Professional

Next, we have the CPBA Competition felt that provides you an extremely high-performance without maxing out your credit card. The CPBA has been used in professional-level tournaments since 1998, despite the low cost when compared to several other worsted cloths. This in itself qualifies it for the title of Best Value Worsted Billiard Felt.

You can check it out here

A. A well-made item

It’s an 80% wool and 20% nylon worsted blend that offers the best playing surface for pace and accuracy. The higher thread count produces a strong weave that adds to the fabric’s toughness and prevents dirt and chalk from entering it. This blend contains 100% Australian wool that will not shed, crumble, or fluff over time, resulting in an optimal playing surface.

It’s suitable for both industrial and domestic use, and it’s suitable for both professionals as well as beginners.

B. Quick Installation

This item comes with a pre-cut platform and six rail parts for quick assembly. Additionally, you can get the professional CPBA logo embossed under one of the tracks. There aren’t many questions about this felt among users. It’s fast and offers you a range of cue ball power. However, there isn’t much fabric to work with, so be cautious when assembling.

If this is your first attempt at putting in a new billiard table felt, seek a professional’s assistance or maybe a friend who knows this stuff.

C. Various sizes

The CPBA also comes in four multiple table sizes, which is a great feature. This felt is available in sizes ranging from 7 ft to 9 ft (along with the unusual “outsized” 8 ft table).

In brief, the CPBA will not provide you with the same degree of efficiency and reliability as the outstanding Simonis 860, but it will come remotely close!

4. Iszy Billiards Accuplay 19 oz

Let us now come to a product that is super affordable yet provides you a great service. The Accuplay Pool Table Felt from Iszy Billiards is arguably one of the best non-worsted clothes on the market. While it lacks the gameplay experience and longevity of the worsted choices on our list, it is a great product for casual fans searching for a felt to protect the recreational room table.

You can check it out here

A. A super affordable item

It’s a little slow, which attracts many rookies, and it does take some upkeep to prevent pilling and shedding that is supposed to interfere with your game.

That being said, there’s really no doubt that you’ll be buying a pool table cloth that really can compete along with the best competitors of its class for such a low price.

The size, combined with its low price, has resulted in phenomenal sales on Amazon. It’s easily among the most common pool table felts available from the retail behemoth in the industry. Purchase it with the understanding that it has brought joy to a significant number of casual pool players that haven’t left their wallets empty.

B. Non-worsted

The fact that it is the only non-worsted pool table felt throughout our list that encompasses 9-foot tables is probably its most appealing killer feature. It’s difficult to find a reasonably priced cloth for excessively large tables, but the Iszy Value Grade Pool Table Felt has this market trapped.

C. Good enough size options

The 9-foot alternative seems to have enough cloth to meet both the table base and the rails. This is the perfect product for anyone if they would like to substitute the felt on their 9-foot table with a low-cost yet highly functional fabric.

5. ProForm 9’

We suggest the Proform 9’ Professional Pool Table Cloth if you’re searching for the perfect pool table felt for professional tournaments. To enhance their effectiveness, specialized tables are using worsted material for its surfaces. This cloth is also worsted and offers a nice, durable, and cost-effective playing surface. 

You can check it out here

A. The excellent performance

The ProForm is a fantastic alternative if you want to play a professional-level game within your living room for an affordable price. This felt moves at a breakneck pace!

This is a perfect investment for restaurant owners who would like to give their customers something extra along with its amazing longevity and outstanding performance. If you own or operate a high-end sports bar or hall, the Proform is the perfect replacement felt. It’s built to survive scrapes and scratches while maintaining a professional-level game experience.

B.The material

The felt is made of a 70% wool and 30% nylon blend that really is suitable for both business and residential use. The tight weave does not just ensure quick and accurate shots, but that also resists spills, keeping it appearing clean for a longer period of time. It protects the surface from grooves, ball burns, and even wrinkles for the coming years.

Even though made of high wool material, the ProForm has a very smooth playing surface that is clearly intended for top speed.

C. A durable design

On the subject of price, it’s a little more expensive than the CPBA Competition 8 ft alternative, but the ProForm’s exceptional durability actually compensates for the extra few dollars you’ll have to pay to get everything. This is a felt that will last you a long time which is why it is worth such an investment.

Boiling Down the Table Felts

Here’s a table that gives you an overview of all 5 of the pool table felts we have reviewed above:

Let’s take a look at some more guidelines now that we’ve covered the best pool table felts. Before you make any purchases, you can find some important takeaways that one must keep in mind before making the purchase.

Best Pool Table Felt 101: More Guidelines

It is beneficial to be aware of the crucial factors that should be considered before purchasing the best pool table felt. This section will assist you in making the best decision possible between the various felts that are available.

Durability 

When it comes to just the durability of the felt, the amount of wool used is incredibly important. The Simonis 860, a 90% worsted wool and 10% nylon blend, is among the most durable clothes we encountered for starters.

Fabrics with a tight weave are also significant since it does not wear out as easily as brittle materials. The weight per ounce is one way of determining the fabric’s durability. Almost everything over 19 ounces is fine, but 22 or 23 ounces are preferable.

There is a distinction between fabric, wear, and cloth longevity in this case. Although a worsted cloth may appear to be worn, the tight weave’s intrinsic reliability ensures that the cloth’s consistency and playability are not undermined. On the other hand, the napped fabric does not appear stretched, but as it ages, it develops creases and trails, decreasing playability and precision.

It’s important to remember that, even with high-end materials, it’s difficult to estimate how long they’ll last.

Size

It seems to be too basic to include, but in the spirit of being thorough, we’ll go over it slightly. The four main sizes of pool tables are 7ft, 8ft, 8.5 ft, and 9 ft. The length of the table’s “tall” side is what this calculation applies to.

So, if you don’t know your table’s size or maybe you are confused, just measure the longer end of the table and find the right size of felt for it.

Pool Table Felt Coating

Many manufacturers prefer to use a synthetic method of making pool table felts super resistant to liquids and many other stains. Worsted felts usually not subjected to this treatment because their strong weave and high-quality materials make them naturally immune to most of these hazards.

When you think your snooker table felts might be used in a bar, sacrificing a little utilization is a fair trade. It all depends on your requirements. So, prior to actually making up your mind, weigh the advantages and disadvantages of investing in treated vs. untreated pool table felt.

Material and Design

You can choose from a variety of materials when it comes to buying pool table felts. It’s crucial to know what distinguishes one from the other so you can pick the best choice. The majority of the pool table felt is made of a wool-polyester blend or a wool-nylon blend. These two fabrics have slightly different weaves and thicknesses.

A wool-nylon blend is something I would recommend. It’s of higher quality and provides a more enjoyable gaming experience. One variation that you would find is between worsted and woolen felt. Woolen felt is less expensive but more susceptible to pilling. This also won’t last as long and therefore will slow the game down somewhat, but it’ll be a teensy bit inexpensive in the end. The budget pick of the list, the Iszy Accuplay, for example, is not worsted.

But I would still recommend that worsted wool felts what most newcomers should opt for. And apart from the material, there are also a lot of color variations. Pick a color that suits the room and also doesn’t make the stains a lot more visual than they are.

Speed 

Worsted felt is absolutely smooth, whereas woolen felt is fuzzy on the top. Like I previously said, it is less probable to pill or produces fuzz, which means there would be no resistance to speed down the ball.

Budget 

The sum you want to invest is, of course, the most important thing to remember. Since the demand for pool felts isn’t yet saturated, they’re pretty costly. Having a personalized table felt that fits the customer’s aesthetics can also be expensive. In general, a high-quality pool table felt will cost you at least $200. So, you have to make sure you’ve measured your financial strength before making the purchase.

Safety & Maintenance Tips

Pool tables are not cheap investments and so we need to make sure to take good care of them of risk damaging them early putting our money to waste. We also need to make sure that we know our way around it, observe proper decorum as we play, and stay safe at all times. Here are a few tips:

• Always make sure to use the right equipment at all times. Most often than none, the right equipment such as the stick, balls, and even the table will not only lead to the best playing experience but at the same time, won’t give you headaches due to issues with the parts.
• Watch out for your surroundings. Always play pool in an area with enough space nor won’t have any tripping hazards surrounding the table for most often than none, you’ll be focused on the game and not on where you are stepping on. Any tripping hazard might cause you to fall and incur an injury.
• Always clean your pool sticks, balls, and table properly. Don’t worry, they are pretty low-maintenance. You may apply two types of care for your pool table: preventative and regular upkeep.
• Preventative care refers to always covering your pool table with a good quality pool cloth so it won’t incur dust and protect it from fading.
• Stop making it a habit to lean on your pool table when playing to prevent unnecessary stress on its rails.
• Always keep your pool table in an area with the right temperature. Not being able to do so will damage it little by little especially if it incurs moisture all the time. Moisture is not good for your pool table especially its surface.
• Please care for the billiard table cloth by brushing it to remove any debris on it before and after games. You may also gently vacuum it regularly. Don’t do so too often as that might damage the felt. Also, use a damp cloth to remove excess chalk.
• As for the pool table’s frame, use a dry cloth to clean those wooden surfaces. A damp cloth with weak detergent should suffice for those manmade areas of the frame. Furniture wax should be good for the railings.
• Lastly, always store the balls and other pool-related stuff properly or at the right place for them to last longer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some of the common questions that most people often ask regarding felts used on a billiard table.

Which is the fastest pool table felt?

Simonis 860 is the fastest Simonis pool table cloth I have encountered after our thorough research. It’s a 90/10 wool and nylon blend that’s often used in professional pool tournaments. It has also proven to be able to tackle ball burns a lot better because of the high wool content.

What is the best material for a pool table felt?

I would personally recommend the worsted wool material for pool table felts. They last longer in their life run and can tackle the friction between balls a whole lot more than the non-worsted types. Worsted ones cost a little more than the non-worsted ones, but still, I would say it is worth the purchase.

Is it hard to replace a pool table felt?

Experts are sometimes called in to replace the felt, or perhaps more clearly the pool tablecloth, but the techniques used are not costly or difficult. The exacting specifications of a pool table are one of the reasons why some people find it very challenging.

Can you vacuum a pool table felt?

A pool table can definitely be vacuumed. However, some vacuums might harm the felt and make it difficult to play on it. A vacuum with mild suction and a stagnant, soft brush will keep your felt tidy and long-lasting.

How much does it cost to replace a pool table felt?

The cost of replacing the felt on tables less than 7 feet is between $270 and $450. The cost of replacing the felt on an 8-foot table will vary from $280 to $500. But mostly, the price is essentially dictated by the felt’s quality and build. The cost of an additional foot of table length may be around $50.

Why is the pool table felts mostly green?

Green felts are supposed to hide the scratches and scrape well in a well-lit room, so it started being green when it was initially produced. Also, it is said that pools are compared to gold often so that the green might represent the grass of the table.

What kind of glue to use on installing a pool table felt?

Any kind of multipurpose adhesive can be used to install felts on your pool table. We suggest spraying adhesives to prevent unnecessary creases and wrinkles on your felt. The best adhesive for this would be the Super 77 Multipurpose Spray Adhesive. And for permanently attaching felt, you should use a high-tack and high-coverage adhesive that dries out easily.

How do you glue down the pool table felt?

If you’re using a spray adhesive to secure the felt in place, start spraying about 5 inches inside the table’s edge. Just work on one of the ends at the moment. Additionally, spray the cloth’s same edge because it’s much easier to glue two sides together than it is to glue one.

Is it important to change the pool table felt after moving the table?

No, it’s not that important. If the felt has been carefully discarded and has not been re-stretched more than twice, it can normally be reused (except worsted cloth). Know that any minor tears in the fabric will become larger and much more visible when stretched back onto the slate.

How to keep the pool table felt clean?

A handmade felt brush is the perfect way to remove the dust from your pool’s felt. You must not use anything else, or the felt would be ruined. Tiny bristles help to extract dust more efficiently, so try using a soft and mild brush.

Final Words

The best pool table felt will be the main component of the equipment. It not only is ahead for its looks but also excels tremendously well when it comes to combat the frictions of the moving balls around the table. So it is wise if you can invest in a well-built and sturdy felt.

 This will not only serve you for years but also let you have an amazing playing experience. But buying a good quality felt with a high price tag isn’t enough if you don’t maintain it well. So, just like any other product, you need to keep your pool table cloth tidy and take good care of it, and it will also serve you long enough.

Take out your wallet and just go for the felt that you like and choose the one that meets all your needs. Hopefully, this article was somewhat helpful in bringing you out of the dilemma of choosing a pool cloth.