A billiard table’s construction begins with the foundation, or the cabinet, which is dominated by the large, rectangular frame that houses the playing surface. As mentioned earlier, the actual materials used in the construction of the cabinet and frame may vary by price (a few examples of the build’s choices include laminate, wood, and metal on wood), but the construction is similar to that of any other wooden structure. This means an erection of wooden crossbeams of varying thickness connected at the corners by wooden blocks or metal brackets.
A fairly robust table would be constructed of quality hardwood crossbeams, like maple, for instance. The wood would be of at least 1.5 inches in thickness and precision-cut steel corner brackets. The table may have four, six, or eight hollow or solid legs, depending on the size and weight of the table.
Nested into the top of the cabinet is the typically slate surface. Though cheaper tables may use synthetic materials, honeycomb, or fiberboard, slate is ideal for a number or reasons, not just because it is more durable and less likely to become worn. As a quality surface, it is preferred for the construction of billiards tables due to the fact that it splits naturally and polishes into a flat surface rather easily.
A slate slab runs between .75 inches and 1 inch thick. Due to a weight upwards of 400 pounds, manufacturers prefer to divide a slate surface into three pieces to make the process of moving and constructing a table significantly easier. This, however, creates more work in ensuring that the three slabs of slate fit together perfectly and their surfaces align exactly, and therefore some manufacturers will refrain from breaking a surface down from a single slab.
It should be noted that the hardwood crossbeams within the cabinet must be set up to bear the weight of the entire table, and the heaviest portion of the table is the slate surface. Thus, a table’s construction must revolve around the slate, which often tends to be laid out flat on the floor.
The slate is generally oversized so that holes can be drilled into the surface edges in order to bolt it to the top of the table frame and sometimes the rails. Furthermore, the additional length also extends underneath the table’s rails and thereby strengthens them.
While the following doesn’t hold true for all billiards tables, those that are of a higher quality often have a wood backing glued beneath the slate and anchored to the cabinet and support beams. This process, known as framing the slate, allows the cloth that covers the slate to be then stapled or tacked to the frame, meaning the cloth won’t have to be glued to the slate. This, again, permits the playing surface to be more resistant to coming apart with use.
The cloth, just mentioned, often referred to as felt (even though it is not actually felt), is the tightly woven fabric primarily made out of wool and another a synthetic nylon material for increased durability and a smooth playing surface. It’s color may vary, but green is a very popular choice.