How much do pool tables cost?

Pool tables? Best brands? Average cost?

• We're thinking about getting a pool table as a gift to each other for Christmas/house warming present. This is our first real home & we know that we'll be doing alot of entertaining so it will get use a bunch. I have no idea what to look for or how much one should cost ~ basically I don't know anything on how to buy one.

• Answer:

  For home use, the best brands are Brunswick and Olhausen. If you want to get more expensive, Diamond and Gabriels are also good. Connelly is another choice, if you want more options. Basic new tables will cost around $2-3k, depending on size too, and can run up to $10k or more for the fancier ones. You can get good used ones for less than $1k though. The biggest thing to look for is that it's a slate bed, at least 1 inch thick. Slate is smooth and won't warp under temperature or moisture extremes. As for sizing the table, just make sure you have at least 5 feet of clearance all around it to have room to stroke comfortably.