Outdoor Pool Tables

Despite our rather unpredictable weather patterns, we do like to make the best of the summer in the British Isles. Outdoor games have become a must have when the sun is shining and the pool table industry in the UK now plays a major part in all the fun.

There are only a handful of outdoor or weatherproof pool tables manufactured in the UK and a few imported models are also available. The slate bed versions are all made in the UK and differ from their ‘indoor’ counterparts in two main ways.

Body Material – the majority of lower and mid priced slate bed pool tables are built using MDF for the main body. MDF does not survive well in a wet environment and for that reason marine ply is used on the outdoor models.

Cloth Material – despite our love for a knapped cloth on British slate bed pool tables, the outdoor versions are clothed with a speed cloth. In short, the high nylon content (and lack of wool) means the cloth can be treated to repel water. Any rain water that meets the play surface will bead and can be manually removed.

Although outdoor tables are fit for the wet weather we experience in the UK, they are always provided with a waterproof cover. Just like your old barbeque, the life span of your pool table will be hugely extended by keeping the worst off.

Some manufacturers have used actual garden decking to construct the body of their pool table. Clearly the decking works as a weather resistant material, but it has also created a product that can match other features already in the garden. The Evergreen outdoor pool table doubles up as a pool dining table so it can be used for lunch once the pool games have finished.

Due to the materials that must be used to weatherproof these pool tables, the prices are fractionally above the indoor models. For homes that do not have space for a pool table inside, this is a great way to enjoy a full size table without any cueing restrictions.