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Published: 19/11/2018

Pool Table Room Size Guide

We often get asked the question ‘What size is an English pub pool table’?

Well, the answer is quite simple. Two official full-size league pool tables are used in pubs, clubs and tournaments throughout Britain.

Official league tables are either 6ft or 7ft in size. Both the 6ft x 3’6 and the 7ft x 4ft tables are found in pubs throughout Britain.



So which table size is best?

When English pool was first invented in the early 70’s there, was only one size of a pool table. This was the 7ft x 4ft pool table, and it was developed for the UK pub market.

Before the invention of these tables, the American larger tables were the only real option for players. The problem with the larger American tables was that in the UK space is at a premium and pubs simply did not have room for the larger size game.

Also, the American pool tables use the 2 ¼ inch balls and have bigger pockets. UK cue sports fans had always enjoyed the skill element of snooker, and this meant the American game was not as popular with players.

The 7ft English pool tables were produced with a similar ball to pocket ratio to Snooker. They also used the woollen napped cloth that you find on snooker tables instead of the faster worsted speed cloth found on the American models. This created a higher skill level for the player and also solved the space issue for most pubs.

Suddenly UK pool was born, and the demand could not have been higher.

The Superleague pool table produced by Hazel Grove in Stockport were the table of choice, and they could not be made quickly enough. The game of pool boomed, and every pub in the country wanted one.



Although the 7ft UK made table solved the space problem for the majority of pubs, it was still too large for many. This was when the 6ft x 3’6 table came into production. It still had a large enough playing surface to provide an enjoyable game.

Still, to this day, the majority of pubs have a 7ft table, but the 6ft is growing in popularity. It is difficult to put an exact figure on the split of tables in the bars. These days so many pubs are closing or becoming food led that the pool tables are disappearing at an alarming rate. We would, however, guess that around 70% of UK bars have a 7ft table and 30% a 6ft.

In terms of which is best, both models provide a superb game. The 7ft has a slightly higher skill level, but both tables give great entertainment.

Is the playing surface 6ft or 7ft?

A common mistake often made with UK table sizes is regarding the actual playing surface of the table.

UK pool table sizes are defined by the outside dimensions and not the playing area. A 7ft UK table means that the overall cabinet dimensions are 7ft x 4ft and not the playing surface.

The confusion again comes from the original American game of pool. American tables are 7 ft, 8ft or 9ft in size. This size relates to the actual playing surface and not the cabinet size as it does in the UK.

So, always bear in mind that when talking about the size of a UK pool table it is the overall table size and not the playing area that is measured.

What Size Table Should I buy?

The first thing to be aware of when deciding what table size to buy is that both the 6ft and 7ft tables provide an excellent and enjoyable game. You get an entertaining and skilful game on both table sizes.

We usually recommend the 7ft table if you have space, but we would not advise trying to squeeze a 7ft into a room just for the sake of it. If, however, you are adamant on the 7ft table as that is what you are used to playing on, then we can give shorter cues, which may help.

Sometimes people prefer the 6ft tables as they tend not to dominate a room as much. If this is a concern for you, then we would advise looking for a slimline bodied table as they are not as imposing as the deeper bodied pub style tables.

The smallest size UK slate tables produced is 6ft in size. Anything smaller would be a wood bed table and not an official league size so we would not advise looking at less than a 6ft.

The choice is yours, and we would always recommend doing your homework before deciding. Measure the room, even put a dummy outline of the table size on the room floor. All this will help in making the correct table choice.

If you are still not 100% sure of what size is best for you. Please give us a call or drop us an email and we would be happy to help. Our room size guide below shows the space required using a selection of cue sizes.

We hope this provides a slightly clearer idea of what size pool tables are in Britain.



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