Choosing Pool Table Felt: Colors, Types & Best Options

02 May, 2025

Are you ready to elevate your pool game to a new level of precision and enjoyment? Choosing the right pool table felt is far more than just a cosmetic decision; it's a crucial factor that profoundly impacts the way you play, the longevity of your table, and the overall aesthetic of your game room.

We're about to embark on a journey to explore the nuances of pool table felt, dissecting the different types available, the fabrics that constitute them, and the myriad of color choices you have at your disposal. This exploration is not just about surface-level aesthetics; it delves into the very heart of the game, impacting speed, precision, and, ultimately, your enjoyment. Remember, the felt you choose will directly influence the balls' movement and the frequency with which you need to replace the cloth.

Let's delve into the world of pool table felt, focusing on the materials and color selections that will transform your playing experience.

Before we proceed further, it's important to clarify a common point of confusion: the terms "pool table felt" and "pool table cloth" are often used interchangeably. Essentially, they refer to the same integral component of your pool table. Don't let the differing nomenclature confuse you during your search; it's all about the playing surface.

The best pool table felt should help both novice and advanced players improve their game. It should also help players take better and more accurate shots. Choosing the right felt, therefore, goes beyond just the look, the feel, and the performance. The durability of the felt and the amount of enjoyment you'll get out of your table are also key considerations.

The quality of the pool table felt can significantly alter your playing experience. A high-quality felt facilitates smooth ball movement, allowing for greater control and precision, crucial for both casual games and competitive matches. Conversely, worn or inferior felt can hinder gameplay, resulting in erratic ball behavior and diminished enjoyment. The right cloth not only sets the tone for the game but also brings out the best in your table.

Generally speaking, worsted felt is considered the best kind, although it is more expensive. However, other types of felt can perform just as well. The primary types of felt available for your pool table are generally categorized into three distinct types, each having specific characteristics. These types include woolen felt, worsted wool, and outdoor felt. Each type is designed to meet different expectations.

Now, let's examine the key types and their specific characteristics:

Woolen Felt: This is often the most affordable option and is characterized by a slightly fuzzy surface. The fuzziness creates a slower playing surface, making it ideal for beginners who are still developing their skills and prefer a less rapid game. It's made using a weaving process, making it relatively economical to produce. Woolen felt may be more prone to wear and tear, making it a less desirable option for high-usage tables.

Worsted Wool: This is the premium choice, favored for professional and tournament play. The wool undergoes a spinning process that eliminates fuzziness, resulting in a smooth, fast surface. The uniform surface is a property of worsted wools that are used to manufacture premium pool table felts. Balls travel faster on "premium grade" pool table felt. It is durable and provides a consistent playing experience, giving players excellent control over ball spin and trajectory. However, worsted wool comes with a higher price tag due to its superior construction and performance benefits.

Outdoor Felt: This type is specifically designed to withstand the elements. Outdoor felt is generally made from synthetic materials like nylon or a blend of synthetic fibers. Its engineered to resist fading, moisture, and temperature fluctuations, making it suitable for outdoor pool tables or those in high-humidity environments. The performance characteristics, like speed, may differ from indoor felts, but its ability to withstand harsh conditions is its primary advantage.

Let's explore how the different types of cloth are manufactured, and the impact it has on the playing surface. "Worsted cloth is the best cloth and isn't actually "felt" the wool goes through a spinning process, which eliminates the fuzziness on the surface." This key difference in the manufacturing process highlights the advantages of worsted wool. The absence of surface fuzziness results in a faster, more uniform playing surface. This gives a significant advantage to experienced players who rely on precision and spin control.

Now, lets delve into the materials that make up the core of each type. Woolen felt is typically made entirely from wool fibers or a wool blend. Worsted wool often combines wool with nylon, offering increased durability and resilience. Outdoor felt predominantly uses synthetic materials like nylon, ensuring resistance to the elements. The Championship Saturn II, for instance, is made of 75% wool and 25% nylon.

The composition of the pool table felt significantly affects its performance. Worsted wool blends often contain 70% wool and 30% nylon, which is sometimes used for competitive pool tournament play. This blend provides a good balance of speed and durability. The inclusion of nylon enhances the cloth's resistance to wear and tear, making it a suitable option for tables used frequently. Conversely, the lack of any synthetic material is not necessarily the most important quality when selecting felt.

The best pool table felt colors in particular are tournament blue and classic green. Historically, green has been the preferred choice as it is soothing to the eyes and enhances visibility of the balls, a tradition stemming from billiards origins as a lawn game. Scientific studies favor tournament blue for performance, which is noticed across multiple sports including tennis courts which are increasingly adopting the color. But, the best color for a pool table felt largely depends on both functional and aesthetic considerations.

The ideal color for your pool table felt hinges on both functional and aesthetic considerations. Green, traditionally favored, provides a soothing visual experience and enhances the visibility of the balls. The classic choice of green is more than just traditional; it stems from the origins of billiards as a lawn game. If your pool table light is bright green, you probably don't want to have neon orange felt. An ornate wooden table might look great with a deep maroon cloth, while a polished dark table might like better with a muted gray tone. Furthermore, consider your lighting conditions; a brightly lit environment may call for a color that doesn't reflect glare.

Beyond the traditional colors, the market offers a wide range of options, including striking blues, reds, and other custom shades. The burgundy Simonis 860, for instance, looks sharp on a mahogany table. When choosing your felt color, consider how it will harmonize with your game room's decor, the table's style, and the lighting. A well-chosen color can significantly improve the overall aesthetic of your game room.

When choosing the right cloth for your pool table, consider the environment it will be used in, as well as the lighting of your space. From traditional green to striking blue or red options, the right cloth not only sets the tone for the game but also brings out the best in your table.

Understanding the effects of pool table cloth on gameplay is crucial. "If the pool table felt is too thin, you run the risk of easily creating tears or runs in the felt. Conversely, if the pool table felt is too thick, the object balls will not be able to roll smoothly, and it will create playing disruptions." The quality of the felt affects how well the balls move when struck. It also influences how often you have to replace the cloth.

As you shop for your pool table felt, youll encounter various brands and models. "Simonis 860 is undoubtedly the best pool table felt out there, suitable for both professional and recreational usage." It is a popular choice for its excellent playing characteristics and durability. Predator Arcadia billiard felt is also a great option. Hainsworth and Strachan have their own American-style cloths. "Championship Saturn II is made of 75% wool and 25% nylon," is another great option.

Different table manufacturers tend to favor a certain companys cloth, so it is best to look through the options of cloth that each table can be fitted with. When buying your pool table cloth, your research should take into account these points.

Choosing the best felt for your pool table is crucial for enhancing your playing experience and ensuring the longevity of your pool table. "The type of cloth you select can significantly impact the game's speed, precision, and overall enjoyment." The best pool table felt should help both novice and advanced players improve their game.

Here is a table that further illustrates the specific qualities of some of the top pool table felts on the market:

Felt Brand	Material Composition	Typical Use	Playing Surface	Notable Features
Simonis 860	Worsted Wool (often with nylon)	Professional and Recreational	Fast, Smooth	High durability, Consistent speed, Tournament-grade
Championship Saturn II	75% Wool / 25% Nylon	Recreational	Moderate speed, Durable	Good balance of speed and durability, suitable for frequent use
Predator Arcadia	High-grade Wool Blend	Recreational, Competitive	Fast, Consistent	Superior ball control, Wide color options
Hainsworth Elite Pro	Worsted Wool	Professional, Tournament	Fast, Smooth	High wear resistance, Precise ball control
Strachan SuperPro	Worsted Wool	Professional, Tournament	Fast, Smooth	Excellent ball response, Consistent playability

Remember, you can't select felt that is too bright. Over time, the felt on your pool table can fade and get worn down, especially if you play pool a lot. Luckily, the pool table felt isn't hard to replace. Well, the solution is as easy as peeling off that tired felt and replacing it with the best pool table felt your money can buy.

Consider the environment where your pool table is located. "I bought a Brunswick Metro table that came with black cloth, but that showed dirt easily and when i put black chalk out for use on it, people would use the black chalk on other tables, which created a mess, so i changed the color felt on the table." Lighter colors, for example, may reveal chalk marks and other debris more readily. It is a good idea to keep these points in mind when selecting your felt.

Replacing your pool table felt can breathe new life into your playing experience. Ensure that you select a felt of the appropriate thickness. "If the pool table felt is too thin, you run the risk of easily creating tears or runs in the felt. Conversely, if the pool table felt is too thick, the object balls will not be able to roll smoothly, and it will create playing disruptions." Don't select felt that is too bright. The process is generally straightforward, but it is also a good idea to be careful when removing the old felt and installing the new one, ensuring a smooth and even surface to optimize your play.

Choosing the best felt for your pool table is a decision that will shape your playing experience, the longevity of your table, and the overall aesthetic of your game room. From the fast and uniform surface of worsted wools to the vibrant colors available, every choice contributes to the quality of your game.

Ultimately, the best pool table felt for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a casual player, taking the time to consider the various factors involved in selecting the perfect felt will pay dividends in your enjoyment of the game. The type of cloth you select can significantly impact the game's speed, precision, and overall enjoyment. By focusing on the details, from material composition to color selection, you can create a pool table that is a source of endless fun, a center of competition, and a stylish addition to your home.

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