A pool table at home really changes things. Not just in the room, but also in how your evenings look. Friends drop by more often. Kids put their phones away for once. And you? You discover that you’re actually pretty good—or maybe not, but that only makes it more fun.
Still, choosing the right pool table for home use is trickier than it seems. There are so many sizes, materials, and brands. What fits your space? What fits your budget? And what are you actually buying for the long term?
In this article, we compare the best models, explain what you should look for, and help you make a choice you won't regret. Everything is based on what StrayShop offers, one of the most comprehensive providers of pool tables, fitness equipment, and game tables in the Netherlands.
What Should You Look for When Buying a Pool Table?
Before you look at the models, it’s smart to consider a few basic questions.
1. How Much Space Do You Have?
This is arguably the most important question. A pool table needs at least 1.5 meters of clearance all around for the cue. So, a table 2.4 meters long easily requires a room of 5.5 by 4 meters in total.
Quick overview of popular sizes:
• 6ft pool table: suitable for smaller spaces, ideal for hobby players
• 7ft pool table: the most popular size for home use
• 8ft pool table: for the serious home player, more of a challenge
• 9ft pool table: professional size, like in real pool halls
Tip: Always measure your space including the necessary playing area around the table. That prevents disappointment later.
2. MDF or Slate: What’s the Difference?
The playing surface largely determines the quality and price of your table.
MDF playing surface:
• Lighter and cheaper
• Good for hobby and recreational use
• Slightly less accurate ball behavior in the long run
Slate playing surface:
• Heavier, but therefore more stable
• Much longer lifespan
• Professional playing quality
• Higher purchase price, but the investment is worth it
The rule of thumb for pool tables is simple: the heavier the table, the higher the quality. A slate pool table can easily last for decades if you take good care of it.
3. What Variety of Pool Do You Play?
Most home players know 8-ball pool. That’s the version with seven solid balls, seven striped balls, and the black ball (the 8). A set of balls is included as standard with any purchase from StrayShop.
Less known but also popular are 9-ball and 10-ball pool, where you play with fewer balls despite the names. The tactics are different, even more exciting.
Comparison of StrayShop’s Top Models
StrayShop sells only quality brands. No cheap junk, but tables truly built to be played on for years. The main brands in the assortment are BuckShot, Buffalo, and Garlando.
BuckShot Atlanta 6ft: The Compact Starter
For those just starting out, or simply short on space, the BuckShot Atlanta 6ft is an excellent choice.
Features:
• Foldable legs for easy storage
• Available in blue and green
• MDF playing surface for enjoyable recreational play
• Includes basic accessories
Suitable for: Beginners, youths, small living rooms, or game rooms.
What stands out? The foldable legs make this model ideal if you don’t want to leave it out all the time. Unfold it for a game, then store it away. More practical than it sounds.
BuckShot Manhattan 7ft: The Favorite for Home Use
This is the most chosen size at StrayShop, and for good reason. The BuckShot Manhattan 7ft combines a great playing experience with a size that fits most living rooms.
Features:
• Available in several versions
• Choice of MDF or slate playing surface
• Robust construction, solid finish
• Fits well in a living room, game room, or hobby room
Suitable for: Families, hobby players who play weekly, people wanting something new for their home.
Did you know? Playing on a smaller table like the 7ft is actually easier than on a larger one. The angles are easier to judge. Many beginners think bigger is better, but that isn't always true.
BuckShot Manhattan 8ft: Serious Play Fun
Those who really want to play choose the BuckShot Manhattan 8ft. This is the table for people who play often, who want to improve their technique, or simply want a beautiful statement piece in their game room.
Features:
• Available with slate playing surface for professional playing quality
• Larger playing surface for tactical play
• Solid, stable construction
• Multiple color options available
Suitable for: Experienced home players, game rooms, people with plenty of space.
Note: Ensure you have at least a room of about 6 by 4.5 meters for a comfortable playing experience around an 8ft table.
BuckShot Manhattan 9ft: The Professional Choice
The BuckShot Manhattan 9ft is the size you find in pool halls. Not for everyone, but if you have the space and the ambition, this is the table to train seriously at home.
Features:
• Professional size as used in competitive play
• High weight for maximum stability
• Slate playing surface available
• Long-term investment in fun
Suitable for: Serious pool players, people with a dedicated game room or outbuilding.
Handy Extras: Get More Out of Your Pool Table
A pool table is more than just a playing surface. With the right accessories, you turn it into a complete experience.
Cover Plates: Two Games in One
StrayShop sells special Dining Top cover plates from BuckShot, available for the 7ft and 8ft tables. Place the plates on your pool table and you immediately have a table tennis table. Complete with game lines and ready for use.
Benefits:
• Two games in one piece of furniture
• Space-saving for smaller homes
• Simple to place and remove
• Much cheaper than buying two separate tables
Essential Accessories for the Pool Table
At StrayShop, you will also find everything you need for the table itself.
Recommended accessories:
• Cues and cue racks: for the right equipment and tidy storage
• Chalk: for better grip and control with every shot
• Brush: to keep the pool cloth clean and smooth
• Cover: protects your table when not in use
• Ball set: including 8-ball set or replacement in case of wear
• Snooker balls: for those who also want to play snooker
Tip: A good cover is definitely not an unnecessary luxury. Especially if you have pets, or if the table is in a room that is also used for other things. The cloth will stay in better condition for much longer.
StrayShop: More Than a Webshop
StrayShop has been around since 2004. That is twenty years of experience in supplying quality products in the fields of pool tables, table tennis, foosball, and fitness equipment.
What makes StrayShop different?
• Showroom in Bemmel: you can simply try out the tables before buying
• Own transport: no standard parcel service, but specialized transport for heavy and fragile products
• Delivery throughout Europe: including Belgium and other countries
• Expert advice: by phone, via WhatsApp, or email
• Wide range: from compact 6ft tables to professional 9ft models
When you buy a pool table from StrayShop, you don’t have to rely blindly on product photos. You can just stop by, touch the table, play, and then decide. That is a big difference from most webshops.
Delivery and Shipping: How Does It Work?
Buying a pool table is one thing. Getting it home is another story. Especially when it concerns a slate table that can easily weigh hundreds of kilograms.
StrayShop handles this professionally:
• Delivery time: usually 2 to 5 working days
• Delivery to the first door or flight of stairs: for heavy packages, your help may be requested during unloading
• Free shipping on orders over 50 euros
• All prices include VAT; any shipping costs are listed separately
• 14-day return policy for exchanges
For Belgian customers, there is also the option of intra-community (IC) delivery using a VAT number, in which case the price will be adjusted.
Payment Methods
StrayShop accepts almost all common payment methods:
• iDEAL
• PayPal
• Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
• Bancontact
• Google Pay and Apple Pay
• Maestro and Shop Pay
So paying never feels inconvenient, no matter which method you prefer to use.
Which Model Suits You? A Quick Selection Guide
Choose the BuckShot Atlanta 6ft if:
• You have limited space
• You want a beginner or family model
• You want to store the table occasionally
Choose the BuckShot Manhattan 7ft if:
• You have a permanent spot for the table
• You want to play regularly with friends or family
• You are looking for good value for money
Choose the BuckShot Manhattan 8ft if:
• You want to play more seriously and improve your technique
• You have enough space
• You want to invest in something that will last a long time
Choose the BuckShot Manhattan 9ft if:
• You have a dedicated games room or outbuilding
• You want to train competitively
• You want the absolute best, without compromises
Here are 4 additional sections of approximately 600 words, in the same style and tone as the rest of the article:
The Importance of a Good Pool Cloth
Many buyers think extensively about the table itself but almost completely forget about the pool cloth. That is a shame, as the cloth largely determines how the ball rolls, how quickly the playing surface reacts, and how long the table looks good.
A cheap cloth wears out faster, attracts lint, and results in irregular roll behavior. That might sound exaggerated, but once you have played on a high-quality cloth, you will feel the difference immediately.
What should you look for in a pool cloth?
• Thickness and density: a thicker cloth is more durable but slightly slower
• Color: green and blue are classics, but there are more options available
• Maintenance: regular brushing keeps the cloth smooth and free of chalk dust
• Replacement: a cloth is a consumable; plan for a replacement every few years with intensive use
A good brush and a protective cover are the two simplest ways to keep your pool cloth looking good for longer. Little effort, big difference.
A Pool Table in a Small House: Is It Possible?
Many people think that a pool table only fits in a spacious villa or a large basement. That is not true. With the right approach, a table also fits perfectly in a regular home.
The key lies in the size and layout. A 6ft or 7ft pool table fits in many standard living rooms or annex rooms, provided you plan the space smartly.
Practical tips for small spaces:
• Choose a model with foldable legs so you can put the table away when it is not in use
• Use shorter cues (for example 127 cm) if the playing room is limited on one side
• Consider a multifunctional model with cover plates for table tennis, so that the table can also serve as a dining or activity table
• Place the table diagonally if that provides more playing room on the longest sides
A pool table does not have to dominate your living room. With the right choices, it will simply fit in and add to the room instead of taking up space.
Why Brand Quality Makes the Difference
At StrayShop, you will not find unknown brands of questionable quality. The range is deliberately curated around brands that have proven their worth. BuckShot, Buffalo, and Garlando are names that pool enthusiasts know and trust.
What makes these brands better than cheaper alternatives?
• Precision in production: the corners, the cushions, and the playing surface are manufactured more accurately
• Durable materials: better types of wood, sturdier steel construction, higher quality upholstery
• Availability of parts: replacement parts can be found, whereas cheap unbranded tables cannot
• Warranty and service: with quality brands, you know where you stand if something goes wrong
A cheap table from an unknown brand seems attractive at first. But after a year of playing, you will notice the difference in how the balls react, how the cushions bounce, and how the table looks. Invest well once, and you will enjoy it for years.
Conclusion: The Right Pool Table is an Investment in Fun
A good home pool table is not an impulse purchase. It is something you use for years, something people come over for, and something that makes your home just a little cozier. Choose consciously. Look at your space, your playing frequency, and your budget.
StrayShop offers a suitable model for every type of player, from compact beginner tables to professional 9ft slate pool tables. With twenty years of experience, a real showroom in Bemmel, and specialized delivery throughout Europe, this is a reliable destination for anyone seriously considering a pool table.
Take your time browsing the range on the StrayShop website, and if you are in doubt? Just call, or send a WhatsApp. They are good at that.
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