Billiards table construction

[OtterBoy]

I was just wondering why the beams and inside wood construction of pool tables are not finished or sealed. Even upscale and high end tables are unfinished with the inside beams and construction. I would think that finishing the beams and wood construction would make the wood more stable, because of the fact that it is holding up such a massive amount of weight in the slate. I am asking because I'm trying to understand the construction and mechanics of the construction of the table. I know that some high end furniture makers finish the inside of the furniture because it's a selling point and also is a way to show that the company is concerned about the unseen as well as the seen.

 

[Mr Nobody]

Well , most tables aren't outside at the mercy of the elements . Wood does very well in the AC . Moisture and temp fluctuation mess wood up . No need to finish .

 

[derangedhermit]

Seal it!

I agree with you, OB. There should be no unsealed wood (solid wood, plywood, MDF, other engineered wood products, etc.) surfaces anywhere in a pool table.

I want all surfaces sealed during manufacturing. Then changes in humidity during storage, shipping, and after installation, use, moving, etc. are much less of a potential issue.

Finishing on only one side can be worse than none at all, because it makes things warp when the moisture content of the wood changes more on one side than on the other. Not sealing the edges of plywood, or the end grain of solid wood, leaves exposed the surface where moisture is most readily absorbed.

Sealants made today also often contain fungicides that resist mold and mildew.

I think sealing all wood surfaces would make a table play more consistently (or require less adjustment).