Enough room or too tight?

While your room is just about perfect for an 8 footer its is cramped for a 9 footer.

My 8 Footer sits in a room with similar dimensions (scaled) and it has a similar obstruction near one corner. In practice, you (the owner) get used to not leaving the CB down in that corner and almost eliminate the need for a short stick.

You can use it to your advantage when "friends" come over and then leave the CB in that hard to shoot corner. You won't feel good about a safety played down there, BTW.
 
MitchAlsup said:
While your room is just about perfect for an 8 footer its is cramped for a 9 footer.

My 8 Footer sits in a room with similar dimensions (scaled) and it has a similar obstruction near one corner. In practice, you (the owner) get used to not leaving the CB down in that corner and almost eliminate the need for a short stick.

You can use it to your advantage when "friends" come over and then leave the CB in that hard to shoot corner. You won't feel good about a safety played down there, BTW.
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I kind of figured that. lol. But once I saw the GC4 for sale... well, I'm guessing many of you know how THAT goes. My only real option for the 9' looks like so. Which should be good, everywhere except for the one corner (which you're basically screwed on).

The wife is unfortunately adamant that we keep those couches (not that we have anywhere else to put them)
 

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Work up some numbers illustrating the time and money it will take you to:

a. Go to a pool room daily for 2 hours minimum
b. Build an addition on your house to setup the pool table in
c. Place the couches in another room

If your wife is like mine, option c is the only choice.

:grin:


Passed said:
I kind of figured that. lol. But once I saw the GC4 for sale... well, I'm guessing many of you know how THAT goes. My only real option for the 9' looks like so. Which should be good, everywhere except for the one corner (which you're basically screwed on).

The wife is unfortunately adamant that we keep those couches (not that we have anywhere else to put them)
Click to expand...
 
Tony_in_MD said:
Work up some numbers illustrating the time and money it will take you to:

a. Go to a pool room daily for 2 hours minimum
b. Build an addition on your house to setup the pool table in
c. Place the couches in another room

If your wife is like mine, option c is the only choice.

:grin:
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0.jpg


I like the way you think!
 
Your most recent sketch probably looks like the best compromise, since you have to keep the couches.

An 8 footer would definitely give you more room, but I understand your desire to get the GC4. Especially if its a steal of a deal. Tough choice, since there aren't very many good 8 foot tables ... If you can find a nice Brunswick Centennial or Anniversary pool table, then those are nice looking. Although I'm not sure if they come in both an 8 foot and 8 foot pro (8 foot pro is a bit bigger than a standard 8 footer -- 46" x 92").

If you decide to install the table, you should probably place the foot spot sticker as you have it diagrammed in your most recent drawing with the rack of balls (so that the foot spot is closest to the wall at the top of the drawing where it is 5'0" from the wall). That way when you break, most of the balls will mostly stay at that end of the table where you have more shooting clearance around the sides.

It's a good idea to make that cardboard cutout and place it in the room to get a feeling about the size of the table. You should make the cutout the approx. dimension of the full table (including the rails), then you can use masking or blue tape for the boundaries of the playing surface.

Lastly, before installing the table, you should figure out your lighting for the table. Ideally you can hang a light directly above your planned spot for the table, and get it installed before the table arrives. (Assuming you are sure you can get the table into the room and you aren't gonna change your placement of the table.) Otherwise, you will have to install after the table is there which makes it a bit more challenging. Just need to cover the table w/ blankets to avoid damaging the surface or the rails.

Good luck.
 
HawksNest18 said:
Your most recent sketch probably looks like the best compromise, since you have to keep the couches.

An 8 footer would definitely give you more room, but I understand your desire to get the GC4. Especially if its a steal of a deal. Tough choice, since there aren't very many good 8 foot tables ... If you can find a nice Brunswick Centennial or Anniversary pool table, then those are nice looking. Although I'm not sure if they come in both an 8 foot and 8 foot pro (8 foot pro is a bit bigger than a standard 8 footer -- 46" x 92").

If you decide to install the table, you should probably place the foot spot sticker as you have it diagrammed in your most recent drawing with the rack of balls (so that the foot spot is closest to the wall at the top of the drawing where it is 5'0" from the wall). That way when you break, most of the balls will mostly stay at that end of the table where you have more shooting clearance around the sides.

It's a good idea to make that cardboard cutout and place it in the room to get a feeling about the size of the table. You should make the cutout the approx. dimension of the full table (including the rails), then you can use masking or blue tape for the boundaries of the playing surface.

Lastly, before installing the table, you should figure out your lighting for the table. Ideally you can hang a light directly above your planned spot for the table, and get it installed before the table arrives. (Assuming you are sure you can get the table into the room and you aren't gonna change your placement of the table.) Otherwise, you will have to install after the table is there which makes it a bit more challenging. Just need to cover the table w/ blankets to avoid damaging the surface or the rails.

Good luck.
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Excellent point. I hadn't thought of placing the rack at the other end for that reason. I'll see if I can't get some boxes broken down and mask everything off as has been suggested. A light comes with the table, so I'll have to do it after the table is in :(.

I did give one more push for ditching the couches, and she almost took the table off of the table lol.

You guys have been super helpful. If you have any more suggestions or info, please share. Scrubby McNoob needs some learnin'.
 
Take the couches to Goodwill and turn the table. Your wife will be happier because you will be happier that you have enough room and you won't be complaining all of the time. She. You start patching holes in your wall from backstrokes you will understand.
 
That most recent sketch doesn't look too bad. You'll certainly have issues near that (bathroom?) wall, but what the hell. If you place it like that, then get truly irritated, shortening that wall would put you in business if it could be done.

I agree 7 footers suck, but 8 footers aren't so bad. I'm a diehard 9-footer too, but an 8 might be a good compromise there. That 12" width savings would probably help you alot in that trouble spot....might allow you to reach half the shots that the 9-footer wouldn't. You'd still be screwed parallel to the head rail, but alot of the other range would get better with an 8.

"Honey let's move the wall to fit the pool table" ....if you could just go ahead can record her response and post it here...that'd be great :-)
 
Dognit said:
You NEED 58" from table edge to wall. Any less and youll hate yourself.
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I agree. I would rather have even a 7 ft table with no obstructions than any size table where I ever had to use a short stick or jack up even if it was only on occasion. It will irritate and aggravate and frustrate you to no end. What will happen is after the initial novelty of having the table in your house wears off (which will be real quick) you will find that you no longer play on it because it just isn't worth the aggravation. A small table isn't as big of a deal as some people make it out to be (you can tighten the pockets and make it play plenty tough if you want), especially if you aren't a fantastic player anyway (which you said you aren't). Big table with obstructions or small table with no obstructions isn't even something that is even close and the answer is beyond clear cut IMO. Get what will fit and don't look back or you will likely regret it.

Is downsizing that bathroom a possibility?
 
I have 5' of space all around my table and it's just BARELY enough. My wife has a treadmill that folds up that encroaches on one of the corners and it just gets in the way when shooting out of the jaws of the pocket. It drives me crazy.

I can't imagine how frustrated I'd be if I had to jack up or use a short cue on all sides of the table. I think I'd have a foosball or air hockey table instead in that case.

With your room measurements, a 7' table will be cramped for some shots but I guarantee it will be less frustrating than trying to play on a 9 footer in that room.
 
It'll work if you make the "closet" and the furniture go away. Other than that look at a 7' table. Try using spectator chairs for furniture. Just remember the 5' rule, no exceptions.
 
Atlatlien said:
I have 5' of space all around my table and it's just BARELY enough. My wife has a treadmill that folds up that encroaches on one of the corners and it just gets in the way when shooting out of the jaws of the pocket. It drives me crazy.

I can't imagine how frustrated I'd be if I had to jack up or use a short cue on all sides of the table. I think I'd have a foosball or air hockey table instead in that case.

With your room measurements, a 7' table will be cramped for some shots but I guarantee it will be less frustrating than trying to play on a 9 footer in that room.
Click to expand...

I have more than 5' around the entire table in that last drawing... except the one corner of suckitude. I don't understand how a 7' would be cramped at all... More info?

bflgvs said:
It'll work if you make the "closet" and the furniture go away. Other than that look at a 7' table. Try using spectator chairs for furniture. Just remember the 5' rule, no exceptions.
Click to expand...

I'd love to, but the wife has squashed that. My new plan is to make a fuss every time I'm in that corner... or better still, get her stuck in that corner until she relents, and lets me turn the entire basement into a man cave.

She doesn't want spectator chairs, since they won't be comfortable for the kids when they and their little friends want to play in the house. (I don't think she realizes just how big the table/space it takes is... and some how thinks the kids will still play down there... and I ain't tellin' her). :grin-devilish:
 
DJ14.1 said:
That most recent sketch doesn't look too bad. You'll certainly have issues near that (bathroom?) wall, but what the hell. If you place it like that, then get truly irritated, shortening that wall would put you in business if it could be done.

I agree 7 footers suck, but 8 footers aren't so bad. I'm a diehard 9-footer too, but an 8 might be a good compromise there. That 12" width savings would probably help you alot in that trouble spot....might allow you to reach half the shots that the 9-footer wouldn't. You'd still be screwed parallel to the head rail, but alot of the other range would get better with an 8.

"Honey let's move the wall to fit the pool table" ....if you could just go ahead can record her response and post it here...that'd be great :-)
Click to expand...

Yeah, I don't really like the 7' tables. I'll just complain about the table being too short. It just doesn't "feel" right to me at all. 8' is what I was going for, but I haven't seen a single Brunswick 8 pro or decent 8' that isn't laminate or wanting WAY too much for it, and from what I saw online it is about 9" less in width. Found the GC4, light, wall rack, cues, balls, etc for 1k.

Funny you should mention it... I said, we could take that full bath, make it a half and have plenty of room. Hmmm. The look I got, was kinda priceless. lol

Dognit said:
You NEED 58" from table edge to wall. Any less and youll hate yourself.
Click to expand...

I have 64 everywhere but the corner... And yeah, I'd hate the corner. (cue the 16 candles reference).

Poolplaya9 said:
I agree. I would rather have even a 7 ft table with no obstructions than any size table where I ever had to use a short stick or jack up even if it was only on occasion. It will irritate and aggravate and frustrate you to no end. What will happen is after the initial novelty of having the table in your house wears off (which will be real quick) you will find that you no longer play on it because it just isn't worth the aggravation. A small table isn't as big of a deal as some people make it out to be (you can tighten the pockets and make it play plenty tough if you want), especially if you aren't a fantastic player anyway (which you said you aren't). Big table with obstructions or small table with no obstructions isn't even something that is even close and the answer is beyond clear cut IMO. Get what will fit and don't look back or you will likely regret it.

Is downsizing that bathroom a possibility?
Click to expand...

I have played on many 7' and I'm never happy playing on them. While I won't complain shooting at a friend's house or a rec room for free... I know I'd get sick of it at home. I do see your point, though... that one corner will suck. Wish that I could find a way around it... or a Centennial or something like it for a good/great price.
 
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Keep in mind, that door in the corner can remain open (assuming it opens inward) so some of those shots may not be as tight in that area. :)
 
xianmacx said:
go with the 9 if that's what you like to play on. The tight spots will come into play very little.

I would rather have to move my cueball or use a short stick 5% of the time vs playing on a smaller table 100% of the time.

If you are like me, you will be playing alone on the table 90% of the time. Just move the cueball a bit.

Easy choice IMO.
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I could not be in more disagreement with this statement. In my opinion that room is far too small for a 9' table. On one side of my table I have 66" (5 ft. 6")from the nose of the cushion to the wall which is more than enough according to some suggestions but I would like to have even more room than that at times. If you are far enough from being a noob to think a 7' table is too small you are far enough along to not enjoy or even hate playing on a 9' table in a room of these dimensions.


An 8' table will not help you much either. Tables sizes are (playing surface, nose of cushion to nose of cushion)
9' 100" x 50"
Pro-8' 92" x 46"
8' 88" x 44"
7' 80" x 40" Diamond
7' 76" x 38" Valley and most other 7' tables

I believe playing on a 7' table with enough room would be far more enjoyable than playing on a 9' table with the cue hitting the walls (which you will most definitely do, a lot!) or trying to use a short cue and still having wall interference. No matter how you try to situate the table I am sorry to say you just do not have room for a 9' table. The 7' table would not bother me one bit even though I have a 9' at home, that may be because I am in the midwest where bar boxes are allegedly the table of choice. In fact I also want to get a 7' Diamond to go along with my Gold Crown since most tournaments up here are played on 7' tables. I can also tell you that when family and non pool playing friends play on my table they all ask if it is bigger than a "regular table". If you are going to have people who do not regularly play pool over to play, it may be more fun on the smaller table as most recreational players have a real tough time with long shots on a 9' table. Good luck!!!
 
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Having a table at your house is great, but believe me if it's not set up right you will grow to hate it and stop using it completely. Unless you plan on using the table strictly for practice only, a table with areas that are basically unplayable will eventually drive you mad.

Here's another though. Get your or 8 or 9 foot table and install it only 2 feet from the right wall (just enough to walk around) as use it as a practice table. You will have access to every possible shot in both directions in that configuration. The only downside is you will never be able to play a game on it, just for practice only. Good if you only ever practice by yourself, bad if you ever plan to try to entertain others with your table (which will be bad and embarrasing anyways if the table is too tight)
 
RussPrince said:
Having a table at your house is great, but believe me if it's not set up right you will grow to hate it and stop using it completely. Unless you plan on using the table strictly for practice only, a table with areas that are basically unplayable will eventually drive you mad.

Here's another though. Get your or 8 or 9 foot table and install it only 2 feet from the right wall (just enough to walk around) as use it as a practice table. You will have access to every possible shot in both directions in that configuration. The only downside is you will never be able to play a game on it, just for practice only. Good if you only ever practice by yourself, bad if you ever plan to try to entertain others with your table (which will be bad and embarrasing anyways if the table is too tight)
Click to expand...

I assume that you mean put the foot 2' from the right wall?

Yes, it is strictly for practice and fun. I think that I can get by with the final mock up I posted. It is tight.... But when I consider the deal I just got on the Diamond, and no viable 7' around... I just can't turn it down. I had actually gone looking again for a 7' just to see if something nice was out there that I could convince myself to buy. Found the Diamond. Lol. It isn't that I am advanced enough to not like the 7', I have simply never liked them.

I honestly don't have a problem shooting with a shorty. I know that corner will be maddening, but hopefully in a while the wife will let me move out the couches. I just want a nice table to play on in my house. If I have to sacrifice a corner to make it happen, so be it... Until I can drive the wife nuts enough to let me move it. Lmao
 
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