Tips for home billiard room from experience?

W

WillyCornbread

Break and One
Silver Member
Hi all, I'm preparing a portion of my basement for a pool table. I can only fit a 7fter and have a new Diamond Pro Am being built right now. Please save the 9ft vs. 7ft stuff, I realize a 9ft would be better, but hitting balls is better than not hitting balls.

I have a few decisions to make as I prepare the room and I was wondering if people who have experience would be so kind as to weigh in - maybe I can avoid any mistakes you made in the past. My area is 14' x 17' for reference, currently finished with drywall walls + ceiling and ceramic tile flooring.

Flooring - I don't wish to install carpeting with tackstrips. I believe my options then are self adhesive carpet tiles, corkboard tiles. Any other thoughts? I can't get a carpet remnant of this size into my basement or I would choose that route (or can I, can a remnant be cut then seamed back together or something). Should the table go on top of the flooring, or should I put it 'around' the table and leave the table on the existing tile?

Walls - Plan on painting the walls a light shade of beige - any thoughts, will beige make me go blind?

Curtain - The actual room is much bigger than 14', but I need some kind of divider that is not permanent so I can get my junk when I need it. I was thinking about hanging 2 giant curtains - thoughts or options?

Columns - I've got 2 lally columns - was planning on using a wood 'polewrap' on them so they don't destroy a cue if hit.

Thank you for your time if you are able to contribute any thoughts, it's much appreciated.

b
 
It sounds like the table may be going in your basement? I would recommend painting the walls with that hydraulic paint that helps prevent moisture intrusion.
 
WillyCornbread said:
Hi all, I'm preparing a portion of my basement for a pool table. I can only fit a 7fter and have a new Diamond Pro Am being built right now. Please save the 9ft vs. 7ft stuff, I realize a 9ft would be better, but hitting balls is better than not hitting balls.

I have a few decisions to make as I prepare the room and I was wondering if people who have experience would be so kind as to weigh in - maybe I can avoid any mistakes you made in the past. My area is 14' x 17' for reference, currently finished with drywall walls + ceiling and ceramic tile flooring.

Flooring - I don't wish to install carpeting with tackstrips. I believe my options then are self adhesive carpet tiles, corkboard tiles. Any other thoughts? I can't get a carpet remnant of this size into my basement or I would choose that route (or can I, can a remnant be cut then seamed back together or something). Should the table go on top of the flooring, or should I put it 'around' the table and leave the table on the existing tile?

Walls - Plan on painting the walls a light shade of beige - any thoughts, will beige make me go blind?

Curtain - The actual room is much bigger than 14', but I need some kind of divider that is not permanent so I can get my junk when I need it. I was thinking about hanging 2 giant curtains - thoughts or options?

Columns - I've got 2 lally columns - was planning on using a wood 'polewrap' on them so they don't destroy a cue if hit.

Thank you for your time if you are able to contribute any thoughts, it's much appreciated.

b
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Beige is a neutral color and I would have no problems with light beige myself. Whatever you decide on the flooring, decide for the most comfortable to walk on options. Whether it be thick padding under a carpet piece, rubberized material segments or whatever it may be. Comfort is more important than looks to enjoying the table more often, and for longer periods of time.
 
I don't know how you are and it may be a personal preference, but I hate glare and light around the table. I would paint the walls a darker flat color. I did my room in a slate grey and I never had problems with the lighting as the table was the only thing lit up. The lights in the roof were put on a dimmer so you could see the room, but the table light was the majority of the light.
 
I used commercial carpet. It was comfortable to walk on and firm enough for the table to sit on.They brought it down in rolls and you had to look hard to see the seams. It was relatively inexpensive. I used a column wrap that looked like oak. That gave me the least amount of interference.
 
WillyCornbread said:
Hi all, I'm preparing a portion of my basement for a pool table. I can only fit a 7fter and have a new Diamond Pro Am being built right now. Please save the 9ft vs. 7ft stuff, I realize a 9ft would be better, but hitting balls is better than not hitting balls.

I have a few decisions to make as I prepare the room and I was wondering if people who have experience would be so kind as to weigh in - maybe I can avoid any mistakes you made in the past. My area is 14' x 17' for reference, currently finished with drywall walls + ceiling and ceramic tile flooring.

Flooring - I don't wish to install carpeting with tackstrips. I believe my options then are self adhesive carpet tiles, corkboard tiles. Any other thoughts? I can't get a carpet remnant of this size into my basement or I would choose that route (or can I, can a remnant be cut then seamed back together or something). Should the table go on top of the flooring, or should I put it 'around' the table and leave the table on the existing tile?

Walls - Plan on painting the walls a light shade of beige - any thoughts, will beige make me go blind?

Curtain - The actual room is much bigger than 14', but I need some kind of divider that is not permanent so I can get my junk when I need it. I was thinking about hanging 2 giant curtains - thoughts or options?

Columns - I've got 2 lally columns - was planning on using a wood 'polewrap' on them so they don't destroy a cue if hit.

Thank you for your time if you are able to contribute any thoughts, it's much appreciated.

b
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You want carpet for sure due to the sound deadening qualities.

- Carpet - FYI at Home Depot now they are making area rugs from any carpet they have in the store to custom sizes. These are pretty reasonable depending on the carpet you choose. You can cover the perimeter of the room in linoleum tiles and center up an area rug with a finished binding edge. I just had one made up in a 9 x 11 custom size for this dining room shown below for a reasonable $400 - a decent quality carpet. Just remember to have the rug in before the table arrives. It takes about 3 weeks on custom order.

- divider - Personally I would throw up a studded wall with drywall and hang double doors or sliding closet panels or barn doors so you have a nice sized opening for your storage area. This is fairly cheap to do and will give you better appearance than a curtain.

- color - If the room is dark, I would go with white walls to help disperse light.

You are spending a lot of money on the table - may as well do the room right.
 

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Carpet n lights

My table is in my garage that has in floor heating and white walls with 10 foot ceiling. I built a light that is similar to the one Diamond sells and bought cheap 2 x 2 foot carpet squares from Home Depot, they have a small adhesive strip on each corner. I went 6 foot on each side of the table with the squares and I kept the table 6 feet from the nearest wall.

My garage is 28 x 36 foot and the table is at one end. When I play pool only the table light is on and the table cover is on the table when not in use. I don't mind the table not being separated by another wall in my garage.

If I'm doing a project I also put heavy mill vapor barrier on the table cover. I do wood cutting, sanding and painting out side.

I have a rule I insist every one follows. The only thing that goes on the table are the balls and the rack. Chalk sets on the wood bordering the rails. That's it, nothing else. That rule is still in effect if the table is covered. Nothing on the table. Eat all you want, just wash your hands with the handy wipes before you start shooting again.

I follow the table cloth cleaning instructions I received from RealKingCobra on this forum.

Protect your cloth, keep it covered when not in use. Nothing on the table but......
 
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Ascetics are important with a clock; all I can add is to the main event, your diamond 7’r. A 4 ball rack set and play will give no mercy to the lack of surface. You will find practice time requiring the need of your clock; best you set the limits than your wife, if there is no wife, then your job requirements become relevant, if no job, then you can time 4 ball contenders pain, weeping for mercy.
 
Dan_B said:
Ascetics are important with a clock; all I can add is to the main event, your diamond 7’r. A 4 ball rack set and play will give no mercy to the lack of surface. You will find practice time requiring the need of your clock; best you set the limits than your wife, if there is no wife, then your job requirements become relevant, if no job, then you can time 4 ball contenders pain, weeping for mercy.
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This has me intrigued because I don't understand any of what you are trying to say? Are you just reinforcing the extra practice time needed due to the smaller size of the table?

Or that I need a nice clock?

Thanks for the contribution - but please clarify...
 
In regards to your curtain idea, a heavy curtain will do wonders for sound deadening.
 
Good Luck in your project.... I like the idea of a a light beige walls (semi flat texture so they can be cleaned if necessary), that will work well with your other decorating, floor color, pictures & lighting.

What do you plan to do for a Pool Table light? What about the ambient lighting

Maybe the columns could feature some Pool Cue Racks.....?

Add some good chairs for spectators & leisure seating too, for watching Videos.

You gotta have a Bar... even if it's just for beer or Pop....

Have fun...
 
Rather than using curtains you should look into folding dividers such as the ones shown in the picture below. There are many different styles which would probably look nicer than curtains.

Make sure you don't underestimate the importance of a nice light. Although they look nice, you shouldn't buy the ones that have three separate bulbs in series because they don't distribute the light evenly across the table. It's best to use fluorescent bulbs that run the length of the table. Hopefully you just bought the light that comes from Diamond because those are the best. Just make sure you hang it at the right height.
 
Thanks folks - I'm getting the Diamond matching light for the table.

I like the idea of a cue rack around one of the poles that is not obstructing the table - have to look into that although the ceiling is very low 6' 8" so I may have to go with a floorstanding rack so people don't hit the ceiling taking a cue out.

I hadn't thought about those folding divider things, but I'd have to go 17' width with them which could get expensive vs. a big curtain that can just slide open - have to think about it.

I have some room for some nice chairs, but unfortunately the bar will have to remain upstairs since i just don't have the space.

It's a small room with lots of compromises, with a small table - but I plan on doing the best I can with it starting with a nice Diamond table...

Appreciate all of the helpful input!

b
 
Dan_B said:
Ascetics are important with a clock; all I can add is to the main event, your diamond 7’r. A 4 ball rack set and play will give no mercy to the lack of surface. You will find practice time requiring the need of your clock; best you set the limits than your wife, if there is no wife, then your job requirements become relevant, if no job, then you can time 4 ball contenders pain, weeping for mercy.
Click to expand...

That is an interesting suggestion, but has anyone really been far even as decided to use even go want to do look more like?
 
WillyCornbread said:
This has me intrigued because I don't understand any of what you are trying to say? Are you just reinforcing the extra practice time needed due to the smaller size of the table?

Or that I need a nice clock?

Thanks for the contribution - but please clarify...
Click to expand...

...no, no, one of those battery operated wall types will due.
I may have jumped the shark a little bit looking past the room set-up wanting to get to the action right away, wanting to share a format perfect for practice and competition play on a 7’r. It isn’t you; it is the norm that I’m not understood. :smile:
 
As a home table owner, my advice is to be cognizant of what you are breaking towards. Since you are in a basement, you obviously don't have to worry about windows, but I wouldn't hang anything valuable on a wall behind the foot rail.

I learned this lesson the hard way when I shattered the framed glass that covers my Jimi Hendrix Experience autographs with a flying cue ball. Oops. :(
 
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