How to Build a Game Room Around a Pool Table

Transforming a spare room or basement into a family game room is about more than just buying a table; it’s about creating a "social anchor" for your home. While the pool table is the centerpiece, the difference between a cramped room and a true sanctuary lies in the planning. Here is how to design a game room that will keep the family playing for years.

The Room

The most common mistake when planning a pool room is measuring for the table but forgetting to measure for the cues. You need enough "stroke room" to prevent your cue from hitting the wall on a rail shot. A standard pool cue is 57 to 58 inches long. To find your ideal room size, take the dimensions of the playing surface and add 10 feet (5 feet on each side) if possible.

Room Size Cheat Sheet

When planning out a room, there are also some other factors that many first-timers forget to consider which can have a big impact on your families enjoyment of the space.

• Noise: If you do your room right, people will have fun and hopefully get a little rowdy. Maybe your kids are just having some fun or you're having some friends over late at night and don't want to disturb the rest of the house? Consider soundproofing for your room. Also, pool can just be loud. Pool balls breaking, cues bumping into walls and sometimes, heavy pool balls hitting the floor. Adding thick carpeting can make your room more comfortable while also absorbing some of this extra noise.
• Lighting: Overhead "can" lights create harsh shadows inside the pockets. To see the angles clearly, you need a dedicated billiard light fixture hung approximately 30–36 inches above the playing surface.
• Flooring/Structure: Above almost anything else, you want your table to be level. Basement floors often are sloped for drainage and despite being subtle, can make leveling your table a bit tricky. Also, if your game room is not built on a concrete foundations (like if your putting it on an upper floor or attic), remember that tables can weight thousands of pounds so ensure your floor can support it.

Choosing The Right Pool Table

Not all tables are created equal. If you want a table that plays well and lasts long enough for your kids to play on as adults, getting a slate table is key. Many cheaper tables that do not use slate sag and warp over time making them frustrating - basically unplayable. A quality slate table maintains a level, smooth play surface for decades.

Another bonus to getting a slate table is, since slate can weigh upwards of 1,000lbs, the table by it's nature has to be sturdy. This not only means it's made well but it also is way more resistant to movement when players inevitably bump the table while playing.

Besides the play surface, the style of table you can have a huge impact on the feel of your space. Some tables have a purpose built, competitive look, perfect the super serious player while others have beautiful woodwork meaning your table doubles as a piece of furniture in your room. If the look of the table is important to you, when looking, don't be too focused on the felt/cloth cover you see in pictures. This can be easily changed and is often a choice you can make when buying.

More Than Just a Table

Okay, you've installed the perfect table so, what's next? It's time to finish the room!

• Storage: Keep your cues off the floor and leaning against walls (which causes warping). A wall or floor cue rack keeps the room organized.

• Seating: Standard chairs are too low; you can't see the table surface while waiting for your turn. Spectator chairs or pub stools are designed at a height that lets you stay engaged with the game.

• Table Protection & Maintenance: A table brush and cover are non-negotiable for keeping dust and sunlight from fading your felt.

And if you're lucky enough to have space more than big enough for your dream pool table don't forget about there's more fun to be had!

• Shuffleboard: The perfect "linear" game. Since shuffleboard tables are long and narrow, they fit perfectly against a long wall that might be too tight for a pool cue stroke.

• Foosball: High-energy and great for kids. It’s a compact addition that adds a different pace to the room. Check out our foosball tables.

• Arcade Classics: To give your room that classic "rec-room" vibe, nothing beats a home arcade machine or a dartboard setup.

A great game room is a work in progress. It can be a lot all at once so start with the table and the light, then slowly add the seating and extra games as you see how your family uses the space. Let the room grow with you and you'll never stop loving it.