Buying a Used Pool Table: 5 Reasons It’s the Smart Choice
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Thinking about buying a pool table? Discover why choosing a used or pre-owned table can save you money, offer superior craftsmanship, and still bring years of enjoyment.
Why Used is the New Smart
If you’ve ever dreamed of having your own pool table — maybe in a cozy basement game room, a garage-turned-hangout, or even your small business — you’ve probably started looking online or visiting showrooms. And if you’ve seen those price tags for brand-new tables, you know it’s a serious investment.
But here’s the thing… you don’t have to buy brand-new to get a high-quality, beautiful, and durable table. In fact, buying used might be the smartest move you can make. Over my years in the billiards industry, I’ve seen families, business owners, and serious players save thousands of dollars — and sometimes end up with better craftsmanship — by going the pre-owned route.
In this guide, I’m sharing the five biggest reasons to consider buying a used pool table, plus a few insider tips to make sure you get the most for your money.
(Pro Tip: Download our free PDF checklist — [10 Things to Check Before Buying a Used Pool Table] — to take with you when you shop.)
1. Cost Savings Without Sacrificing Quality
Buying new can easily cost $4,000–$12,000 for a well-built slate table — not including delivery and setup. Pre-owned tables? You can often find the same quality table for 40–70% less.
The key here is that pool tables, especially slate ones, don’t wear out the way other furniture does. The wood frame can last decades, and slate doesn’t lose its playability. That means you can get a gently used table, re-cover it with fresh felt, and have it looking (and playing) like new.
Think about it: if you save $3,000 on the table, that’s extra budget for accessories and upgrades — like the color of money Joss Cue Tom Cruise used in ‘The Color of Money’, Mirrea Pool Table Light, or even hiring a professional mechanic to install and level your table perfectly.
Pro Tip: If the table needs new felt, that’s actually a good thing — you get to pick your own color and brand from the start.
2. Superior Craftsmanship in Older Models
This might surprise you, but many older pool tables were built with heavier hardwoods, hand-carved legs, and thicker slate than some of today’s mass-produced models.
Manufacturing shortcuts are common in modern furniture, but a 20–30-year-old slate pool table from a reputable brand like Olhausen or Brunswick can often outlast a brand-new budget model.
I’ve worked on tables from the 1970s that still play beautifully after a simple refelt and polish. The joinery is tighter, the wood has settled, and the slate is perfectly true. That kind of build quality is hard to match today unless you’re paying top dollar.
(Related: [Internal link to “How to Identify a Quality Pool Table”])
3. Immediate Availability — No Months-Long Waits
If you’ve tried ordering a brand-new table, you know it can take weeks or even months to arrive — especially if you’re getting a custom size or finish.
With used tables, what you see is what you get, and you can usually have it delivered and installed within days. That’s perfect if you’ve got a big event coming up, like a birthday party, holiday gathering, or grand opening.
One of my favorite parts of helping customers find used tables is seeing the look on their faces when they realize they could be playing on it this weekend instead of “sometime in six weeks.”
(Pro Tip: If you’re buying from a private seller, ask if they’ll include accessories like cues, balls, or a rack — sometimes they’re happy to throw them in.)
4. Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Choice
When you buy used, you’re not just saving money — you’re reducing waste. A high-quality slate table can last for decades, so buying pre-owned keeps it out of landfills and reduces demand for new raw materials.
It’s a win-win: you get a beautiful game room centerpiece, and the planet gets a little less strain from manufacturing and shipping.
Want to go fully green? Pair your table with accessories made from recycled materials — like [affiliate link: reclaimed wood cue racks] or [affiliate link: eco-friendly table covers].
5. Negotiation Power & Extra Value
Here’s something you can’t do when you buy new from a showroom: negotiate freely.
Private sellers and even some dealers with used inventory are often motivated to move their tables quickly. That means you can sometimes get extras like:
A full set of balls
Multiple cues
A bridge stick
Delivery and installation included in the price
I’ve seen buyers walk away with $500 worth of accessories simply because they asked, “What can you include to sweeten the deal?”
(Download our free [Used Pool Table Negotiation Checklist] to learn the exact questions to ask.)
How to Make Sure You Get a Good Deal
Before you hand over any money, inspect the table carefully or hire a professional mechanic to do it for you.
Check:
The slate for cracks or chips
The frame for warping or loose joints
The cushions for consistent bounce
The felt for wear (though this is replaceable)
(Related: [Internal link to “Signs a Pool Table Needs Repairs”])
Final Thoughts
Buying a used pool table is one of the smartest moves you can make if you want quality, value, and faster delivery without compromising playability.
With the right inspection, a little negotiation, and maybe a fresh refelt, you could have a top-tier table for a fraction of the cost — one that will bring years of enjoyment to your home or business.
If you’re ready to start your search, check out our [favorite trusted sellers here] (affiliate link) or Contact Us Here for expert moving, installation, and refelting services.