Three friends enjoying a game of pool together, showing the long-lasting joy of a quality billiard table

Analog Living: Why What’s Under the Felt Matters in a Pool Table

A few times a year, we’re asked to move or refurbish heirloom pool tables — some over 100 years old — that are still in use today. Think about that: a century of games, families, and memories, all on the same table.

That kind of longevity doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because the builders cared about what was under the felt — the frame, the slate, the cushions, the details that most people never see.

The Structure Beneath the Surface

What keeps a table true is its frame and support system. A pool table holds hundreds of pounds of slate, and every shot depends on that weight staying perfectly level. Cheaper tables may replace slate with MDF or particle board — and that’s when problems start.

• Frame & alignment: Solid hardwood frames (like Olhausen’s Uniliner® design) prevent warping and keep the slate square.

• Slate (or not): Professional tables use 1-inch, three-piece slate. Anything thinner — or worse, made of MDF — risks warping, cracking, or uneven play.

• Rails & cushions: Gum rubber cushions (Olhausen’s Accu-Fast®, Brunswick’s SuperSpeed®) ensure consistent bounce for decades.

These aren’t things you notice when you first admire a table. But they’re exactly what separates a short-term showpiece from an heirloom.

Why Materials and Engineering Matter

Humidity. Seasonal changes. Years of play. All of these test a table over time. Quality brands use North American hardwoods, carefully dried and joined, instead of veneers or particle board. Precision joinery holds stronger than screws. Cushions bonded correctly won’t peel away.

In pool tables, as in life, the details you can’t see determine how well everything holds up.

Warranty and Support: Your Hidden Safety Net

Even the best-built tables need protection. A strong warranty shows where a brand’s confidence lies:

• Olhausen backs its tables and cushions with a lifetime warranty.

• Brunswick offers industry-leading coverage on slate, structure, and workmanship.

Pair that with a knowledgeable local dealer, and you’re not just buying a table — you’re buying peace of mind.

Questions Worth Asking Before You Buy

Most shoppers ask about wood stain or felt color. Those are important, but don’t stop there. Ask:

1. What is the frame made from, and how is it joined?

2. What’s under the felt — is it real slate, and how thick is it?

3. What kind of cushions are used, and what’s their warranty?

4. How long are parts and workmanship covered?

5. Who will deliver and level the table in my home?

The answers will tell you if you’re looking at an heirloom investment — or just a piece of furniture with a short lifespan.

Analog Living Means Playing, Not Fixing

A pool table should be the heart of your game room, not another thing on your to-do list. With Olhausen and Brunswick, you get tables engineered to last for decades, supported by warranties and service you can count on.

That’s the kind of choice that gives you what Analog Living is really about: more evenings of play, more moments together, fewer future headaches.

Because what’s under the felt matters most.

Analog Living is about making choices that give you decades of enjoyment, not endless fixes. That’s true for pool tables — and for spas too. Discover why What’s under the Shell Matters in a Hot Tub. 

Want to know more about why we only carry a few carefully chosen brands? Read our article: We Choose the Best so You Don’t Have To.