Our expert guide to the most worthwhile performance and protection upgrades — the small details that make a big difference in how your table plays, looks, and lasts.
A well-chosen upgrade can completely change how your pool table feels and performs.
At Skillful Home Recreation, we’ve spent decades helping Mainers fine-tune their tables — from play speed and sound to comfort and care.
Below are the upgrades we most often recommend for serious players and thoughtful homeowners alike.
For a broader overview of accessories, you can also visit our
Pool Table Accessories hub.
1.Upgrade to Simonis® Cloth
If you make one performance upgrade to your table, this should be it.
Simonis cloth is the standard in professional and tournament play — prized for its precision, consistency, and longevity.
Why we recommend it
- Better play: a smooth, nap-free surface that keeps the roll straight and true.
- Better looks: rich, color-fast dyes that stay vibrant over time.
- Longer life & durability: worsted construction resists shedding, pilling, and grooves.
- More enjoyment: when the table plays predictably, everyone has more fun.
That’s why the quality of your cloth makes such a noticeable difference in every shot.
For players who love the details: Simonis cloth is made from worsted wool, not the fuzzy, napped weave found on most recreational tables.
The fibers are combed, spun, and tightly woven to create a sleek, uniform surface that delivers consistent ball speed and true roll.
This design also resists chalk build-up and friction burns, so your table stays cleaner and faster for years.
Simonis is the only textile mill in the world dedicated exclusively to cue-sport cloth.
Its precision manufacturing meets ISO 9001 standards and includes routine elasticity and extension testing —
a level of control unmatched in the industry.
As an Authorized Olhausen Dealer, we also offer Simonis 760 SR™,
a stain-resistant version available only through Olhausen.
The protective treatment is built directly into the fibers — not sprayed on afterward —
giving you extra protection without altering the legendary Simonis feel.
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2. Upgrade to Aramith® Balls & Quality Play Packages
A table’s performance is only as good as the balls that roll across it.
We recommend Aramith phenolic-resin balls for their balance, lively rebound, and exceptional longevity.
Why we recommend them
- Precision weight and roundness for consistent roll and feedback.
- Phenolic resin composition that resists burn marks and preserves your cloth.
- Long-lasting finish that keeps its gloss and markings clear for years.
- That satisfying sound and feel that tell you you’re playing with quality gear.
they were designed to perform together. The precision of one enhances the precision of the other.
For players who love the details: most recreational ball sets are made from polyester.
Aramith uses a high-density phenolic resin that’s harder, more durable, and more consistent from ball to ball.
That means cleaner contact points, truer collisions, and less “flat spotting” over time.
The result is a set of balls that can withstand millions of impacts while maintaining their balance, polish, and playing characteristics.
Both Olhausen and Brunswick also offer excellent play packages that bundle balls, racks, cues,
and core accessories. These sets are a terrific value — often far less than buying each piece separately — and are a smart way to outfit
a new table with professional-grade components.
3. Invest in a Quality Pool Table Cover
We’ve re-clothed thousands of tables, and one thing is clear: a good cover prevents most of the damage that sends people to us in the first place.
Why it matters
- Accident protection: spills, pet mishaps, and “I’ll just set this here” moments happen.
- Sunlight & dust defense: prevents fading and keeps the cloth surface clean.
- Longevity: reduces wear and delays the need for costly re-clothing.
A simple cover saves you from the expensive “oops” moments.
4. Add a Cue Rack or Drawer to Store Your Accessories
Protecting your cues and keeping accessories off the table helps your cloth last longer and makes the room feel finished.
There are two main ways to store your gear:
Drawer in the Table
Some Olhausen and Brunswick tables offer an integrated drawer built right into the cabinet to hold cues, balls, and accessories.
It’s one of our favorite features — a discreet, furniture-grade solution that keeps everything close at hand.
Drawers are built during manufacturing and cannot be added later, so be sure to include this option if it’s available on your chosen model.
Wall or Floor Cue Racks
If your table doesn’t include a drawer, a well-made rack is the best alternative.
We carry several designs, from simple utility racks to statement pieces that coordinate with your table’s finish.
One of our favorites is the Olhausen Monarch Deluxe Cue Rack — handcrafted in Portland, Tennessee, alongside their tables
and covered by Olhausen’s Lifetime Warranty. It’s a substantial, furniture-style rack that looks right at home in any serious game room.
A rack or drawer protects your cues, your cloth, and your room from clutter.
5.Consider a Conversion or Dining Top
A well-designed top can transform your table into something entirely new.
Whether it’s a dining top for holidays or a ping-pong conversion top for family fun, it lets you enjoy your space in more ways.
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Dining tops: turn your pool table into an elegant dining, serving, or work surface.
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Table-tennis tops: bring fast-paced play without needing a second table.
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Outdoor options: select tops are designed for outdoor pool tables — perfect for Maine summers.
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Shuffleboard tops: extend the same idea to your shuffleboard, turning it into a beautiful, usable surface when not in play.
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Storage caddies: make moving and storing the tops easy and safe.
Both Brunswick and Olhausen make beautifully engineered tops designed for their tables.
We’ll help you confirm fit and finish and find the right balance between form and function.
Learn About Conversion & Dining Tops
6. Know When to Replace Your Cushions
Even the best cloth can’t make up for tired cushion rubber.
Over time, cushions lose their elasticity and can cause dead or uneven rebounds.
Watch for these signs
- Balls die quickly or bounce unevenly off rails.
- One side of the table feels “flat” or unpredictable.
- The sound changes — a harsh thud instead of a clean bounce.
A quick test at home: roll a ball firmly into each rail and watch the rebound.
You should see a lively, consistent response all around the table.
If one or two rails feel off, it might be time for replacement.
We can inspect your cushions during a re-cloth or service visit and let you know whether they’re due now or can wait.
Skillful Tip:
Are you having your cloth replaced anyway? If so, it is important to first determine if you need to replace your cushions at the same time.
Want a deeper look at how cushions age and how to test them?
Visit our detailed guide on
Pool Table Cushion Replacement.
Visit or Contact Skillful Home Recreation
📍 Skillful Home Recreation
533 Forest Ave, Portland, Maine
📞 207-775-3000
🕒 Visit our showroom or call ahead with questions — we’re always happy to help you sort out the details.
Skillful Home Recreation — helping Mainers play beautifully since 1978.
