Choosing the Right Felt for Your Pool Table

Over time, the felt on your pool table can wear out, affecting gameplay and the table’s appearance.

When you’re ready to refelt your table, there are different types of felt to consider, so today we’re discussing how to choose the right felt for your pool table.

1. Woolen Felt

Description: Woolen felt is the most traditional type of pool table felt. It’s typically made of a blend of nylon and wool, with a higher percentage of wool. This felt is thicker and has a “nap” or fuzzy texture.
Best For: Casual players and those on a budget. Woolen felt is more affordable and durable, making it a good choice for family game rooms or tables that see a lot of use.
Why Choose Woolen Felt: It’s the cost-effective option that provides decent playability and endurance against wear and tear.

2. Worsted Wool Felt

Description: Worsted wool felt is a high-quality, nap-free fabric. It’s made by combing the wool fibers to create a flat, smooth surface.
Best For: Serious players and professionals. This type of felt offers a faster, more consistent ball roll and is often used in tournaments.
Why Choose Worsted Wool Felt: If you prioritize game precision and speed, worsted wool is the way to go. It’s a long-lasting material that maintains its form and provides a superior playing experience.

3. Teflon-Coated Felt

Description: This felt is either woolen or worsted wool treated with a Teflon coating for added spill resistance.
Best For: Tables in high-traffic areas or where the occasional spill might happen (like in a game room with a bar).
Why Choose Teflon-Coated Felt: The Teflon coating adds a layer of protection against stains and spills, making cleanup easier and extending the felt’s life.

4. Specialty and Custom Felts

Description: These are custom-designed felts that come in various colors and patterns. They can be made from either woolen or worsted wool materials.
Best For: Those looking to add a personal touch or match their room’s décor.
Why Choose Specialty and Custom Felts: While not necessarily enhancing playability, these felts allow for personalization and can make your pool table a centerpiece.

What about Speed Cloth?

I chose Speed Cloth when I refelted my table.

“Speed cloth” refers to a specific type of felt often used on pool and billiard tables, and it’s particularly known for its impact on the speed and smoothness of the game.

Here are some key characteristics of speed cloth:

Material: Speed cloth is usually made of worsted wool, which means the fibers are combed to remove the fuzziness or ‘nap’ found in traditional woolen cloth. This results in a very smooth, flat surface.
Gameplay Speed: As the name suggests, speed cloth allows for faster ball movement compared to traditional woolen felt. This is due to its smoother and harder surface, which reduces friction between the ball and the cloth.
Durability: Speed cloth is generally more durable and resistant to wear compared to standard woolen felt. It’s less likely to pill or fluff up over time, maintaining its smooth texture for longer.
Maintenance: This type of cloth is easier to clean and maintain. It’s often spill-resistant, which is an added benefit in environments where drinks might be near the table.
Preferred Use: Speed cloth is a popular choice for both competitive players and enthusiasts who prefer a faster, more consistent game. It’s commonly used in professional tournaments and in venues focused on serious pool play.
Appearance: Speed cloth comes in various colors, allowing for customization based on personal or venue preferences.

In summary…

Speed cloth is an excellent choice for players looking for a fast, consistent, and durable playing surface. It’s particularly well-suited for competitive play and can enhance the overall experience of the game.

When choosing the right felt for your pool table, consider your playing style, the table’s usage, and your personal preferences in aesthetics.

Remember, the felt is not just a functional part of your pool table; it’s also a statement piece in your game room.

Whether you opt for the durability of woolen felt, the precision of worsted wool, the practicality of Teflon-coated, or the flair of custom designs, ensure it aligns with your needs and enhances your pool-playing experience.
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Happy playing!
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Check out these best selling felts…

Bestseller No. 1

Accuplay 20 oz Pre Cut Pool Table Felt - Billiard Cloth Black for 8' Table

Precut Accuplay 20 ounce Medium fast speed pool table felt
Size of the bed is piece is 54" x 102" and 6 - 6" rails for an 8' table
Made of 75% wool, 25% polyamide
Weight is 20 oz - Made in Mexico - Color black

Bestseller No. 2

Billiard Cloth - Professional Pool Table Felt fits Standard 9 Foot Table, Snooker Indoor Sports Game Table Cloth with Cushion Cloth Strip (Black)

[Professional Pool Table Cloth Felt, Nylon Billiard Cloth Pool Table Felt] - Our Billiards Pool Table Cloth is made of nylon and soft fiber material, it provides excellent extensibility of the fabric.
[Indoor Billiards Pool Tablecloth] - Designed for indoor billiard pool. Can be cut for exact usage, durable in use. No Pilling And Won'T Change Color After Hitting, High performance provide Better Place For Playing, For Better Sports Game Performance.
[Chinese Style Fiber Billiard Table Cloth] - This is favorite color for Billiard Felt, eyes are Less Prone to fatigue, corner shadows Do Not easily affect sight.
[Billiard Table Accessories Felt Pool Table Cloth] - Perfect for holding up in a variety of environments, can be used to bars/ clubs/ hotels and more.
[Package Includes] - 1 x Table Cloth or 1 x Table Cloth + 6 pcs Bottom Cloth (total 1 m in length); Billiard Table Game Accessories Pool Table Supplies Indoor Outdoor Billiard Pool Table Cloth, Professional Pool Table Felt, Indoor Sports Game Pool Table Cloth with Cushion Cloth Strip.

SaleBestseller No. 3

Championship Saturn II Billiards Cloth Pool Table Felt , Red, 8-Feet

Liberally cut 6 rail cloths plus 8 ft. bed cloth: 100-inch x 50-inch
75% Wool 25% Nylon blended woolen fabric
Blended Wool and tight weave provide superior cloth stretching capability
Coated with DuPont Teflon for added stain resistance
Includes table Spot and 2 pieces of color matched cue chalk