Pool Table Cloth Guide: Worsted vs Felt, Colors, and When to Replace It
The cloth is the surface every shot rolls on, and it changes how a table plays more than anything except the slate. Here is how to pick cloth and know when it is time for new.
Worsted cloth vs woolen felt
- Worsted (tournament) cloth is tightly woven from combed wool and nylon, with a smooth, flat surface. Balls roll faster and truer, it shows less wear, and it is what pool halls and tournaments use. Simonis is the best-known worsted brand.
- Woolen cloth ("felt") is thicker and fuzzier, with a nap. It plays slower, pills and wears faster, and the ball can drift with the nap. It comes on most budget home tables and costs less.
If you play seriously or want your home table to play like the pool hall, worsted cloth is the single biggest upgrade.
Colors
Green is traditional and easy on the eyes. Tournament blue (TV blue) is popular because the balls stand out well on camera and under bright light. Any color plays the same; darker colors show chalk more, lighter ones show stains.
How long does cloth last?
- Pool halls: often once a year or more.
- Home tables: worsted cloth can last 5 years or more with light play; woolen felt wears faster.
- Replace it when: it has holes, tears or bald spots, balls roll slowly or drift, the cloth is loose or wrinkled, or stains won't come out.
Recovering a table
New cloth has to be stretched tight and even, glued or stapled to the slate, and wrapped around the cushions. Most owners hire a table mechanic, who can also re-level the slate and check the cushions in the same visit. It is a good moment to replace worn cushion rubber too.
Make it last
Brush after every session, cover the table, keep drinks off the rails, and chalk away from the table. See how to clean a pool table and how to level a pool table. Shopping for a whole table? Read the home pool table buying guide.