BarBilliards.com
Home / Buying a Bar Billiards Table

Buying a Bar Billiards Table

A practical inspection and planning guide for buying a used or restored bar billiards table.

By BarBilliards.com Editorial TeamUpdated August 2, 2026
On this pageMeasure fitIdentify variantPlaying conditionMechanismCompletenessTotal costSeller questions
Quick answer: Buy condition and completeness before cosmetics. Confirm the table is the variant you want, measure access, inspect the bed and return mechanism, identify missing pins and balls, and price professional transport and restoration before agreeing to the purchase.

1. Confirm it fits

Five inspection points for a used bar billiards table
Inspect the cabinet, playing surface, pins, holes and internal mechanisms before agreeing to transport a table.

Measure the table's full cabinet, the route through doors and stairs, and the playing space required for a cue at the baulk end. These tables are compact compared with pool tables but can still be heavy and awkward.

2. Identify the variant

Count the holes and pins. Check the baulk area, maker's plate and playing dimensions. Decide whether you need league compatibility, a historical collector piece or simply a playable home table.

3. Inspect playing condition

  • Is the bed level, stable and free from obvious warping?
  • Do balls roll consistently?
  • Are cushions lively and even?
  • Is the cloth worn, torn or badly faded?
  • Are hole rims damaged?

4. Test the mechanism

Run the timer through a complete cycle. Pot balls into every hole and verify the channels and return. Listen for sticking, delayed returns and loose parts. Mechanical work can be more important than re-clothing.

5. Check completeness

Confirm balls, pins, pin spots, scoring equipment, keys, internal gates and cabinet panels. Replacements exist, but missing original parts can affect cost and collector interest.

6. Calculate total landed cost

Purchase price is only one line. Add dismantling, specialist transport, stairs or lifting, levelling, cloth, cushions, mechanism repair and replacement equipment.

Questions to ask the seller

  • Who made the table?
  • Where was it used?
  • When was it last serviced or re-clothed?
  • Does the timer and final bar work?
  • What repairs or modifications have been made?
  • Can it be tested before collection?
A low-priced table can be a good project, but it is not automatically a bargain. Restoration skill is specialized, and transport mistakes can damage a table that was otherwise sound.

Last reviewed: August 2, 2026. Rules can vary by league and table type; consult your local competition rules.