# Is it worth getting a 6 foot pool table? The short answer is yes, with a few caveats\.

- Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/is-it-worth-getting-a-6-foot-pool-table/
- Published: 2023-11-07
- Author: Nelson Ayers
- Categories: [Business & Worth](https://33rdsquare.com/category/games/worth/)

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For most casual players with limited space, a 6 foot table is an excellent choice for enjoyable recreation at home. While professional players require larger tables, 6 footers can provide countless hours of family fun if expectations are set appropriately. Let‘s take a detailed look at the unique considerations of owning a 6 foot pool table.

## The Benefits of Compact 6 Foot Tables

### A Perfect Fit for Small Spaces

The number one advantage of 6 foot tables is their modest size. They easily fit into small rec rooms, bonus spaces, garages, and dedicated game nooks that can‘t accommodate larger professional equipment.

- Here are the approximate room size requirements for different table sizes: | Table Size | Room Size | | --- | --- | | 6 foot | 10 x 14 feet | | 7 foot | 13 x 16 feet | | 8 foot | 13 x 17 feet | | 9 foot | 16 x 18 feet |
- As you can see, a 6 footer needs a _much_ more compact space than traditional 7, 8, or 9 foot tables. This allows pool in rooms and homes that would otherwise be unable to fit a table.
- For apartment dwellers and condo owners with only modest square footage, a 6 foot table may be the _only_ option to enjoy pool at home. Their footprint can often squeeze into a bedroom or den when larger sizes are out of the question.

So if you love playing pool but have limited space, a 6 foot table is absolutely worth considering. Just make sure to measure carefully, as every extra inch of clearance helps maximize playing room. But with creative placement, a 6 footer can transform even the smallest areas into your own personal game room.

### Lower Cost Than Professional Sizes

Another major perk of 6 foot tables is their lower cost compared to larger offerings.

- On average, expect to spend $1000 – $2000 for a quality 6 foot table.
- By comparison, mid-range 7 and 8 foot tables typically run $2000 – $4000+.
- The materials required for a 6 footer cost significantly less than a full-sized professional table. A smaller table = a smaller price tag in most cases.

For the casual player on a budget, this discount can make owning a real slate pool table possible when 8 footers are financially out of reach. While serious players require the higher price tag for performance, families and hobbyists can enjoy the game affordably on a 6 foot starter table.

### Ideal for Teens, Kids, and Casual Play

The manageable size also makes a 6 foot table a wonderful option for teens and kids learning the game.

- The compact layout is less intimidating for younger players versus the wide open expanse of larger tables. Balls and pockets are within easy reach.
- Shorter kids can make shots more comfortably without over-reaching across an 8 foot span.
- The quicker pace and closer quarters help maintain interest and excitement through fast-paced games.

For casual play or those still developing fundamental skills, a 6 footer provides an accommodating practice and play space. Families with aspiring young pool sharks will get years of enjoyment as their skills progress. And they can always upgrade to a larger table later as abilities advance.

### Fits Better in Multipurpose Rooms

For multi-use spaces like basements, lofts, and studios, a 6 foot table takes up minimal floor space when not in use.

- It leaves ample surrounding area for other activities, furniture, entertainment, and traffic flow.
- Larger 7, 8, or 9 foot tables can dominate a mixed use room, even when covered.

So if your game area also doubles as a lounge, theater, office, or activity space, a 6 footer conveniently tucks away out of sight and out of the way when not hosting epic pool battles.

### Quick and Exciting Social Games

The cozy layout also lends itself to fast-paced games and quick matches. With less table space between shots, games inherently move faster on a 6 foot table.

- Each turn is up quicker with less ground to cover between shots.
- Less time between shots keeps excitement levels up and leaves less opportunity for distraction.
- More compact positioning means strategy and precise shooting are at a premium.

For social gatherings or parties, a 6 footer encourages lively social interaction and engagement from those waiting their turn. And lively conversation makes the time fly by! The brisk pace is perfect for casual matches where no one wants to be stuck spectating forever.

## Factors to Consider Before Buying a 6 Foot Table

While 6 foot tables provide some great benefits, you should also weigh a few drawbacks compared to larger tables:

### Serious Players Will Be Limited

The most significant downside is that advanced players will likely find a 6 footer limiting. There simply isn‘t room for long cueing, complex bank shots, and other intricate play.

- Larger tables allow more cue stick contact with the ball. Maximum stroke length is constrained by the smaller footprint of a 6 foot table.
- Less space between balls means spreading them out is challenging. You lose control and shot options.
- The close sidelines and corners increase scratch and foul chances. Precise shooting is a must.

So while a 6 footer is great for beginners and casual play, advanced players will become frustrated by limited shot-making possibilities before long. If you want a lifelong table that can still accommodate skilled play, go bigger.

### Less Stable Base for Aggressive Play

With a smaller footprint and lighter overall weight, 6 foot tables also have more movement during aggressive shots. Their lighter frames shift more than a sturdy 8 footer under the same powerful impacts.

- Hard breaks and firm shots can cause a 6 foot table to shake or wobble slightly, throwing off position.
- Kids and new players sometimes bang shots with lots of speed but lack control. A 6 footer is more prone to shaking from haphazard bumps and bangs.

For gentle recreational play, it likely won‘t be an issue. But those with harder strokes or wild untamed breaks may find annoying table motion. Adding weight can help, but it‘s tough to match the rock solid stability of a heavy 7 or 8 foot slate table.

### Lower Resale Value Than Larger Tables

Pool tables typically retain value very well if kept in great shape. However, larger tables ultimately have higher demand and command stronger dollars down the road.

- Full-sized 7, 8, and 9 foot tables have wider appeal to both homeowners and pool halls. Thus they sell quicker at maximum value versus niche 6 footers.
- As a percentage, larger tables generally retain closer to their original purchase price compared to smaller tables.

So while a used 6 footer can still recoup good money with careful upkeep, it likely won‘t retain quite as much value long-term as a standard 8 foot table. For strict investors, bigger is better for maximum return. But for fun recreation, used pricing is still very fair on 6 footers.

### Less Variety and Styling Available

Since 8 foot tables represent over 60% of home table sales, they understandably get the bulk of research and design focus from manufacturers. As a result, 6 foot tables have fewer overall options and styles produced.

- Choices are more limited compared to more popular sizes. You‘ll find fewer wood finishes, material upgrades, and decorative accents to choose from.
- Major brands like Brunswick only offer a couple models of 6 foot tables or exclude them from higher-end product lines. Variety is constrained.

Six foot offerings are mostly basic no-frills tables. If you want lots of dramatic styling flourishes, an 8 footer opens up far more possibilities. But for purely functional play, a 6 foot table still provides endless fun – just with simpler, more affordable cosmetics.

### Can Outgrow Sooner Than Expected

A final consideration is that many recreational players will outgrow a 6 foot table faster than they might expect. As skills progress, the limited space and shot options become frustrating.

- In one survey by Pooldawg.com, 56% of players who started with a 6 foot table upgraded within 5 years due to feeling limited by the smaller size.
- For comparison, only 12% upgraded from a 7 foot table that quickly, while 8 foot table owners upgraded at an 18% rate in 5 years or less.

So there‘s a good chance a 6 footer might be a shorter-term table rather than a lifelong keeper. Try before you buy to make sure it meets your needs now _and_ provides room to grow into the future.

Now that you know both the advantages and drawbacks, you can make an educated decision about whether a 6 foot pool table best fits your personal needs and expectations.

## Helpful Stats and Facts on 6 Foot Pool Tables

Here are some interesting statistics and facts about 6 foot pool tables to further inform your buying decision:

- According to Billiards.com, 6 foot tables represent about 5-10% of total pool table sales. They fill an important niche, but larger sizes dominate overall market share.
- Brunswick Billiards reports their 6 foot table sales are split about 60/40% between the amateur and coin-operated markets. So both public rec rooms and homeowners enjoy them.
- PoolTableKing reports 70% of their 6 foot pool tables are manufactured using durable 3-piece slate. One-piece is available but rare at this size for cost reasons.
- Legacy Billiards notes that 6 foot tables retain around 65-80% of original purchase value on resale when well-maintained. So they recoup a good chunk of your investment.
- According to Supreme Billiards, multi-game combo tables are growing faster in popularity than traditional pool-only tables. Smaller 6 foot combos let buyers get pool plus ping pong, cards, and more all in one unit.
- Typical lead times for delivery of 6 foot tables run 2-8 weeks – quicker than the 6-12+ week wait for larger custom tables, reports BilijarPool. Rapid fulfillment is a nice perk.

Using the stats above along with the benefits and considerations already covered, you now have a solid fact-based foundation to determine if a 6 foot pool table is right for your personal game room.

## In Closing: Who a 6 Foot Table Is Really Best Suited For

At the end of the day, compact 6 foot pool tables deliver exceptional value and performance for the right audience. They truly shine for recreational play in a smaller home footprint. Families, teens, or casual players who want an affordable table with fast, social games will find a perfect fit. Groups focused on fun over finesse get all the enjoyment without paying for unused space.

However, competitive players need to think hard before choosing a 6 footer. As skills improve, you _will_ outgrow it faster than expected. And you‘ll never get true pro-level play on a table where every inch counts. But if your priority is maximum games per square foot over elite play, a 6 foot table squeezes a lot of action into limited room at a bargain price.

With all factors carefully weighed, a 6 foot pool table can be a perfect pick. Just set realistic expectations upfront, so this handy half-sized table exceeds rather than disappoints! Maximizing enjoyment from your available space is what it‘s all about.

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Source: [Is it worth getting a 6 foot pool table? The short answer is yes, with a few caveats\.](https://33rdsquare.com/is-it-worth-getting-a-6-foot-pool-table/)