Frequently Asked Questions
Delivery & Installation
Does Universal Billiards outsource their game room services?
Our deliveries, installations, and commercial game room services are performed by our own in-house team of trained, professional, and licensed game room mechanics. Proper installation technique is pivotal to enjoying your new games, which is why we only feel comfortable sending our employees to set up and maintain your new game room furniture.
Are delivery and installation included in the price?
Delivery and installation are not included in the price.
How long will delivery and installation take?
We ballpark about 1-3 hours per each large game room item. For example, a pool table and shuffleboard install might take 2-6 hours total. Things like stairs and elevators can also slow things down. We do work as efficiently as possible but we won't sacrifice quality or safety to rush a job that needs time.
Can a pool table or shuffleboard be installed upstairs?
Half of our installations are upstairs, so it's usually not an issue. Don’t fret, our install team has you covered!
Troubleshooting
Who do I contact if I experience an issue?
If you’ve got any issues with your recent (or not so recent) purchase, please contact us.
Pool Tables
What is a regulation-sized pool table?
In billiards, the term “Regulation" refers to the geometry of the play field: the table should be exactly twice and long as it is wide. This means that a regulation 8 foot pool table should be 88 inches long and 44 inches wide. Any size table can be considered "Regulation" so long as the table length to width ratio is consistent with these measurements. There are commonly 7 foot, 8 foot, 8 foot over-sized, and 9 foot varieties of regulation pool tables.
What comes with a pool table?
All of our new pool tables include your choice of standard cloth color. For more info, check our our Pool Table Cloth Guide! Although the accessories can differ slightly depending on what kind of pool table you purchase, all new pool tables include the basic accessories to get you started: a few cues, a set of billiard balls, 8 ball triangle, chalk to match your cloth color, and more.
What is the most common color in billiard cloth?
Design trends are always changing but over time the most popular colors are neutrals, burgundy, and traditional green hues. For more information on the subject, check out our Pool Table Cloth Guide to see the full array of color options.
Can I move my pool table around myself?
Pool tables are heavy, and we don’t want you to get hurt. Also, moving a pool table yourself risks popping slate seams, breaking level, and possibly voiding your warranty! Leave the heavy lifting to our services department so you can rest easy and enjoy your game room. For a quote on services, visit our services page.
Do I need a table cover?
Your new pool table is a fine piece of furniture, and we are big fans of a simple clean and care routine that prolongs the life of the wood, pockets, and cloth. A pool table cover will prevent undue wear and tear on your cloth from sun exposure, kitty cats, spills, and more.
Do I need a pool table light with my table?
You do not need a pool table light to enjoy your new game room. However, pool table lights do ensure that the table is well illuminated for optimal play and also provides a nostalgic feel as well. If you plan to move your pool table around, you will also have to hire an electrician to move the light to the new location each time. If your table is in a more permanent spot, a billiard light can be a great option!
At what height should a billiard light be hung?
According to the Billiard Congress of America, the height of a pool table light should be 40 inches above the playfield. In our experience, anywhere between 40 to 50 inches above the bed of your table works best.
Room Size Planning
How long of a wall do I need for a Shuffleboard?
Finding space for any type of game room furniture can be tricky. That's why we created a game room Sizing Guide to simplify the process!
How big of a room do I need for a pool table?
This question comes up enough that we created a game room Sizing Guide to help you find the answers you seek!
Will my floor hold the weight of such heavy furniture?
Most likely. Our pool tables do weigh anywhere from 600 to 1,200 pounds, so we understand if you have some concern. However, if it's a properly built room, it will be fine. The size and support of floor joists need to be up to code to ensure the room can hold a pool table. If unsure, we suggest you consult a professional like your home builder or hiring a structural engineer.
Do I have room for seating with my table?
Seating is an important part of any enjoyable game room. Plan your space accordingly. Dedicate some extra space in the room for seating, a cue rack, and possibly a pub table or even other games. Need help planning your ideal game room? Check out our room guide or schedule a consultation with one of our team members today!
Accessories
Is there really a difference in types of billiard balls?
The best brands specialize in phenolic resin balls, which is the best material solution discovered since celluoid. Phenolic resins are mainly used in the production of circuit boards but are better known for the production of molded pool balls which last up to five times longer than other balls made from polymers or polyester. Phenolic balls are still perfectly playable even after 400,000 hits! Billiard balls can also be made from other plastics and resins but many in the industry argue that while these materials are acceptable for billiard ball construction, they do not have the balance and longevity of phenolic resin. It’s important to note that just as important as the material is the quality control in the plant. Since plastics, other resins, polyester, and acrylic are seen as inferior materials, these materials are often used to create very cheap and affordable ball sets. This sometimes means the factory controls are lacking, as well.
What is a standard size and weight for a pool cue?
Standard cue lengths are 57 inches for one-piece house cues. Standard two-piece cues are 58 inches long with the butt and shaft an equal 29 inches. Junior cues are available today in 48" and 52" lengths. These cues are also a good choice in areas where you have space limitations. When it comes to weight, there is a range from 17-21 ounces to fit any play style. The most popular weights are 19oz. and 20oz. and they seem to fit best for our customers. From our experience, only the most experienced players can tell a difference!
Materials & Construction
What is meant by "Solid Wood" construction?
In solid wood furniture, all exposed parts are made of the same species of all-natural wood; the exposed pieces will not contain plywood or particle board. Solid wood furniture is durable and easy to repair. Scratches? Dents? Water marks? Stains? It’s all repairable with solid wood. However, due to shifts in temperature and humidity, it may expand or contract leading to splits along the grain of the wood. Avoid exposing solid wood furniture to strong sunlight or direct heat sources. Solid wood is also more expensive for manufacturers to source and process. Unfortunately, that usually means solid wood furniture is more expensive than other options.
What is meant by "Veneer" construction?
Veneer furniture is constructed by gluing thin layers of wood veneers together with the grain at right angles over a thick core. With this crisscross design, the chances of splitting or cracking is reduced. The glue used in the process is the same strong, waterproof adhesive used in aircraft and marine construction, so the end result creates a product that is actually stronger than that of solid wood. Since veneer is so thin and is glued to a stable substrate, it allows designs and arrangements of the wood that would not be possible with solid wood. Because it is so easy to source and work with, manufactures pass those savings on to you leading to less expensive products. However, due to its thin nature, if you sand through a layer of veneer, it is impossible to repair. This means that scratches, dings, and nicks will require replacing entire components versus just sanding and repairing. Also, over time, there is a risk that the veneer can blister, delaminate or peel back at the edges.
Shuffleboard
What is a regulation length shuffleboard table?
Regulation competition level shuffleboard tables should feature a 22 foot long cradle with a 20 inch wide playfield. However, shuffleboard tables today are found in many homes and may not have the length available to handle regulation length. As a result, there is a market for much shorter tables. Of these, the most common size for residential use are 9 foot, 12 foot, and 14 foot in length with either a 16 inch or 20 inch wide playfield.
Still have questions?
If you need clarity on any of these topics or if you have a question that wasn't addressed, just contact us and we'll help you find the answers you seek!