What Type of Felt Is Best for a Pool Table?

If you have ever played pool at home or in a club, you might have noticed that the smoothness and speed of the table vary. One of the biggest reasons for this difference is the type of felt used on the table. Pool table felt, also known as cloth, directly impacts the way balls roll, the speed of shots, and even the overall experience of the game

The answer depends on several factors, including your style of play, how often the table will be used, your budget, and whether the table is for casual entertainment or competitive play. This guide explains the different types of pool table felt, their pros and cons, and what you should consider before choosing one.

Why Pool Table Felt Matters

Pool table felt does much more than add color to the table. It affects:

• Ball speed – A smoother cloth allows faster shots, while thicker cloth slows the game down.
  
  
• Durability – A high-quality felt lasts longer and resists wear and tear.
  
  
• Accuracy – A well-installed felt ensures consistent ball roll without dead spots.
  
  
• Maintenance – Some felts are easier to clean and maintain than others.
  
  

When deciding what type of felt is best for a pool table, it helps to understand the materials and manufacturing styles.

Types of Pool Table Felt

Woolen Cloth

Woolen cloth is the most common type of felt found on residential pool tables. It is usually a blend of wool and nylon.

• Texture: Slightly fuzzy to the touch.
  
  
• Speed: Medium to slow. Balls do not move as quickly compared to professional-grade cloth.
  
  
• Durability: Fairly durable but may develop pilling (small fuzzy balls of fabric) over time.
  
  
• Cost: Affordable and widely available.
  
  

Best for: Casual players, family use, and recreational spaces where the table is used occasionally.

                             

Worsted Cloth

Worsted cloth, often referred to as “professional felt,” is made from high-quality combed wool. The fibers are tightly woven and sheared, which creates a very smooth surface.

• Texture: Smooth and sleek, without fuzz.
  
  
• Speed: Fast, making it the choice for tournaments and professional play.
  
  
• Durability: Long-lasting and resistant to wear if properly maintained.
  
  
• Cost: More expensive than woolen cloth.
  
  

Best for: Competitive players, serious practice, and those who want a professional playing experience at home.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Pool Table Felt

1. Playing Style

If you enjoy a casual game with friends and family, a woolen cloth may be sufficient. But if you want precision shots, faster gameplay, and a professional feel, worsted cloth is the better option.

2. Frequency of Use

• High use (daily play): Choose a durable worsted cloth.
  
  
• Occasional play: Woolen cloth provides a good balance of performance and cost.
  
  

3. Budget

• Woolen felt: Lower upfront cost but may wear out faster.
  
  
• Worsted felt: Higher investment but offers longer lifespan and better performance.
  
  

4. Room Conditions

Humidity, dust, and temperature can affect cloth quality. Worsted cloth tends to resist changes better than woolen felt.

Popular Pool Table Felt Brands

Some well-known brands produce high-quality felts that are trusted by players worldwide.

• Simonis – Famous for worsted cloth, widely used in tournaments.
  
  
• Championship – Offers both woolen and worsted options, known for affordability.
  
  
• ProForm – Mid-range option with good speed and durability.
  
  

Choosing a reputable brand ensures consistent performance and reliability.

Installation and Maintenance

Even the best felt will not perform well if it is poorly installed. Professional installation ensures proper stretching, alignment, and smoothness.

Maintenance Tips

• Brush the cloth regularly to remove chalk and dust.
  
  
• Use a pool table cover when not in use.
  
  
• Avoid spilling food or drinks on the table.
  
  
• Vacuum with a soft brush attachment for deep cleaning.
  
  

By maintaining the felt properly, you can extend its lifespan and keep the table playing at its best.

Comparing Woolen vs. Worsted Felt

Feature	Woolen Felt	Worsted Felt
Speed	Medium to slow	Fast and smooth
Durability	Moderate	High
Texture	Fuzzy, may pill	Sleek, no pilling
Cost	Affordable	Premium pricing
Best For	Casual, family play	Competitive, professional play

This comparison helps answer the central question: What type of felt is best for a pool table? If you prioritize casual use and affordability, woolen cloth works well. If you value speed, accuracy, and durability, worsted cloth is the clear winner.

How to Decide What Type of Felt Is Best for Your Pool Table

1. Define Your Purpose – Is the table for family fun or serious practice?
   
   
2. Set a Budget – Be realistic about how much you want to spend.
   
   
3. Check Your Environment – If the table will be in a humid or dusty room, invest in higher-quality felt.
   
   
4. Think Long-Term – Sometimes paying more upfront for worsted cloth saves money in the long run.
   
   

Final Thoughts

So, what type of felt is best for a pool table? The answer depends on your needs:

• For casual play, woolen felt offers affordability and decent performance.
  
  
• For serious or professional play, worsted felt provides unmatched smoothness, speed, and durability.
  
  

Choosing the right pool table felt ensures that every game is enjoyable and that your table remains in good condition for years. By considering your playing style, budget, and maintenance habits, you can make an informed decision and get the most out of your pool table.