If you have a pool table in your home, you may be wondering if you need to cover it when it’s not in use. After all, a good pool table can cost a great deal, so, naturally, you should protect this investment.
The short answer is yes; you should definitely cover your pool table when you’re not using it. Pool tables are highly susceptible to liquid and food spills, tears, humidity, and UV rays. These elements can permanently damage your pool table’s felt and subsequently impact how your balls move, their speed, and ultimately the game’s outcome.
Pool table covers made from leatherette, PVC, polyester, canvas, and other weatherproof materials can protect your table’s delicate felt. Keep on reading to learn more.
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What Factors Should You Consider When Deciding Whether or Not to Cover a Pool Table?
There are a few factors you should consider when making this decision. First, think about the environment the pool table will be in. If it’s in a room that gets a lot of sunlight, then you’ll want to consider covering the pool table to prevent the felt from fading.
Also, if it’s kept in a busy area such as a den or playroom, you likely want to keep it covered to prevent it from getting ruined by spilled drinks or general accidents.
Ultimately, whether or not to cover a pool table comes down to personal preference. Consider all of the factors before deciding and choose what’s best for you and your pool table. I know we spent a lot of time and money choosing the perfect pool table and we wanted to keep it in top condition, so using it was a no-brainer.
In order to help you find the best for your pool table, here are some commonly asked questions (and their answers) to help you decide whether you need one.
My pool table is in the basement. Do I need a cover?
Yes, a pool table cover can keep your table clean. No matter where you live, even if your table is in an enclosed game room, garage, or basement, it can still get dirty. We had our pool table in a game room and we taught our kids to cover it after they played.
This rule saved our table from many accidents because our children often hung out in the game room with friends and inevitably someone spilled food or a drink on the table.
The fine, worsted (felt) cloth used on the pool table is delicate and prone to tears and scratches. If you’re like us and have kids and pets running around, the cover is vital to keep it from getting permanently damaged.
Most importantly, it can prevent dust from accumulating on the table when it is not in use. Imagine all the time and effort it will save you as you no longer have to wipe your table to remove that dust.
If your table is in a well-ventilated and well-lit room, then you need a pool table cover to prevent the UV rays from causing discoloration. Wind can also carry dust on your table. Tables kept outside on patios/decks need it to prevent rain and moisture from seeping in.
What precisely will a pool table cover protect my table from?
The biggest enemies of a pool table’s felt are scratches, liquid/food spills, pets’ nails, and dust. The damage these pollutants can render on the pool table’s felt could make your table unusable. They affect the speed with which the cue balls roll on the table.
A sturdy weatherproof cover will protect your table from all these and more. It can also prevent the felt cloth from discoloration and fading.
A cover that reaches down to the floor can help protect the table’s legs from getting scratched.
How long does a pool table cover last?
The answer to this depends on the usage and the material it is made of. Leatherette, canvas, and PVC covers can last for decades and remain in great shape. That’s why it is essential to buy sturdy covers to begin with. Good pool table covers are scratch and tear-proof and come with double-reinforced stitching along the seams for enhanced durability.
How to Choose the Right One for Your Pool Table?
Protecting your pool table is vital to protect your investment and also keep it in good condition for years to come. Take the following factors into consideration when selecting the right cover for your table:
Size
Most pool table covers are available in standard sizes for 7 ft (88″L x 45″W x 32″H or 225 x 116 x 82cm), 8 ft (102″L x 53″W x 32″H or 260 x 135 x 82cm), or 9 ft (113″L x 61″W x 32″H or 287 x 155 x 82cm),tables.
If you’re not sure about the size of your table, do measure it before you buy it. Measure the length, the width, and the height if you plan to purchase covers that go all the way to the floor and the legs of the table. Next, check the available covers’ measurements. If no table measurement meets your expectations, always buy a larger size.
Material
The choice of material will depend on many factors. Mostly, it will depend on where you place your table. If your table is in the basement or garage where it may be exposed to dampness or moisture, look for heavy-duty, waterproof-backed Oxford fabric that can protect the table from that humidity. Leatherette covers can block UV rays that cause the table’s color to fade. Vinyl resist cat scratches and are also waterproof.
Look for table covers that won’t wrinkle and crease.
Easy to Clean
Leatherette usually need to be wiped down with a damp cloth. If you want machine-washable covers, opt for heavy-duty polyester or canvas.
Easy On/Off Style
Ideally, the table’s cover should come with a drawstring at the hem for easy removal and application. Look for covers that also come with convenient bags for ease of storage. Some of them feature weighted corners that improve their fit.
Best Pool Table Covers – 2022 Top Picks
Kohree 7/8/9FT Heavy Duty Leatherette Billiard Pool Table Cover
Kohree heavy-duty leatherette cover is available for 7, 8, and 9 feet pool tables. You can select from brown and black colors,
Kohree pool table covers are waterproof and help protect your pool table from spills, scratches, UV damage, dust, pet nails, liquids, and other pollutants. It is durable and well-crafted thanks to weighted corners and double-reinforced seams for long-lasting protection for your table.
Kohree leatherette can also be used for covering an air hockey table.
Features
- Heavy-duty leatherette material
- Reinforced seams
- Weighted corners
- Wrinkle-free
- Available in 2 colors and 3 size choices for 7, 8, and 9 feet tables
Pros
- Elegant
- Easy to clean – simply wipe down with a damp cloth (not machine-washable)
- Water-resistant
- Sturdy and durable
- Resistant to pet claws and pet hair
Cons
- Loose on a 8’ Olhausen Santa Ana.
- It has a strong odor that requires airing out.
How it compares
If you have a kitten that loves to frolic on your pool table, you definitely need the Kohree Heavy Duty Leatherette Billiard Pool Table Cover. It is very well-made, heavy-duty, and durable. It is easy to install and remove and sure to resist pet claws and hair. Kohree leatherette pool table cover protects billiard tables from moisture, dust, and UV rays. The price of this is also reasonable.
Shieldo Heavy-Duty Leatherette Billiard Pool Table Cover
Shieldo table cover is made with 100% leatherette material that is wrinkle-free, water-proof, and very sturdy. You can use it to your standard pool tables measuring 7/8/9 feet.
Shieldo table cover uses environmentally friendly backing that is also easy to wipe clean, long-lasting, and dependable.
Its unique design also keeps it easy to remove and install.
Features
- Made with 100% premium leatherette and environmentally-friendly cotton-fleece backing
- Lightweight – weighs about 6.5 lb.
- Fits standards tables of 7/8/9 feet
Pros
- Scratch-resistant – can withstand kitty’s nails
- Versatile – also fits standard air hockey tables
- Easy to install and remove
- Easy to clean
- Water-resistant
- Durable
- Value for money
Cons
- Not wrinkle-free
- It does not have weights in the corners, so the corners hang free.
How it compares
If you need a dependable pool table cover, Shieldo Heavy-Duty Leatherette Billiard Pool Table Cover is a great choice. It is easy to install and can withstand cats’ claws. It is made with sturdy leatherette material that will protect your table from water, dust, and other pollutants. Its price is also slightly lower than our winning entry.
GSE Games & Sports Leatherette Pool Table Cover
It is available in several colors. It is wrinkle-free and made from heavy-duty leatherette that lasts long and protects your pool table’s felt from animal claws, dust, moisture, and other pollutants.
Features
- Made from durable and wrinkle-free leatherette
- Available for 7/8/9 ft tables in black, brown, and grey colors
- Weighted corners for durability and better fit.
Pros
- Excellent quality leatherette
- Durable and long-lasting
- Value for money
Cons
- Known to have sizing issues.
How it compares
GSE Games & Sports Leatherette Pool Table Cover is slick and thick and sure to protect your pool table’s felt from liquid splashes, hot wheel cars, toys, and cat claws. It is durable, elegant, and wrinkle-free. Make sure to measure your table before buying. Its price is a lot less than most entries here.
Iszy Billiards Heavy-Duty Pool Table
ISZY Billiards store’s pool table cover is made of heavy-duty vinyl with sturdy waterproof backing. It is available in several elegant colors to enhance your game room’s decor.
It is scratch-resistant and it can really help you if you have cats or kids at home. It will protect your table’s felt from scratches and splashes and ease your cleaning task by preventing dust accumulation.
Features
- Heavy-duty vinyl with waterproof cotton-mesh backing
- Available in 4 attractive colors and 3 sizes – 7/8/9 feet. For 7 foot table, 106 ” L X 66 “
- Rounded corners
- Lightweight – less than 6 lb.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Scratch proof
- Durable
- Value for money
Cons
- Retains the packaging folds and creases.
How it compares
If you want a thick, cat-claw-proof table cover to protect your prized possession from spills and scratches, this cover from ISZY Billiards Store is a great choice. It is thick and sure to protect your table from dust, pets’ nails, and especially liquids. The mesh lining is water-resistant and won’t leave any fuzz on your table.
Collapsar Heavy Duty 600D Polyester Canvas Pool Table Cover
Some pool table owners prefer canvas over leatherette or vinyl. Canvas has many benefits – it is sturdy, water-resistant, and long-lasting. Most importantly, you can toss it in the washing machine for a thorough clean.
The Collapsar polyester canvas cover is made of 600 Denier – which means it is very thick, rip-resistant, and long-lasting.
The table cover also features machine-stitched seams that further enhance the durability of the item.
Features
- 600 D polyester canvas fabric
- 100″ X 56″ X 8″ for 8 foot tables; also available for 7 and 9 feet tables
- Available in 6 attractive colors
Pros
- Water-resistant
- It can be washed in the washing machine.
- Simple, clean look; attractive color choices
- Fitted corners; fits most tables perfectly
- Durable
- Value for money
Cons
- It has a chemical odor and needs airing out.
How it compares
If you do not want a leathery look on your pool table cover, this offering from Collapsar Store is a great choice. It is a simple, no-frill canvas that will keep moisture, dust, and scratches off your table. It is robust and attractive with bright color choices. You can wash it in the machine too. The price is comparable with that of the other entries here.
Conclusion – Do You Need to Cover a Pool Table?
You definitely need a pool table cover if you have spent a great deal on a pool table. It protect your investment from dust, sunlight, wind, rain, and animal/human scratches. They also protect the table’s delicate felt surface from harmful pollutants.
We recommend the Kohree 7/8/9FT Heavy Duty Leatherette Billiard Pool Table Cover. It is very well-made, heavy-duty, and durable. It is easy to install and sure to resist pet claws and hair. It can protect your pool table from moisture, dust, and UV rays. The price of the Kohree leatherette is also reasonable.
Do check out our other recommendations as well.
Below is a fantastic pool table/dining table conversion. This works great when you don’t have a dedicated space to keep your pool table.
FAQs – Do You Need to Cover a Pool Table?
Are there any downsides to using a pool table cover?
No. There are absolutely no downsides to using a pool table cover. It protects the felt from stains, dust, scratches, and humidity. They protect the soft felt on your pool table and, in the long run, the way your table works and how games go.
How do you ruin a pool table?
People ruin their pool tables by placing glasses or food dishes on them. If you have pets, especially cats, they are sure to jump on the table and scratch it. Kids often ruin pool tables by playing games other than pool on them and by using pool cues improperly.
How to measure a pool table for cover?
Take your tape measure and measure the length from end to end. The length is double the width. You can measure in inches. Typically, 7-foot tables are 40 inches wide by 80 inches long.