The Perfect Game Room: Pool Tables and Entertainment Extravaganza

| September 21, 2023
game room pool tables plus

As homeowners, we often seek ways to enhance our living spaces to create the ultimate oasis for relaxation and entertainment. One of the most coveted additions to any home is the game room. This is a space designed to be the epicenter of fun and social gatherings. Among the various options available, a pool table stands out as a timeless and classic choice for an entertainment room. In this blog, we’ll explore the allure of pool tables and the creation of entertainment rooms within people’s houses.

The Timeless Charm of Pool Tables

Pool, also known as billiards, is a game that has been enjoyed for centuries. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its accessibility and the thrill it brings to players of all skill levels. Here’s why pool tables continue to be a favorite choice for entertainment rooms:

  1. Social Hub: A pool table serves as a magnetic focal point, drawing family and friends together for hours of friendly competition and bonding. This versatile game can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This makes it an ideal choice for family gatherings and parties.
  2. Aesthetic Appeal: The sleek and stylish design of a pool table adds a touch of elegance to any entertainment room. With various finishes, cloth colors, and designs available, you can choose a table that complements your room’s decor and your personal taste.
  3. Skill Development: Playing pool is not only fun but also helps improve cognitive skills such as focus, strategic thinking, and hand-eye coordination. It’s an excellent way to keep your mind sharp while having a blast.
  4. Relaxation and Stress Relief: The rhythmic and repetitive nature of the game can be incredibly relaxing, making it a great way to unwind after a long day or week. It’s also a fantastic stress-reliever.
  5. Space-Efficient: Unlike some other game room options that require ample space, a pool table can fit comfortably in a wide range of room sizes, making it a practical choice for many homes.

Creating the Ultimate Entertainment Room

Once you’ve decided to include a pool table in your entertainment room, it’s time to think about the overall design and ambiance of the space. Here are some tips to create the ultimate entertainment room within your home:

  1. Space Planning: Determine the available space and layout of your entertainment room. Ensure there’s enough space around the pool table for players to move comfortably and take shots.
  2. Lighting: Adequate lighting is essential for gameplay. Consider installing pendant lights or overhead fixtures that provide even illumination without causing glare on the table.
  3. Seating and Comfort: Create a comfortable seating area for spectators and players to relax between games. Comfy couches, bean bags, and barstools are popular choices.
  4. Game Variety: While a pool table is a fantastic centerpiece, consider including other games and entertainment options. These include a dartboard, board games, a gaming console, or a mini bar.
  5. Decor and Personalization: Personalize the space with artwork, posters, and memorabilia that reflect your interests and hobbies. Choose a theme or color scheme that resonates with your style.
  6. Sound System: Install a quality sound system for music, movie nights, or to enhance the overall atmosphere of the room.
  7. Refreshments: A small bar area or a mini-fridge stocked with refreshments can be a convenient addition. This ensures you never have to leave the room during a game.

Conclusion

A well-designed entertainment room with a pool table can transform your house into the ultimate hub for socializing, relaxation, and fun. Whether you’re a serious pool player or just looking for a fantastic way to entertain guests, a pool table is an investment that can pay off in years of enjoyment. So, roll out the green felt, chalk up your cue, and start designing the entertainment room of your dreams – a place where unforgettable memories are made. Contact our team to learn more.

Other Games Played on a Pool Table

| September 27, 2017

Need a pool table to complete your game room or man cave? Add some minimalist flare

As the leaves begin to change and the summer lawn games get moved into storage a crockpot of apple cider is switched on and mixed with various fall refreshments for both kids and adults. Pool parties quickly turn to bon fires, and tailgates. Classic American football is switched on and various game day foods accent dining tables and counters throughout the home. Another guest to make an appearance? The beloved family billiards table! (more…)

Ultimate Man Cave must Haves

| June 2, 2017

Let us help you complete your Man Cave look

Tones of fine scotch, burning cigars and genuine leather fill the air. Stories of debauchery, hunting, fishing, motorcycles and sports dominate conversation. Pool balls can be heard knocking into each other and just barely falling into their corner pockets. What you’re envisioning is the quintessential man cave. Stop envisioning. Lay the hard wood floors, place the crown molding, and paint the walls.  It’s time to bring your space to life and furnish your soon-to-be man cave.

Start with a bar worth bragging about. Do you want a custom built bar or do you want a quality pre-built bar and bar back? We offer several types of bars and accessories at Pool Tables Plus ranging from classic styles to sleek modern Manhattan bars. Need help installing your man cave must have? Count on us to deliver and install your new addition. The bar’s covered, now what about a place for the guys to watch the game? (more…)

Vermella Harrison & the New York Red Bulls

| April 14, 2017

Are you looking for an apartment? A residence where you can enjoy luxury amenities? Look no further than Vermella Harrison — a sleek and stylish NYC apartment-style community with lavish amenity spaces. With the comfort of convenience, a sleek new atmosphere, and features such as: an active courtyard with bocce ball and a putting green… or a hotel-inspired pool with lounge areas & picnic areas, and outdoor ping-pong… or maybe even a rooftop lounge with BBQ grilling stations, seating areas, outdoor billiards, a fire-pit, and double-sided fireplace.

 

Pool Tables Plus installed several gaming tables at Vermella Harrison, but one of the main resident attractions has become the outdoor pool table on the rooftop deck that overlooks the 25,000-seat Red Bull Arena. This outdoor billiards table is known as, ‘The Storm’. This is, by far, the most well-built outdoor pool table available on the market. It is made entirely of ultra-heavy duty aluminum tubing with angled aluminum supports that are all welded together to form a very solid and stable frame. This outdoor billiards frame is built to support the 1 piece diamond honed slate (available in 7’ & 8’ size). Rain water is deflected off and away from the play surface.This pool table is engineered to allow for future service and re-upholstery, if needed. The Storm is available with a choice of over 20 metal colors and the all-around attention to detail is second to none. With structural aluminum beams to support the weight of the slate, K66 rubber cushions for an accurate bounce, concealed leg levelers to maintain its sleek low profile design, and durable Sunbrella outdoor fabric — the harsh outdoor winters in the Northeast will not harm this gorgeous and stylish outdoor pool table.

 

The town of Harrison, NJ bet big on Red Bulls soccer by helping fund the team’s stadium in 2006. On game days, the streets are packed with soccer fans — pouring out of the town’s PATH station and into the blocks surrounding Red Bull Arena. With the New York Red Bulls coming off several successful seasons, in one of the nation’s fastest growing spectator sports, the town, and the team seem to be fastened in a shared embrace that should prosper for years.

 

When the NY Red Bulls made the move to Harrison, New Jersey it was part of a league-wide decision to place MLS teams in soccer-only facilities. These stadiums would be located in struggling suburban towns that were looking for an attraction to drive development, both residential and commercial. From 2006 to 2008, three other Major League Soccer teams joined the movement to become an anchor within a local suburbia — the Chicago Fire, the Colorado Rapids, and the Philadelphia Union. These three clubs all made the move to the ‘burbs’ to supplement towns that could use the attraction and allure of a professional sports team and ‘home game crowds’.

 

If you are seeking a vibrant urban lifestyle, be sure to check out Vermella Harrison. With its amazing rooftop views, outdoor pool table, and ultimate atmosphere of ease of comfort; the inspiration provides the compatibility for all apartment residents to enjoy the maximized luxuries.

Level Shots and Pool Table Maintenance – A Perfect Pairing

| April 7, 2017

table_maintenance_image

Have you ever lined up your shot to close out a game but the cue veers slightly off course? Everything was lined up correctly so you ask yourself what went wrong? After examining your brand new felt, you find unsightly white spots – evidence of the shot’s misdirection. To prevent future misses and minimize those white spots, try to take level shots at all times.

 

One of the best ways to maintain the felt on your pool table is to take a straight, level shot at the cue ball as opposed to a shot where the cue stick is angled downward onto the ball. This is easier said than done. Taking a level shot increases the cue ball control and minimizes the unsightly “white spots.”

 

Why is taking a level shot so important for your pool table? Because, level shots make for fewer felt burns. When felt is pinched between the cue stick and the ball, a visible “white” mark is left behind. By taking shots that are more level, the amount of felt burns on your beautiful billiard tabletop will be greatly diminished and in turn, the beauty of your billiard felt will be maintained.

 

Maintaining your pool table includes several other elements that may seem like “common sense.” Things like keeping animals and children off the tabletop, providing a separate table for food and beverages, or maybe even basic tabletop maintenance such as brushing or vacuuming may come to mind.

 

Always cover the table when it is not in use to protect from excessive light pollution and to keep other particles from settling into the felt.  Remember to brush your felt once a week and vacuum as necessary. Another trick is to slightly dampen a cotton cloth with water and wipe  down the felt and rails.

 

Level up your stroke, follow through the cue ball and game on. If you have any pool table maintenance questions, please feel free to visit  Pool Tables Plus at either of our showrooms located at: 297 East U.S. 22 Green Brook, NJ or at 182 North State Route 17 Paramus, NJ. If you’d rather call, please get ahold of us at: 1.800.732.7666.

INDUSTRIAL STEEL POOL TABLES IN THE OLD IRON BOUND SECTION OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY

| April 2, 2017

One of the coolest new apartment complex’s is called, Vermella. Located in Harrison, NJ, this apartment complex is in the old Industrial Iron Bound section of Newark… just minutes from the train station into NYC! Pool Tables Plus was contracted to build steel tables to fit their modern atmosphere and sleek presentation of interior design. We decided on custom built steel pool tables with legs and stretchers to resemble the steel girders that you see on the Brooklyn Bridge while crossing the East River from New York City into Brooklyn. The sheer mass and weight of this pooltable alone (without the slate) is simply astonishing. Add three pieces of 1” oversized slate to this massive structure — and you have a table that is well over half a ton! The steel foundry who had originally made these tables wanted to triple their original quoted price. These steel tables are no longer made in Cincinnati as they we would have to sell them for well over $15,000. We are actively searching for a new steel foundry to make these beautiful Industrial style pool tables. Wish us luck! And, if you happen to know someone feel free to let us know.

In the meantime, we have a handful of amazing steel pool table styles in our inventory that are available on a first come basis. Don’t wait. These stronghold well-built tables will not last long. Stop by and check them out yourself.

Dinner and Pool

| February 9, 2017

How convertible pool tables are changing the way you play

Imagine sitting down to dinner with some friends at their place. You comment on their great looking dining room set. They smirk because they have a secret. After the dishes are cleared they enthusiastically ask who’s ready for a game of pool. You’re confused. They don’t have a pool table, and certainly don’t have the space for one! Suddenly, the dining room table you were just eating at turns into a full size pool table!

As a growing world-wide trend, especially among apartment dwellers, large homes and dedicated rooms aren’t necessary to enjoy regular games of pool. Dining table and pool table combos offer versatility like no other. Ranging in style and price points, a combo gives you the flexibility to turn your dining room into a late night pool hall, or your rec room into a space for family banquets. Whatever, your need, you’re sure to find a convertible pool table to fit your style, space, and budget.

The dining pool table is a pool table first, storage for cues, balls, and racks, then with the multi-piece top, it becomes a dining table fit for a feast. It converts back to a pool table quickly and with ease so the next game can get started. The table’s function does not end there.  A dining table can also be a worktable, conference table, laptop station, game table, and more, truly maximizing your space.

New Jersey’s own Pool Tables Plus offers a selection of quality dining pool table combos to choose from with matching benches, chairs, and cue racks. Their Metro-Mission Dine & Play eliminates the need for separate dining and recreation room. A classic mission style made out of solid birch, the bottom of the dining top is custom routed around the corner and side pockets to allow the top to sit flush on the rails. This unique feature allows the perfect integration of a dining top that seamlessly hides the pool table. It’s also light enough to be reoriented easily.

For those who already own a pool table, tabletops are available to convert your existing pool table to suit your entertainment and function needs.  Whether buying a new combination pool table or adding to your existing set-up, gone are the days of debating between a pool table or a dining table, have both!

Care and Maintenance of Your Shuffleboard

| January 5, 2017

Protect your investment.  A shuffleboard playing surface is subject to heavy wear.  It requires reasonable care and maintenance just like your home or automobile.  The better care you give it, the more fun and satisfaction you and your family or establishment will derive from it.  By simply following these suggested maintenance procedures you will be insuring the seamless transition of your shuffleboard into future generations.

Weekly Maintenance Procedures and Table Preparation

Spray Cleaner (Also Step A for the periodic maintenance procedure)- This cleaner may be used as needed, depending on play frequency.  Its purpose is to quickly remove dirt and grime from the play surface. It may be used as often as needed, depending on the shuffleboard environment.

(more…)

HOW TO LEVEL YOUR SHUFFLEBOARD TABLE

| January 5, 2017

Start by leveling the cabinet or better yet the board inside the cabinet. A 24″ carpenter’s level will work well for this purpose. You will need to get the board level along its width and length.

First, find the low spots and place small shims (2″ x 2″ square pieces of thin wood) under the low legs until the board is level from side to side and from end to end. Ideally, you want the length of the board to be level in the center while slightly uphill on each end. This will allow for easier hangers (when the puck comes to rest partially hanging off the board). Hangers give you the highest score in many shuffleboard games.  Once the board is level along the width and length you will place a shim under each of the end legs. After a day or two the center of the board will slowly settle down and the slight uphill bias at the ends will be achieved.

You can now sprinkle some shuffleboard wax on the surface and toss a puck down each side to see how it plays. The last 30″ of the board in each end is the most critical areas as it is here where the pucks come to their final resting spot. It is fine if the board is perfectly flat at each end. However, if it is convex, the pucks will tend to fall off each side and this is completely unacceptable. If the board is too concave the pucks will quickly settle into the middle. Ideally, the board should have a slight concavity that ever so slightly pulls the pucks toward the center as it comes to rest.

The curvature of the board is achieved by adjusting the climatic adjusters which are located underneath the board. A typical shuffleboard has between 4 and 8 climatic adjusters depending upon it’s overall length. Think of the climatic adjusters as you would braces on your teeth. Tightening one way will pull the center of the board down and tightening in the opposite direction will push the center of the board up creating the desired curvature. Remember, you want the board to be slightly concave at each end or dead flat.

You can use a straight edge (an 18″ or 24″ metal level) to check the curvature. On each end of the board, above the climatic adjuster, place the straight edge along the 20″wide board. You will see right away if the board is flat, convex or concave. If it is high in the middle the straight edge will rock and if it is low in the middle you will see daylight. Ideally you want to be able to slip one playing card through the center of the board as this will give you the proper concavity at each end of the board.

For a concave table, if the dip in the middle is too severe, the distance between the climatic adjusters needs to be decreased, making the table more level.  Loosen the two bolts in between the climatic adjusters, then very slowly (a couple turns for each nut) turn the outer two bolts in a clockwise motion.  After a couple of days, check the board and repeat the adjustment if necessary.

For a convex table, the process is similar but the instructions are opposite.  Loosen the two bolts on the outside of the adjusters, then slowly tighten the inner bolts, pushing the climate adjusters farther apart.  As with concave, make sure to adjust very slowly (only a couple turns per bolt) and test the board after a couple days and repeat if necessary

See diagram below…

Convex Table Adjustment (Hump)

Instructions how to adjust a surface that has a hump in the middle causing pucks to fall off each side:

  1. Loosen nut B all the way on both sides
  2. Tighten Nut A (SLOWLY) – a couple of turns on each side for a uniform effect.
  3. Allow time (days) for the board to adjust
  4. Repeat the process as necessary and allow a couple of days between adjustments until you have a flat or slightly concave play surface.

Concave Table Adjustment (Dip)

Instructions how to adjust a surface that has a dip in the middle causing pucks to slide to the middle:

  1. Loosen nut A all the way on both sides
  2. Tighten Nut B (SLOWLY) – a couple of turns on each side for a uniform effect.
  3. Allow time (days) for the board to adjust
  4. Repeat the process as necessary and allow a couple of days between adjustments until you have a flat or slightly concave play surface.

DAVID AND GOLIATH IS ANALAGOUS TO AMAZON VS POOL TABLES PLUS

| November 4, 2016

Amazon “The Goliath” is certainly a simple, fast, and convenient way to purchase anything. Literally anything. Many of these items are small and delivered right to your front door within days. In addition to this convenience, most of these products are easy to returnif they do not meet your expectations.

On the other hand, ‘Large Game Tables’ (we’ll use a pool table for this example) are costly and time consuming to order from Amazon. Pool Tables are very costly to deliver, move, set up and in most cases – impossible to return if you’re not satisfied. Large gaming tables “pool tables, shuffleboards etc.” are delivered by a tractor trailer and simply dropped off on your driveway. You are responsible for: arranging to be home within a four hour delivery window, for carrying the pool table inside, and sorting out the installation options. The installation instructions are often complicated, difficult, and nearly impossible. Paying Amazon for installation is an option, but, often times this tends to make matters worse. You must take more time to contact the correct individuals and arrange a day for the installation of your pool table. In addition, you must be home for another day during the installation process and you are responsible for the disposal of the packaging materials. If you’re are not happy with the installation, who are you to call… Amazon? The third party from whom you purchased the pool table? Or, the “local pro” who installed the table? If you’re truly dissatisfied and decide to return the item(s), there are a number of conditions that must be met:

  1. The pool table must be in original cartons (good luck finding all the original cartons).
  2. You are responsible for the complete disassembly of the pool table.
  3. You are responsible to put the pool table on a skid for return.
  4. You are responsible for the cost of freight (most likely $400+).
  5. There is a 30% or more re-stocking fee if the pool table is not in its original condition.

Before you hit the “Add To Cart” button on Amazon –did you read all the fine print? Will an adult be home to sign for the delivery? Is the adult(s) capable of carrying a pool table into the house? Did you consider the added time, money,and aggravation to arrange the installation of your pool table? Did you consider the added expense to get the pool table from your garage into your basement? Have you considered what you will do if pool table does not fit down the basement stairs? Who will you call if you find a problem with the installation? How will the problem get resolved, or will you simply have to live the issues?

Amazon offers a wonderful online convenience for small simple items that you want or need shipped directly to your door. When it comes to larger items, such as “game tables, pool tables, air hockey, shuffleboard tables etc”, in which you will be spending a larger portion of your disposable income; don’t expect there to be any easy solutions offered to ordering such a complicated system from an online retailer. Basically, case and point, Pool Tables Plus offers a much better solution than buying on Amazon.com.

Pool Tables Plus has an industry advantage in providing all customers with high quality products, backed by complete, professional service(s) from start to finish – with only your utmost satisfaction in mind!

Pool Tables Plus “The David” specializes in quality pool tables and game tables including: shuffleboard, ping pong, poker, foosball, air hockey, and more. Our organization is able to guarantee your complete satisfaction with each and every product purchased and installation. The pricing options at Pool Tables Plus match what you will find on Amazon.com, and our installation is a much better value. Our own in-house technicians are experts with installing and servicing our pool tables and game tables. The Pool Tables Plus installation fee is less than what you will find on Amazon, and if there is ever any problems – you can have the confidence in knowing that Pool Tables Plus stands behind the quality of their products and the professionalism with which they are installed. We clean up and remove all boxes and packing materials and guarantee your complete satisfaction. Pool Tables Plus will install your game table in your basement, a second floor, or the 42nd floor of a New York City apartment. There are two Pool Tables Plus showrooms In Green Brook & Paramus, New Jersey where you can see, touch, and try out the actual products before honing in on a purchase decision. Amazon is an enormous organization and they are very far from being a customer oriented, focused, and actually caring about an individual’s purchase. At Pool Tables Plus we are focused on ensuring that each and every customer’s experience is as enjoyable, easy-going, convenient, and accommodating as possible.

The bottom line is that, purchasing a large, heavy, game table from Amazon requires a lot more of your time and resources than you originally may have thought. You must move the game table into your home under your own power. You will then end up paying even more money to have it moved to another room or basement, and your time is then required if you purchase installation by a “local pro” who will most likely be unfamiliar with your specific game table. They may need to come back to your home two or three more times after initial installation to resolve any issues. There are so many horror stories regarding installation by a “local pro”. Who do you call after the game table is installed and you are not happy with the installation or the performance of the game table? Once it is installed and you discover that the product is of low quality, poorly made, basically, “a piece of junk” – who do you call… and is there a process for returning the unit? What do you do if you find that the unit does not fit down the basement stairs or through a tight doorway? If you want to return the game table, but have around disposed of the packaging, how would you proceed, since you really can’t? Many customers know that being abandoned after a purchase decision with no solution in regard to fixing a problem is not fun.

So, why take a chance? At Pool Tables Plus you will find higher quality products, all-around better – more focused professional services, affordable pricing for every budget, and the reassured confidence in finding the perfect game table to accommodate any lifestyle — all within a friendly neighborhood showroom.