The reason slate is superior to most other materials is that slate tops for pool tables provide the absolute smoothest and error-free surface, for a perfect ball roll.
One of the main disadvantages to slate is that it is very heavy, which adds to the cost of a pool table due to high shipping costs. Delivering and assembling a billiards table in your home can be expensive because of the weight of a slate pool table.
This is only a minor inconvenience, though, to someone who appreciates the un-surpassed quality of play that you get from a slate pool table.
Slate pool tables can be built in a couple of different ways. The most expensive way is to use a single piece of slate for the entire table top. This is not the most common way though.
Most slate pool tables are made with 3 pieces of slate to assemble the top, and this is a completely acceptable method with all of the advantages of a slate pool table, without some of the inconvenience and expense.
If you’re looking at a pool table to purchase, there is a simple test that you can do to see if the slate might have any imperfection or cracks in it. Just roll a billiard ball slowly across the table. If there are any imperfections or cracks, the ball will deviate noticeably and you will know that there is a problem.
A slate pool table can bring you and your friends and family many hours of enjoyment. Don’t be afraid of the initial expense though. One nice thing about a good quality slate pool table is that with proper care, your investment will always retain much of its value, and what price can be put on enjoyment and good times with good friends and family?