When choosing a pool table, there are several questions that you must first answer for yourself.
These questions are geared to several different categories.

Text-only Guide   Brunswick Buyers Guide

SIZE

1. How big is the room in which I wish to place the table?
2. What size table do I have room for?
3. What size table do I wish to own?

STYLE/WOOD

Am I buying this table...

1. For the kids to use?
2. For the adults to use?
3. As a piece of furniture?

What wood type and/or wood stain would be best in my room?

QUALITY OF CONSTRUCTION

1. SLATE

A. How many pieces?
B. How thick is the slate?
C. Is the slate framed or unframed?
D. How is the slate attached to the table?
2. RAIL CONSTRUCTION

A. Type of cushions
B. Sub Rail
C. Rail Cap
D. Frame Construction
3. APRONS

A. How thick is the material used for the aprons?
B. How do the aprons mount to the table?
C. Are the aprons screwed into the rail, or do they use mounting blocks/brackets?
4. POCKETS

A. What style of pocket is used?
B. Is the leather dyed or painted?
C. Does the color of the pocket coordinate with the finish of the table?
D. Do the pockets have a decorative fringe or a solid shield on the outside of the pocket?

SIZE
The first thing that you must determine is what size table you wish to purchase.  Sometimes, this will be decided by your room dimensions, and other times it may be decided by the intended use of your table.  Although pool tables are commonly referred to as 4' x 8' or 4 1/2' x 9', the table itself will not measure those dimensions. 
Tables come in four different sizes:

When deciding what size table to buy, most people will incorrectly want to know the outside measurements of the pool table.  While there is nothing wrong with having this information, it is more important to consider the playing surface measurements.  The shots always come from within those dimensions.  You then allow room around the playing surface for cue stick clearance.  If you have room for your cue sticks, you will have plenty of room to walk and move around your new pool table.  (Use the following chart to help determine the room necessary for your cue sticks.)  Here are some questions to help you in making these decisions.

1. How big is the room in which I wish to place the table?
   This is the most important question you can answer prior to shopping for a pool table.  Many people think they have plenty of room for a pool table, only to find, after delivery, that they actually do not have enough room to play around the table.
2. What size table do I have room for?
   Refer to the room dimensions chart to make this determination.
3. What size table do I wish to own?
   Now that you have determined what size table your room will handle, you must decide if you wish to go with the largest possible table.  This is recommended, since the larger the table, the more challenging the game will remain after you have honed your skills.  Also, if your room is large enough to handle a 9' table, then that will fill your room the best proportionately.

STYLE / WOOD TYPE
There are several factors to consider when deciding what style of table you wish to purchase.  Ask yourself the following questions.
Am I buying this table:

1. For the kids to use?
   If you are buying the table mainly to entertain the kids, then the styling may not be as important as the quality.
2. For the adults to use?
   If mainly the adults will use the table, then you may want the largest size available to you along with the fancier styling.
3. As a piece of furniture for the home?
   If you are buying the table as a piece of furniture for your home, then obviously, you will want to get the most attractive table that your budget will allow.

Your answer may actually be a combination of all three.  That is OK; tailor your table to your own desires.

The next question to ask yourself is,
"What wood type and /or wood stain would be best in my room?"
Tables are generally produced from three different types of materials.  These include, but are not limited to:

1. Mica laminate or vinyl melamine coating
   These types of tables generally make up your least expensive price range of tables.  They usually have particle board underneath the surface material and are not manufactured to as high of a standard as more expensive tables.  This type of table usually uses only 3/4" unframed slate, a lesser quality leather or plastic pockets, and does not have the styling of more expensive tables.  Mica or vinyl tables cannot be stained and therefore come only in certain colors.  If you were looking for a table to last only for a few years, this would be a good choice.
2. Veneer laminates
   This type of table will have a veneer laminate over another type of wood.  This underlying wood may be made of particle board, MDF board, or laminated layers of solid wood.  If the table has solid wood laminates under the veneer, then you should not have to worry about the veneers peeling or bubbling.  This type of table usually has 3/4" to 1" slate, which may, or may not, be framed.  It may still use the lesser expensive leather pockets or it may have the best leather pockets.  Since veneer can be stained, you usually have more choices as to the finished color of the wood
3. Solid wood
   The best-built tables on the market will use solid wood for ALL of the wood components.  They range in style from simple to very fancy and are made in a wide range of wood types.  Some of the more common types of wood are Oak, Maple, Cherry, Ash, Poplar, and Mahogany.  In addition to many wood types, there are also many finishes available on each of these woods.  The slate on these tables will vary from 3/4" with some manufacturers to 1" with others.  The framing on the slate can vary from non-existent, to particle board, to solid wood.  1" slate with solid-wood framing would be the best choice.

BUYER BEWARE:  As a consumer you should be aware that many times when a salesperson refers to a table as a "cherry" or "mahogany" table, they are simply referring to the wood type and finish.

QUALITY OF CONSTRUCTION
Now that you have decided what size table and what wood type you prefer, it is time to investigate how good the table that you are about to purchase is.  There are many factors involved with the quality of a pool table.  How well your pool table is built will have a direct impact on how well your table will play.  The areas that you need to look hard at include; slate, rail construction, cushions, frame construction, pockets, and aprons.

1. SLATE
   A.    How many pieces?
           Slate can come in either a 1-piece section or a 3-piece set
               I.    1-piece slate is very cumbersome and difficult to level because it covers such a large expanse of space.
                     It is generally only 1/2" in thickness and does not have any guarantees concerning the level.  The most
                     common place that 1 piece slate can be found is on coin-operated, or very inexpensive tables.
               II.   3-piece slate is the best type of slate because it allows for more precise leveling.  With three different
                     sections of slate, each can be leveled individually to achieve a perfect level.
                     This, of course, will allow your table to play better.  3 piece slate is available in several different
                     thickness including, 3/4", 7/8", and 1".
   B.    How thick is the slate?
           This is one of the most important questions to ask about slate.  The Billiard Congress of America (BCA)
           requires that the slate on tournament tables be 1" thick and 3 pieces.
               I.    3/4" slate, when in the 3 pc. configuration, is generally used to give the convenience of leveling and
                     handling while keeping the cost of the table as low as possible.  This slate is usually, but not always, used
                     on less expensive tables.
               II.   7/8" slate is often used as a substitute for true 1" slate.  It comes only in three pieces and it is hard for
                     the untrained eye to tell the difference between 7/8" and 1".  A table with this slate should be a little less
                     expensive than a table with 1" slate.  This can also be a good indicator that a manufacturer is trying to
                     save money on the construction of the table.
               III. 1" thick slate is the only slate approved by the BCA for tournament use.  It comes only in 3 pieces.  It
                     will provide the truest and most accurate play of any of the three slate thicknesses.  It is the very best
                     slate, as it is the only slate guaranteed by the slate mines not to warp.  Although it is only slightly more
                     expensive than 7/8", it is 12.5% heavier in total weight.  It is important to note that the weight of the table
                     will have direct impact on how true a ball rolls and rebounds
       C.    Is the slate framed or unframed?
               Slate can come either with a wood framing attached directly to the bottom of each piece of slate or without
               any slate framing at all.  The BCA requires that all slate be framed with a wood framing attached directly to
               the slate.  Since the cloth on a pool table generally covers the slate, it is necessary to ask specific questions
               about slate framing.
               I.    Unframed slate will sit directly on the frame of the table.  Some companies are now using a "slate
                     frame liner" which is a horizontal board attached directly to the top of the table frame, not the slate.  The
                     slate then lies directly on that board.  One problem with this is that when shims are used to level this type
                     of table, the slate becomes separated from the board.  A more serious problem is that the slate is only
                     screwed to the board instead of directly to the table frame.
               II.   Framed slate would have a wood liner attached directly to the bottom of each piece of slate.  This
                     wood is commonly made of particle board, plywood, or solid wood.  One purpose for the framing on the
                     slate is to give a solid, secure location for stapling down the cloth.  The best type of wood for this is solid
                     wood, as it will hold staples much better than the alternatives.
       D.    How is the slate attached to the table?
               The slate should be screwed directly to the wood frame of the table.  In addition to screws around the perimeter of the slate, there should be screws located on both sides of each slate joint in the middle of the playing surface.  These are referred to as "center slate screws".  this helps eliminate any movement of the slate if the table settles over time.  the center slate screws also give one additional attachment point for use in leveling.

            SLATE SUMMARY
                        There are many variations when it comes to the type of slate available on your pool table.  The best way to
            distinguish between these variations is to refer to the BCA Rule Book's requirement for tournament play.  The BCA
            specifically states that the slateshould be '1" thick, 3 piece slate, with a wooden frame
            attached directly to the slate'.  With this being such an important part of your table, you should be very wary of
            manufacturers who are willing to make sacrifices in this area.

2. RAIL CONSTRUCTION
   The rail construction is the "heartbeat" of your pool table.  The rail is made up of three main sections; the cushion, the sub rail, and the rail cap.  All three parts work together to make the perfect rail.
   A.    TYPE OF CUSHIONS
           The cushions are the most critical aspect of the rail system.  In order for a pool table to be tournament approved, the Billiard Congress of America requires that "Rubber cushions should be triangular in shape and molded with conventional K-66 profile with a base height of 1 3/16" and a nose height of 1", with control fabric molded to the top and base area of the cushion."  Look for all of the following features to be sure you are buying the best table on the market.
           I.    K-66 STYLE CUSHIONS are required and approved by the BCA for tournament play.  They are time tested for correct speed and accuracy.

   

           II.   Live Gum Rubber Cushions.  Be sure that the table you are buying has "live gum rubber" cushions.  These will provide the very best play of any in the industry.  The higher the % of live gum rubber, the more consistent the rebound will remain.
           III. Control fabric should be molded into the top of the rubber with approx. 3/16" of nose cushion exposed. 
                This allows the ball to rebound with the same accurate and uniform speed, no matter where the ball strikes
                the cushion.  Not all tables have control fabric on the top of the cushion, so be sure to ask about this.

   

           IV. Live air space, is a space that exists on the back of the cushion where it is glued to the sub rail.  It assists
                 the cushion in its ability to control the speed and accuracy of the ball.  It also allows the cushion to breath
                 from the front to back, maintaining rubber consistency.  Without this live air space, the cushion will harden
                 due to its inability to breath.

   

           V.  BCA Standards: Make sure that your table meets or exceeds all tournament standards set forth by the
                 BCA
   B.    SUB RAIL
           The rail liner or "sub rail" is the part of the rail that you cannot see once your table is assembled.  It is what the
           rubber is actually attached to and it is the part of the rail that comes in contact with the slate and allows the rails
           to be fastened to the slate.  What mechanism is used to fasten the rails to the slate is critical on your new table. 
           The tighter the rails are fastened to the slate, the better the table will play.
               I.    Solid wood sub rail: this will allow for the most accurate rebound available. Some manufacturers may
                     use particle board for their sub rail, so be sure to check closely before buying a table.
               II.   How are these rails bolted to the slate? There are several ways in which the rails can be fastened to
                     the slate.  The quality of these can be extremely important to the play of your table.

                 

                       1.    "T-Nut Attachment" is the most secure method of fastening the rails to the slate.  T-Nuts are
                               permanently embedded into the rails, giving perfect alignment, and cannot come loose from over
                               tightening.  They have over twice the threads for securing the bolt compared to nut plates.  These
                               features allow for maximum torque on the connecting bolts making the rails as tight as possible. 
                               T-nuts can come in different sizes, so be sure that if the table you are considering uses "T-Nuts",
                               you check to see that they are 3/8" in diameter for best results.
                       2.    "Floating nut plates" have become a very common form of securing the rails.  This method
                               literally has a nut plate in the rail, which is not secured, and actually moves around until fastened    
                               with a bold.  This can create a problem with the nut hole in the plate being aligned incorrectly and
                               causing the rail bolts to become cross-threaded.
               III.    What types of washers are used on the rail bolts?  The rail bolt goes from under the slate in an
                       upward direction into the rail.  How the washer meets the underside of the slate is an important
                       question to be asked.  If the table has wood framing on the slate, then there should be a hole in the
                       wood larger than the rail bolt hole in the slate.  Then, the washer should fit flat against the slate.  The
                       reason for this is that wood can be compressed from the tightening of the rail bolt.  The best type of
                       washer would be a dome washer.  As the rail bolt is tightened, the washer then flattens against the slate,
                       creating the most secure form of attachment.
               IV.   How is the cloth attached to the bottom of the rail?  The cloth that covers the cushions will be
                       stapled to the bottom of the sub rail.  it is important that the manufacturer provides a recessed area for
                       those staples to be attached.  This area is called a tack strip.  Without a tack strip, the staples will
                       prevent the rails from sitting flat on the slate and therefore will change the angle and raise the height of
                       the cushion.  This will cause the rebound of your table to seem very slow or "dead".

   

   C. RAIL CAP
       This is the wood section of the rail that is visible and affects the looks of your pool table.  It should be made of a hardwood due to the scratching which can occur from cues being scraped across the rail.  It is also the part of the rail that can add to the beauty of your table.
               I.  What type of material are the caps made of?
                   The rail caps on a pool table can be made of solid wood, mica laminate, or vinyl melamine covering.
                       1.    Vinyl laminate will only be used by the very least expensive tables on the market.  If torn or
                               scratched, they are not repairable.
                       2.    While mica is the most durable, it will only be used on inexpensive furniture style tables, or very
                               expensive, commercially designed tables.
                       3.    The solid wood rail cap will combine durability with the most beautiful look to enhance the
                               furniture appeal of your pool table.  One benefit of solid wood is that it can be refinished if
                               scarring does develop over a period of many years.
               II.  Rail profiles refer to the actual shape of the rail cap.

   

                       1.     Commercial profile rails are very wide and have corners that contain plastic pockets.  These
                               are used on commercial tables or very low priced home tables.
                       2.    Standard profile rails are the most common type of rail.  These rails use leather pockets and
                              have a straight edge on the rail between the pockets.  The total width of a rail with this type of
                              profile will average about 4 3/4".
                       3.    Wide profile rails will be slightly larger than the standard profile.  They will typically measure
                              from 5 1/2" - 6 1/2" in total width.  The advantage is that you have a larger area to place your
                              hand for bridging and they create a much nicer piece of furniture for your home.
               III. SIGHTS The sights are the markers on top of the rails.  Sights are used for reference points on the table
                     for aiming.  They will either be round or diamond shaped.  Even though they do not structurally impact
                     the table, they do affect the overall furniture appeal of your pool table. The sights can either be placed in
                     the rails before the rails are sanded and stained or after the finishing process is complete.
                       1.    Round sights or diamond shaped sights.  Most pool tables will come with a round sight as the
                              standard style.  These manufacturers will then offer the diamond sight as an option, for an
                              additional charge.  There are a select few manufacturers who will actually give the diamond shaped
                              sight as their standard style sight.  While either style will serve the same purpose, the diamond sight
                              will create the more expensive furniture look.
                       2.    Pre-finished sights versus post-finished sights.  Pre-finished sights are ones that are placed in
                              the rails prior to the wood having any finish applied.  Post-finish sights are sights that are placed in
                              the rails after the rails have passed through the finish process.  Once again, even though neither
                              process creates any structural advantage, the pre-finish sights are a much more difficult step.  If the
                              sights are already in place when the rails are stained, then that sight is going to absorb the color of
                              the stain.  Once this happens, each sight must then be cleaned individually, while in the rail, to
                              remove the stain.  The reason that a manufacturer would go through this trouble is to create that
                              fine furniture look and feel.  you can tell which process was used on a table simply by running your
                              finger over the sight.  A pre-finished sight will feel so smooth that you might not even be able to tell
                              it is there, with your eyes closed.  A post-finished sight will have very defined edges to the fingers. 
                              The reason that this is so obvious is that a pre-finished sight is sanded smooth as part of the rail
                              system.
   D. FRAME CONSTRUCTION
       There are two types of frames most commonly used in the pool table industry, tapered and straight.  Each style is
       unique in the way that it is built, but both are of equal strength and stability.
           I.     TAPERED FRAMES
                 Tapered frame tables are defined as those tables which have a frame which tapers from top to bottom. 
                 The legs are then attached to the underside of the frame.  There are many variations in the way
                 manufacturers will produce this type of frame so it is very important that you investigate each table very
                 carefully.
                   1.    How is the corner bracing constructed?

   

                           Solid wood corner bracing is the least common, but most effective way to build a tapered frame
                           table.  By using all wood bracing in the corners, the table becomes extremely stable and structurally
                           sound for supporting the weight of the slate.  The legs are attached to wood leg blocks, which are
                           built into the corner of the table.  The frame is factory assembled and usually pre-checked for level. 
                           The table will not wobble when bumped strongly with the hip.  One thing you may need to check on
                           this table is whether the frame is made in such a way as to allow it to be taken apart, for access
                           around tight corners, when being installed
                           Metal, angle iron bracing is the most common form of corner bracing used in tapered cabinets. 
                           This is the quickest and least expensive way to produce a pool table.  It is not, however, the most
                           effective.  When the frame is compressed between the weight of the slate and the legs, it creates an
                           extreme amount of stress on the corner.  Usually the angle iron is of a very light weight material and
                           is attached to the frame using wood screws.  This corner brace then flattens at the bottom to allow
                           the leg to be attached to the metal bracket..  If you plan to move your table very often this can cause
                           a problem because, each time you remove the screws the integrity of that corner is weakened.  The
                           convenience of this type of frame is that it takes less space for storage and shipping.  these
                           conveniences are most noticed by the dealer.
                   2.    How are the legs attached to the frame?
                           There are three methods routinely used to fasten the leg to the corner brace or leg block
                           Embedded "T-Nuts" involves drilling a hole in the top of the leg and then inserting a plug with a 't-
                           nut' embedded in the bottom of that plug.  The plug is glued into the leg and held in place with cross-
                           pinning dowels to allow the legs to be bolted to the frame with 3/8" bolts.
                           Using lag bolts involves inserting a wood screw into the leg with the threaded end protruding from
                           the leg.  A nut is then used to fasten the frame to the leg.
                           Using threaded inserts is a method that involves drilling a hole in the leg and then screwing an
                           aluminum barrel into the leg with threads on the inside of the barrel.  There is one very glaring
                           problem with this method.  If the installer over-tightens the bolt, the barrel will unscrew from the leg.
                   3.    Does this table have corner caps on the corners?
                           While you have to crawl under the table to see what kind of bracing is used in the frame, an
                           indication can be found on the outside of each corner, which covers the gap between the side frame
                           and the end frame.  A cabinet made with solid wood bracing will likely have mitered corners.  The
                           mitered corners give a finished furniture quality look to the table.
                   4.    What type of material are the beams made of?
                           Since the beam construction is an extremely important part of the construction, only the best
                           materials should be used.  you will find tables that have plywood beams and tables that have solid
                           wood beams.  Solid wood is the most stable material and is what you should require in your table.
                   5.    How thick are the beams?
                           The thickness of the beams can vary from only 1/2" thick up to 2" thick.  The thicker the beam, the
                           stronger the support.  One of the best combinations of size is 2" x 6" made of solid wood.
                   6.    Does the table have a beam running the length of the table?
                           While most table manufacturers place cross beams in their pool tables, only the better quality tables
                           will have a beam running the length of the frame.  This beam is referred to as the "center beam" and
                           provides added support to the entire frame structure.  This beam helps stabilize the frame as well as
                           adding additional slate leveling contact points.
                   7.    Is the wood on the underside of the frame sealed against moisture?
                           You should be able to answer this question by simply looking at the underside of the table.  if the
                           beams and the backside of the frame is raw wood, then the table has not been sealed.  The sealing
                           process is important in that it will help prevent the wood from absorbing moisture from the air.  Any
                           time you have moisture moving in and out of wood it can create problems.
           II.    STRAIGHT FRAME STYLE TABLES
                   Straight frame style tables are identified by the frame being mostly vertical as opposed to tapered.  The
                   legs will actually extend all the way to the top of the frame and will have the slate resting directly on the
                   legs.  The frame section will then bolt directly into the sides of the legs.  Many of the questions that should
                   be asked about the frame construction for this type of frame are the same as the ones asked concerning
                   the tapered frame.

         

                           1.    What type of material are the beams made of?
                           2.    How thick are the beams?
                           3.    Does the table have a beam running the length of the table?
                           4.    Is the wood on the underside of the frame sealed against moisture?
3. APRONS
   The apron, also known as the skirt, is the wood, which mounts vertically from the rail.  The purpose of the apron is to cover the raw edge of the slate and the staples, which attach the cloth to the slate.  If not properly attached, the apron can be pulled off or broken off of many brands of table very easily.  Although, the apron does not affect the structural integrity of the table, there are some key questions to ask when choosing the table.
       A. How thick is the material used for the aprons?
           The thickness of the material used in the aprons can vary from 1/4" up to 3/4".  The thicker the material, the
           harder it is for it to get broken.
       B. How do the aprons mount to the table?
               I.    Interlocking aprons:  One way of attaching the apron is for it to interlock with a channel cut into the
                     rail.  This allows for the apron to align perfectly and have a furniture quality joint.  It also creates a
                     stronger joint to protect against the apron being broken by someone pulling against it.
               II.   Factory mounted aprons:  These aprons will come already attached to the rails.  many installers find
                     these to be more troublesome to work with when trying to cover the rails and pack your table for
                     relocating.
       C. Are the aprons screwed into the rail, or do they use mounting blocks / brackets?
               I.    Screwed directly into the rail:  One way of attaching the aprons is to simply run a screw horizontally
                     from the outside directly through the apron and into the rail.  While this is the quickest and least
                     expensive, the apron can be broken off the table very easily.  This also leaves screw heads showing on
                     your fine piece of furniture.
               II.   Attached via mounting blocks or brackets:  This method involves a block or bracket mounted to the
                     backside of the apron.  The screw then goes vertically, directly into the framing on the underside of the
                     slate.  This method creates a very strong joint and does not leave any exposed screws.  If a mounting
                     block is used, it should be attached to the apron with wood glue and staples and interlocked on the
                     backside of the apron.  the mounting block is the most solid, yet also the most time consuming and costly
                     process.  When the mounting block is combined with the interlocking rail you have the very best of both
                     types of attachment.
4. POCKETS
   Pockets can come in several varieties.  They can be plastic or leather, enclosed or exposed, and they can affect the way your table will play.  you need to investigate which type of pockets a table has as part of the buying process.
       A. What style of pocket is used?
           There are basically three types of pockets used in the industry today.  Each is unique in the way it mounts to the
           table.
               I.    #6 and #3 Pockets both have the pocket cover wrapped around a metal iron that forms the shape of
                     the pocket.  the #6 has pins that insert into the end of each rail.  A bolt is then inserted from the
                     underside of the rail to secure the pocket.  The #3 has pins which usually flush mount to the top of the
                     rail.  Many antique tables have #3 pockets.  Both of these style pockets are exposed to the eye when
                     looking at the table.  They actually form a joint, which connects the rails.  Because of the shape of the
                     iron, they will play better than other style pockets.
                       Does this pocket use "cast iron" or  "aluminum" to form the irons?
                       Cast iron pockets are the strongest type of pocket made in the industry.  They are extremely heavy and
                       are the least likely to be broken from people sitting on the corner pocket of the table.  The weight of
                       the cast iron pocket adds to the playability of the table.  The aluminum iron is very light in weight and
                       can be easily broken.  This is a question that you must ask to get the correct answer.  you cannot
                       identify the difference unless you can pickup a pocket in your hand.
               II.   Enclosed pockets are the third type of pocket.  It is totally enclosed within the rail system.  The pocket
                     is actually inserted within a cutout inside the rail.  It is usually used on very inexpensive style tables,
                     commercial style tables, or modern style tables.  These pockets are generally made of plastic or rubber,
                     but may be leather on more expensive tables.
       B. Is the leather dyed or painted?
           If the table you are looking at has leather pockets, then you need to determine whether the leather is dyed or
           painted.  If the color of the leather is painted, it will scuff very easily when a cue stick is drug across the top of
           the pocket.  This will result in your tables looking very worn in a very short period of time.  dyed leather will
           help eliminate this problem because the dying process penetrates the surface of the leather.
       C. Does the color of the pocket coordinate with the finish of the table?
           Today, pool tables are considered a piece of furniture.  Along those lines, everything on the table should
           coordinate.  This includes the pockets.  Many table manufacturers will use one standard color of pocket
           (usually black) for all of their finishes.  Other manufacturers will color coordinate the pocket color with the
           finish.
       D. Do the pockets have a decorative fringe or a solid shield on the outside of the pocket?
           The purpose of the fringe or shield is to cover part of the webbing in the pocket and to give the pocket a more
           finished look.  whether you prefer fringe on your pocket or a shield, is up to your personal preference.  In
           general, you should expect to pay more for a shield pocket.

SUMMARY
You are about to make a major purchase.  you should assume that if the table you purchase will last the rest of your life.  Take the time to compare tables from several different manufacturers and be sure that you are getting the best quality table that your budget will allow.  Armed with a little knowledge, you should be able to ask the right questions and make the best choice yourself.