Buying guide
Pool and snooker table accessories: the complete checklist
To play, a home table needs cues, matching balls, a triangle and chalk. To protect it, add a fitted cover and a brush. Many tables come with a basic accessory pack, so check what is included and fill the gaps.
The checklist
| Item | Why you need it | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Cues | At least one each for two players | Tip size suits your balls |
| Short cue | Shots near a tight wall | 48 or 36 inches to suit the room |
| Ball set | Must match the table and pockets | English, American or snooker size |
| Triangle | Racking the balls | Matches the ball size; diamond rack for nine-ball |
| Chalk | Stops miscues | Chalk away from the table |
| Rests | Long shots, especially in snooker | Standard rest and spider at least |
| Table cover | Keeps off dust, drinks and sunlight | Fitted to your table size |
| Table brush | Removes chalk and dust from the cloth | Soft bristles |
| Table light | Even, glare-free light | Covers most of the playing area |
| Cue rack | Keeps cues straight | Outside the cueing zone |
| Scoreboard | Keeping score in snooker or billiards | Outside the cueing zone |
| Spare tips | Tips wear and harden | Correct size for your cues |
| Ball cleaner | Clean balls roll truer | Suitable for your balls |
Check the included accessory pack
Accessory packs vary widely. Some include two full cues, balls, a triangle, chalk and a brush. Others include less.
Look at what is included when you compare table prices. Check that the cue lengths and ball sizes match the table.
Balls and pockets are matched. Buy a set made for your table type.
Buy the right ball set
English pool sets usually have 2-inch reds and yellows, with a slightly smaller cue ball. American sets use 2¼-inch numbered balls. Full-size snooker balls are 52.5 mm, and smaller tables use smaller sets.
Balls and pockets are matched, so buy a set made for your table.
Protecting the table
For a home table, a fitted cover is the single most useful accessory. It keeps dust off the cloth, protects against spills and stops sunlight fading the cloth.
Brush the cloth after play, in the direction the cloth maker recommends.
Lighting
A dedicated table light makes a bigger difference to play than most accessories. Our games-room lighting guide explains how to choose and hang one.
Common mistakes
- Buying balls in the wrong size for the table.
- Skipping a cover, then cleaning drinks and dust out of the cloth.
- Mounting the cue rack or scoreboard inside the cueing zone.
Questions
Do pool tables come with accessories?
Many do, but packs vary. Before you compare prices, check the cue lengths and ball sizes, and see what is missing, such as a cover or a light.
How this guide is written: from published specifications and standards. We do not claim hands-on testing or give product scores. Editorial standards · Affiliate disclosure.