Snooker Tables

Snooker Table Room Size – The nearer your table is to full size the closer the likeness to the professional game. The size of a snooker table perfect for your home or venue will depend on how realistic you want play to be. Our guide to room size for snooker tables covers six different standard sizes including full size and the playing area, as well as the minimum room dimensions according to cue sizes.

All tables are made to order, complying with international match-play standards. Pockets sizes and cushion-rubber thicknesses conform to the playing of a full size snooker ball, and all other tournament rules as specified under section 1 WBSA rules. Herewith below is the appropriate extract from those published rules

Table Specs
(a) The Playing Area of a full size snooker table
The playing area is within the cushion faces and shall measure 11ft 8½ in x 5ft 10ins (3569 mm x 1778 mm) with a tolerance on both dimensions of +/- ½ in (13 mm).

(b) Height of a full size snooker table
The height of the table from the floor to the top of the cushion rail shall be 2 ft 10 in (864 mm) with a tolerance of +/- ½ in (13 mm).

(c) Baulk-line and Baulk for a full size snooker table
A straight line drawn 29 in (737 mm) from the face of the Bottom Cushion, and parallel to it, running from side cushion to side cushion is called the Baulk-line. That line and the intervening space is termed Baulk.

(d) The “D”
The “D” is a semi-circle marked in Baulk with the centre of its straight section in the middle of the Baulk-line and with a radius of 11½ in (292 mm).

(e) Pocket Openings and Slate thicknesses
There shall be a pocket at each of the four corners of the table and one each at the middle of the longer sides. Precise specifications or slate thicknesses and pocket openings agreed with slate quarries by Snooker governing bodies.

(f) Snooker Cues
A cue shall be not less than 3 ft (914 mm) in length and shall show no change from the traditional tapered shape and form, with a tip, used to strike the cue-ball, secured to the thinner end.

Important please note: a normal full size cue is around 57 inches. When the rules stipulate a minimum size of 3ft (36inches) it is not intended to suggest a game on a full size table could ordinarily be played with such as short cue. This specification is to allow tight shots to be played where there is limited space. It should not be used as measurement guide when planning the space required for a table installation. Indeed to retain the playing integrity for a full size table ideally a minimum 57 inches perimeter should be calculated. If space is tight then a smaller table should be considered (10ft or 9ft).

Full Size Snooker tables around the world
Alan takes on commissions for snooker tables throughout the UK and Ireland. He has agents covering Germany, Cyprus and Switzerland. He can arrange personal installations for his bespoke snooker tables anywhere around the world.

When purchasing a Snooker table it is most important to first check the size of the room it is to be situated in.

Draw a plan of the room and measure it at its nearest points. Do not measure into bay windows or to the recesses of a fireplace. All large furniture should be outside the measurements shown below.

There is no advantage to positioning a table diagonally in a room as the corner pockets are brought closer to the walls. If a floor is of normal sound construction, it will usually carry the weight of a full size table without special strengthening.

The dimensions given above are the ideal minimum – this will mean you can cue comfortably in all situations with a bit of leeway. If your room is slightly smaller then it’s not necessarily a show-stopper. Our guidelines have a bit of leeway and if you don’t take the game too seriously and it’s just for fun, you can get away with a bit less.

For instance, if you are prepared to put up with the occasional awkward shot, you could probably deduct 2 feet off each dimension. Where the shot is just a bit awkward, you can either cue at a higher angle or buy a shorter cue for use in restricted situations…

Snooker Tables