Billiard Cloth

Billiard cloth is wool-nylon pool-table fabric that covers the slate and rails for a true ball roll.

Introduction

Billiard cloth is woven pool-table fabric, usually a wool-nylon blend, even though players still call it felt. US rooms choose napped woolen cloth for slower bar play or nap-free worsted cloth for faster rolls. Cue-sport fabric belongs here, not in craft remnants.

  • Worsted speed cloth with no nap versus woolen napped cloth that pills and plays slower
  • A kit cut for 7-, 8-, or 9-foot tables plus rail strips versus a remnant that will not cover slate
  • Listed ounces per linear yard versus lightweight craft felt sold as “pool felt”

Match table size and nap type first, then color, and plan for stretch-and-staple install or a mechanic.

FAQs

No. Pool cloth is woven wool or wool-nylon. Craft felt is matted and will fuzz, tear, and grab the ball. If a listing is sold by the square for kids' crafts, it is the wrong product.

Worsted (Simonis-style) is smoother and faster, typical of leagues. Woolen napped cloth is cheaper, slower, and common on home rec tables. Brush napped cloth with the nap, not against it.

Measure playing surface length. Home tables are often 7 or 8 feet; 9-foot kits are for regulation. You need bed cloth plus rail cloth. A bed-only cut leaves the cushions uncovered.

Rec rooms may go years; busy tables wear faster. Pilling, shiny tracks, and tears at the pockets are signs. Worsted usually lasts longer than cheap napped cloth.

DIY kits exist, but stretch and staple on slate is easy to wrinkle. If the listing does not include rails or a stretching note, budget for a mechanic so the ball does not drift.