Monday, April 13th, 2009
1. Cup of Sugar- The age old “Cup o’ Sugar” routine is a great one and always works. Even if you don’t need the sugar, just pop next door with an empty measuring cup at a reasonable time and politely introduce yourself and ask if you could borrow a “cup of sugar.” This works best at dinner time. Do it any earlier and you’ll just look silly. And don’t stand around talking for too long either, get the sugar, exchange names and greetings, and get back to your apartment. This opens up the conversation route for the next time you pass each other and you no longer have to put your head down and act like you are making sure your laces are tired.
2. The Community Areas- Hit the fitness center, the clubhouse, or the laundry room at your community. Areas that are commonly visited by the other residents. Strike up a conversation with someone who looks friendly and receptive. Who knows, you may make an awesome friend. If you have a dog, take them out walking often. People love making friends with dogs and their owners. Just don’t hang out by the dumpster…that’s just weird…and stinky.
3. Hang Out On The Patio - Get some lawn chairs and chill out on your patio or balcony whenever you have a nice day. Chit chat with the passer-by’s. Just don’t hoot and whistle like a construction worker. Nothing is more offensive and is a very easy way to NOT make friends.
Hopefully, you will have a few new friends in no time and you’ll find that most neighbors aren’t Apartmental like the ones in the video. Who knows, maybe you are my neighbor? Come and meet me!
For more info on apartment living, check out ApartmentHomeLiving.com
Tags: Apartment, Meeting, Neighbors, Tips
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Wednesday, March 25th, 2009
If you are unable to get a good night’s sleep, you wake up the next morning feeling tired and bad-tempered. All your day’s activities suffer due to this condition and you end up feeling frustrated and way behind time.
There can be many reasons behind an uncomfortable and sleepless night. One of the important factors that contribute to a peaceful sleep is the kind of mattress that suits your needs. The body needs to be properly aligned and in a totally comfortable position in order to relax. Otherwise, something or the other keeps disturbing you throughout the night and as a result your sleep suffers.
If you are having problems sleeping at night then perhaps its time you changed your mattress. Many people think that they can get away with an inexpensive and low-quality mattress because when you are tired from a long day’s work nothing gets in the way of a peaceful sleep. However, it’s a totally wrong perception. Similarly, many people buy mattresses from retailers and other stores of the same kind just to buy an inexpensive piece. A good advice is to visit a mattress warehouse store and save hundreds of dollars down the road by enjoying a peaceful and comfortable sleep night after night.
When Do You Need a New Mattress?
Like everything else, there are indications to tell that your mattress needs to be replaced. These signs let you decide that you need a new mattress and a visit to a mattress warehouse becomes a must. Some of these indications are given below.
* When a mattress becomes old, it starts to lose its elasticity. You can tell this by feeling it all over. If it’s uneven and saggy, it’s time to spend some money on a new one.
* A dying mattress often makes unusual and unpleasant sounds when you move on it. Furthermore, if you have a partner sleeping right next to you, a good mattress doesn’t let him or her feel a thing when you leave the bed. If the mattress moves and makes sounds with each and every move you make, it will make it too difficult for the other person to sleep.
* Another sign of a mattress getting old is losing its firmness. You feel comfortable lying at one side of the mattress because it hasn’t been used in a long time. On the other hand, the side where you used to sleep is no longer firm and you have a feeling as if somebody is moving the bed when you lie there.
Everything is made with a time frame in mind and after that period it expires. The same is the case with mattresses. Normally, good quality mattresses are made to last for a period of ten years or even longer. But after this duration, they become totally useless and ready to be thrown out. If you think your mattress has lived a longer life than expected, it’s time to pay a mattress warehouse a visit.
What Advantages Does a Mattress Warehouse Offer?
At a mattress warehouse, you have more variety to choose from and can get a fairly good mattress at a very reasonable price. People who run warehouse businesses often buy items from the manufacturers in bulk and therefore get them at a lower than normal cost. This saving in turn is offered to the customers.
Another advantage of shopping at a mattress warehouse is that you can have specialists to give you advice on what you really need. You can even return your old mattresses and box springs to these warehouses and have them recycled.
Points to Consider While Buying a New Mattress
In order to buy a mattress that is comfortable, lasts longer and comes at a reasonable price, keep in mind the following tips while you are at a mattress warehouse.
* Test the mattress by lying over it and see if it’s even and does not make sounds when you move. Many inexpensive mattresses are the ones that have been recycled to be used again, and therefore you need to be very careful before buying a mattress for yourself.
* Investigate the whole store and have a look at all kinds of mattresses available. Don’t judge them by their price; always test their support, firmness and quality.
* Make full use of the services and help offered by the warehouse employees and managers. Ask them the pros and cons of a particular kind of a mattress and whether you should buy it or not. Also make sure you are not missing out on any discount deals or other attractive offers.
* As a final step, ask them to let you have a test nap on one of the mattresses you have chosen. Place it on a box spring and see if it’s comfortable in all positions. Always prioritize your needs when you go shopping for a mattress at a mattress warehouse. Comfort, correct dimensions, quality and price are some of the factors to consider while choosing a mattress.
Tags: mattress, Shopping, Tips, Warehouse
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Tuesday, March 10th, 2009
At every wedding occasion, their first attention will be that of the bride and the groom. This is what every guest will be coming to see. The second point will be given to the floral organization. This will particularly be the table arrangements. Remember that most guests will be sitting directly in front of these flowers and will be able to directly throw in their appreciation or rejection of what has been done. Always remember the following if you intend to make the table floral arrangement perfect for your wedding.
A lot of people fail to understand that designing the tables at every wedding event with special floral designs seem to be perfect just like making general floral arrangements for the wedding venue. Remember that these will also go a long way to link up the theme, color as well as the atmosphere of the wedding into one unique event. Coming up with something perfect is not an easy thing. There are so many considerations which will be brought into play. Whatever you decide on should be something that should be pleasing and attractive to the eyes as well as to the minds.
What Considerations Should You Think Of?
When thinking of floral arrangements on the tables, it may not necessarily be considered on every table. This will depend on what you envisage. But remember that too much floral arrangements may end up spoiling the whole atmosphere. For this reason, you may consider making such arrangements only a few tables and these tables should be those at strategic positions. Why not think of the table of the newly wedded couple, the table of the cake and the dining table. Floral arrangements of the cake table should be simple. A circlet of flowers can simple be placed round the cake or even on a stand near the cake.
Floral arrangements on the table of the newly wedded couple should be something that will bring in some sense of admiration for the couples. Why not think of putting the bouquet of both the bride and her maid on the table? This should be striking. You may also decide to dress the candle stands or holders with flowers and this should also be thought of when thinking of the guests’ tables. But make sure that the candle stands or holders are tall enough so that the flowers do not shade the faces of anyone.
You can also decide to adorn the guests’ tables with flowers either in the form or centerpieces or making small floral designs on their chairs. But you may not have the budget to provide for every table. In such a case, you can place a small rose flower or any other flower that is striking for every female invitee. This is not only something extraordinary, but this is also something that may be taken home as gift by the guests.
Guidelines for Making Floral Designs on the Tables
One of the best places to position table flowers is at the center of the table. But you should make sure that the flowers are not too large. Remember that they may occupy a greater portion of the table if they are too large. You may opt for tall flowers. This will give much space to the table. However, it may block views to the end of the hall. Always think of the size of the hall and the positioning of the bride and the groom while making considerations on what flowers to include in your decoration list.
If you have to position flowers where food and drink is kept, make sure that they are not poisonous to the food or drinks. Do not give in room for errors.
Tags: Arrangements, Floral, Making, perfect, Table, Tips
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Sunday, March 1st, 2009
There is a big variety of dining chairs. You can choose from wooden folding chairs, wooden each, wooden restaurant and many others. The secret for the best dining chairs is that you should pick them for the occasion. There are dining chairs for a family dining or may be for a dining party.
The best choice you can make for your house are the wooden chairs. There are a lot of models. One of the most popular is the wooden folding chair. You can find them in every house because they are very practical. You don’t need to worry about the space because you can just fold them in a corner after you finished your dinner. They can be found in different styles and sizes.
One of the pleasant surprises about modern chairs is they amazing comfort. In the past the design was a lot more important. The dining chair used to be very classy but in the same time rigid. Now people want to relax while they have their dinner. You can have a beautiful design and a comfortable chair. Learn the secret to combine the two advantages.
One important thing you must think about before buying dining chair is the numbers of chairs you need. Also make sure you will pick the perfect size of chairs. Be sure you will still have enough space to walk in the room!
The perfect dining chair must be wide enough for people to sit on. You also have to leave some space between the chairs. This way people will be able to move. Make sure you also have at least 12 inches (30cm) between the back of the chair and the wall.
Before you buy the new dining chairs you need to think about how often you will use them for dining. You should make sure that they will look good in any other room. There for the dining chairs should be in tone with the rest of the furniture.
If you have a busy life and you can’t find time to go buy the dining chairs it’s ok. You can also order from the internet. You will be able to check a big variety of designs. Once you choose and pay they are delivered to your door. This will save you a lot of time. You also have the possibility to check a lot more designs using the internet. So just open the computer and start shopping!
During the day people stress a lot. After a busy day at work it’s great to come home and have dinner with your family. Make sure the chairs will relax everybody. If the chairs are too rigid you will not be able to enjoy dinner. You should relax and talk to the family about your day.
Dining chairs can make the difference. You can have a comfortable and classy house! There for you should think very good before you buy the chairs. Take measurement of you dining room and also check how big is your table.
Tags: Best, Chairs, Dining, Tips
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Thursday, February 19th, 2009
Memory foam was developed by NASA in the 1970’s, but it was made famous in the consumer market as topper pads. Later on in the 1990’s, the memory foam mattress was established. From then till today, it has occupied a very prominent space in the mattress industry.
Sleeping on a memory foam mattress is considered good for people with back problems, arthritis, bone and joint problems. Memory foam mattresses are available in a number of sizes such as single, double, queen, king, California queen, California king and super king sizes. Some double memory foam mattresses have both a softer and harder side to meet the requirements of sleeping partners. Mostly, the density of a memory foam mattress is about five inches.
There are certain points that must be kept in mind while purchasing a memory foam mattress, so that you get a suitable mattress of your choice.
Selecting the right type of memory foam mattress is really a very important decision. These following tips may really prove helpful to you when buying one.
Mattress with Temperature Sensitivity
It is not necessary that all the mattresses available in the market are sensitive towards temperature. However, this feature of the mattress must not be underestimated as it is very important. This is the feature that makes a memory foam mattress unique, and absolutely comfortable.
While looking for a mattress, if you come across one that is adjustable to the temperature, do buy it. In a warmer environment this mattress will absorb the body heat. It will also soften up. Similarly, in a cooler environment it will get firmer.
Mattress with the Correct Thickness
The thickness of the mattress is one of the important things to consider. It is the thickness of the memory foam that matters when buying the correct memory foam mattress. The thickness of the memory foam can be defined as the total weight of the mattress, calculated in a cubic foot of memory foam. For instance, if you want to cut a piece of memory foam into a 13×13×13 in a cube shape, and then you weigh it. Thus, the resulting weight will be counted as the thickness of the mattress.
You may come across various theories relating to the correct thickness of a memory foam mattress. But it is always better to select a mattress with the thickness between 5.3 to 5.9 lb. This is because a memory foam mattress with the thickness lower than 5.3 will not be able to provide proper support to your lower back, shoulders and hips.
Likewise, if the thickness of the memory foam mattress is more than 5.9, it will be too thick to provide any proper support.
Mattress with a Sufficient Top Layer
While going to buy a memory foam mattress, it is important that you select one that has sufficient memory foam on the top layer. Generally, it is best to opt for a mattress with 3.5 inches of memory foam as its top layer.
If the layer is too thin, in this case, it will be like sleeping on polyurethane foam. It is quite possible that you will not have comfortable sleep on it.
By keeping these points in mind, you can easily purchase the correct memory foam mattress.
Tags: Foam, mattress, Memory, Purchasing, Tips
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Sunday, February 15th, 2009
If you’ve already started planning an Alaskan cruise or Alaskan cruise tour, you might have been considering whether it is worth the extra cost to book a balcony cabin. Of course, with Alaskan cruises in high demand, the cruise fares have been on the rise, meaning that a balcony room is often no small investment.
So are balcony rooms worth the price? The answer depends on several factors, including your personal finances, the time of year you plan on cruising, and the amount of time you plan on spending out of your room.
Balcony rooms on Alaskan cruises can cost anywhere from a couple hundred to a thousand dollars more than inside rooms (and the differential can be even higher at the peak of the season). However, despite this sometimes big difference in pricing, it is common for balcony rooms to sell out before either inside or oceanview cabins.
Why are balcony rooms so popular on Alaskan cruises? The reason for their popularity is that there simply is so much to see along the Alaskan cruise rout that, if you don’t have a balcony, you miss out on a good amount of it.
Unlike in the Caribbean, where you sail from island to island, spending much of your time at sea, in the Alaskan Inside Passage, you spend the majority of your journey passing through a relatively narrow waterway between a chain of islands, often with incredible landscapes visible from both sides of the ship: soaring mountains, lush, green forests, countless waterfalls, fjords, glaciers, and even the occasional whale — you’ll see it all along the Alaskan cruise route.
Of course, if you simply aren’t able to spend the money on a balcony room, you still will see plenty of Alaskan scenery. There are wonderful views from many of the ship’s decks, and often you will have great views from the restaurants as well. Many people who book inside rooms end up spending a good deal of their time outside of their rooms anyway, taking part in the many activities and attending the wonderful shows and other events available on large cruise ships.
However, with a balcony stateroom, you will be able to take it all in from the privacy of your cabin. If you have the money or can book in a less expensive time of year (like May or September), I highly recommend a balcony stateroom. It’s simply the best way there is to experience the wonders of coastal Alaska.
Tags: Alaskan, Balcony, Cost, Cruise, Room, Tips, Worth
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Wednesday, January 28th, 2009
Creating bedrooms which ooze elegance and chic style may not be as costly as you may think. High street and online retailers who specialise in bedding and matching accessories enable you to bring a fresh clean makeover to a bedroom in a weekend.
Begin with a blank canvass:
Spend time looking for ideas from interior design journals or online blogs which are dedicated to interior styles. Make notes, mental or jot them down, of all the features you like. Be realistic with your budget and swap expensive items for bargain pieces.
Take a fresh look at your existing bedroom furniture. It may simply need a good clean and polish or you could opt to paint worn or dated pieces.
Take a look at your headboard. If it is fabric may be able to find some great discount or wholesale fabric to re-cover it. Alternatively you could make a new headboard by covering foam rectangles with fabric, sew ribbons onto the top of each, if you are creating a new headboard for a double bed. Fix a wooden or white curtain pole to the wall, positioning it at the appropriate height, add beautiful end finials. Simply tie the covered foam pads with the ribbons to create a quick and effective headboard.
You could opt to match the headboard with new curtains or make a foot runner for the bottom of the bed to add coherence to the room.
Think of the colour combinations which you love and which make you feel relaxed. Pastel colours are ideal for bedrooms and offer a gentle and chic look when teamed with crisp white.
Decorating:
The easy way to start is to strip the room of all clutter, furniture, curtains and carpets as much as you possibly can. If you are keeping the carpet make sure it cover it with a dust sheet before you even think of opening a paint pot!
Fill cracks in walls with fast drying filler. Sand down woodwork on doors and their frames and window casements. Begin by doing the gloss paintwork, keep brush strokes vertical to give a smooth finish.
Paint the ceiling in white to reflect as much light as possible back down into the room. Paint walls with emulsion in neutral tones so that it will coordinate with your furniture and soft furnishings.
Re-introduce furniture:
Bring your furniture back into the room. Try and keep a generous amount of space around the bed, this will help you to make the bed properly as well as being far easier to climb into!
Keep things as simple as possible, a chest of drawers, a chair and wardrobe should be all you need!
Place a rug on the floor to give you a warm and soft feel to step onto first thing each morning!
Windows:
Clean the windows before you either replace your curtains or blinds. If you opt for new, choose full length curtains which match or compliment the bedding and headboard. Wood blind are great for bedrooms which have a cottage style and blend beautifully with pine furniture and stripped floor boards.
Bedding:
Treat your self to wonderful luxury bedding in colours which compliment your new paint colours and window treatments. Choose bedding which has a gentle and elegant style with matching or coordinating valences, curtains and pillow shams.
Conclusion:
A chic and stylish affordable bedroom with little effort!
Tags: Bedrooms, Budget, Creating, Luxury, Tips
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Wednesday, January 28th, 2009
Do you wake up in the morning all stiff and with a pain in the back? Chances are that you are not sleeping on a comfortable mattress. Mattress plays a significant role in ensuring a good night’s sleep. You spend about one-third part of your day sleeping in bed; hence it is imperative that the mattress you sleep on is comfortable for your body. Here are things which you should consider before buying a mattress:
Comfort
When buying a mattress, comfort should be your primary consideration. For your bed, pick a mattress of superior quality that would provide maximum comfort and support to all parts of your body especially your back, neck and hips.
Firmness
It is your personal choice whether you want to go for a hard mattress or a soft one. But do keep in mind that extremely soft mattress may seem cozy, but it is not good for your health and body. It tends to sag easily and doesn’t provide proper spine alignment. But at the same time, mattresses that are too hard can cause stiffness in the joints. Therefore look for a mattress which is neither too soft nor too hard.
Types of mattresses
Even if your plan to buy discount mattress, it is better to know the four basic types of mattresses and their respective benefits which will help you make your purchase decision:
Inner Spring Mattress: Innerspring mattress is the conventional mattress and most of the people are familiar with it. It is made up of steel coils and covered in layers of cushioning. Innerspring mattresses come in a wide range of variety.
Foam Mattresses: Foam mattresses have become quite popular in recent years. They offer great comfort and conform well to the shape of the body. There are two types of foam used, regular latex foam and memory foam. The major benefit of foam mattress is that it is resistant to dust-mites, bacteria and other allergens, and is long-lasting.
Air Mattress: In an air mattress, chambers of air provide support and the correct amount of comfort. The major advantage of these mattresses is their ability to adjust to your personal comfort. Some air mattresses are lightweight and are used for camping. Some others are meant for daily use at home. There is a wide variety of air mattresses available so choose the one which is of superior quality. You can check out various online stores in UK which provide top quality air mattresses at discount prices.
Waterbed: Waterbed mattresses come in a variety of styles, and sizes to choose from.
They are of two types: hard-side water beds and soft-side waterbeds. Both are made of vinyl and filled with water. These mattresses provide maximum support to the spinal alignment. Waterbeds mattresses contain a valve to fill or remove water. This water can also be heated during the winters to keep the bed warm. Compared to other mattresses, waterbed mattresses are quite bulky and expensive.
Size
The size of the mattress is another important factor while buying a mattress. The basic mattress sizes which fit the most bed frames are full, twin, queen, and king-size mattresses.
Twin size: A twin-size mattress is good for children. It measures about thirty six inches wide and is seventy-five inches long.
Full size mattress: It measures about fifty-four inches wide and seventy-five inches long. It is suitable for a single person.
Queen-size mattress: It is about sixty inches wide and eighty inches in length. It is good for couples.
King-size mattress: A king-size mattress is the biggest of them all. It is seventy-six inches wide, and eighty inches long. It is perfect for couples who are looking for optimum space, but make sure you have a large bedroom to accommodate it.
Foundation
Mattresses are designed in a way to work best with certain foundations. So when you buy a mattress, make sure to get its companion foundation too. A foundation absorbs weight and stress for the mattress and can extend its life.
The quality of mattress directly affects your sleep. So make sure you buy a mattress which is comfortable and is of high quality. After all, it is an investment which would reap you benefits for years to come.
Tags: Buying, mattress, right, Tips
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Sunday, January 25th, 2009
There are some other materials in the living room accept the brass and bronze, find some tips on how to clean them.
Lamp shades made from different fabrics, which makes them has to be treated according to their fabrics. Find out on how to clean the lamp shades according to their fabrics.
CANDLESTICKS. Wax spilled on candlesticks or accumulated in the holder can be softened with hot water, and pushed off with your fingernail covered with a soft cloth.
CRYSTAL PENDANTS. Candlesticks and lighting fixtures with crystal pendants must be taken apart for cleaning. Remove the crystals carefully, so as not to break or bend the delicate hooks by which they are attached, and wash them with warm water containing a little ammonia. Rinse and dry with a soft lintless cloth, or simply let them dry on a padding of tissue paper. Clean crystal lamp bases in the same way.
OTHER MATERIALS. For lamps and ornaments made of other materials such as marble, alabaster, glazed pottery, china, and cloisonne, use a cloth wrung out of warm suds made with a mild synthetic detergent. Rinse with a cloth wrung out of clear warm water and wipe dry with a soft lintless cloth. (Do not use ammonia or other cleaning aids.) Sometimes a little paint brush is handy for cleaning nooks and crannies of china or porcelain ornaments.
KEROSENE LAMPS, though outmoded for general use in most areas, are kept on hand in many country homes for use when storms have disrupted electric service. These must be kept very clean for good service and for safety. Soapsuds containing ammonia, or suds made with a detergent, are very good for cleaning away the soot that collects on glass chimneys. Periodically the oil reservoir should be emptied, washed, and thoroughly dried before being refilled. Wicks are trimmed by pinching off burned threads with your fingertips, not with scissors. Bases and shades are cleaned according to their material.
LAMP SHADES ACCUMULATE DUST which may cut down on light and should always be dusted when you dust the furniture. Use your vacuum cleaner dusting brush or a soft brush or cloth. Dust the light bulbs too, or wash them to remove grime (the lamp being, of course, disconnected). If the bulbs are blackened from the inside they are about to go and are giving poor light. Put in new ones.
LAMP SHADES OF SILK, RAYON, and similar materials can be washed safely provided they are sewed, not glued, to the frames and that any trimming they may have is washable and colorfast. Fill a tub or basin with plenty of good warm suds, made with an unbuilt detergent or white soap flakes and dip the shade up and down until it is clean. Any spots can be rubbed lightly with a very soft brush, provided the material is not old and fragile. Rinse the shade by dipping it up and down in clear warm water. Let it drip for a few seconds then place it to dry on a clean cloth in an airy place, but not in the sun. Shades should be dried as quickly as possible in case the frames are not rustproof. If you have an electric fan speed the drying with that.
LINEN, CHINTZ, AND PAINTED SHADES should be dry cleaned. Washing is likely to shrink linen or cotton shades and to damage hand painted designs.
PARCHMENT SHADES should be dusted with an untreated cloth and conditioned now and then with a suitable leather conditioner such as castor oil, or neat’s foot oil, to keep them from becoming dry and brittle.
Clean the candlesticks using hot water. Crystal pendants can be cleaned with warm water with little ammonia. Kerosene lamps need to be kept very clean for good service and safety. Use vacuum cleaner dusting brush or soft brush to dust the lamp shades. For lamp shades of silk, rayon or similar materials, can be washed if they are sewed and washable.
Tags: Cleaning, Living, Materials, Room, Tips
Posted in Living Room | 3 Comments »
Wednesday, January 21st, 2009
OK so you’ve seen the hustler and the colour of money and you want to be a great pool player. To get the practice needed you will have to get a pool table for your home, so which one do you go for. Firstly decide what flavour of pool are you going to play, English or American and what size room do you have to put your pool table in. You’d better get these right before you part with your hard earned cash. But once you have the table in your new games room you can practice all those difficult shots without looking a complete idiot in front of your mates.
1/ There is American pool and English pool. The difference is in the size of the equipment. American pool is usually played on larger tables, up to 9 ft. You will see these in pool clubs like Riley’s. The balls used on these tables are 2 ¼ inches in diameter. American tables start in size from 7 ft up to 9 ft. English tables on the other hand are smaller at 6 or 7 feet and they use 2-inch diameter balls. They were developed for the pubs in the UK so they did not take up so much space. Most of the tables in the pubs are 6 ft with some 7 ft tables as well.
English pool is now very popular with its own association the EPA (English Pool Association) and they hold tournaments all over the UK. The tournament size of pool tables for EPA tournaments is 7 ft.
2/ Determine the room size you need for your pool table by adding 10 feet to each table dimension; a 6 foot table needs 16 feet by 13 feet allowing for cues as well as the table. A 7 ft table would need 17 ft by 13 ft 6 inches. The pool cues being 57 inches long.
Be aware the size of the tip on the pool cues are different for American and English pool. For American pool, the tip size for the pool cue is 12 or 13 mm and for English pool, the tip size is 8 to 9.5 mm the same as in snooker.
4/ The cheap pool tables like the folding pool tables and the fixed leg wooden tables are made from MDF which is basically fine wood dust compressed with a resin to produce very strong flat sheets, ideal for a pool table surface. The down side is being made of wood they are prone to warping after a while. They are available in sizes up to 7 ft and some of them are very good indeed and are certainly not cheap, like the black cat from BCE which has an 18 mm MDF table bed which is less prone to warping and the Phoenix from SCI that have steel rods inserted into the MDF to extend the life of the table and resist warping the best.
5/ If you can afford it, the best table to get is the slate bed version, either 6 or 7 ft English tables or the magnificent 8 and 9-foot American pool tables. These are more expensive with a starting price of around £600-£700 for the English tables and up to £4000 for the top of the range American tables. These definitely give the best game and will last longer than you.
6/ The pool balls come in different colours, 8 ball pool, which confusingly is played with 15 pool balls, can have 7 reds and 7 yellows and a black no 8 ball or the spots and stripes version has 7 striped balls and 7 solid coloured balls and a black no 8 ball. Just get the set, you like the look of.
7/ Make sure you have the correct sized rack for your pool balls. A rack for 2 ¼ balls is a different size to one for the 2-inch balls. Another type of game more commonly played on American pool tables is 9-ball pool, which this time is actually played with 9 balls numbered 1 – 9. You need a special diamond shaped rack for the nine balls. To rack 9-ball pool, the one ball goes on the spot and the 9-ball in the middle. All other balls are racked at random.
8/ Pool table cloth is usually nap free or “speed ball” cloth and you can get it in many different colours with red and blue being the most popular. There are even some cloths with logos on and naked ladies etc, but bear in mind you could probably do without the distraction, go for a solid colour and green is still the best to play on.
9/ Why not consider an outdoor pool table for your decking if you are short of room in your house. These come in wood and fibreglass. The wooden table is made of pressure treated wood the same as your decking and have a slate bed covered with water resistant cloth. The outdoor fibreglass pool tables have slate playing surface and waterproof cloth as well. These models are designed for outdoor use, and the wooden model comes with a full cover for the winter.
10/ When buying a pool table check on delivery costs. The slate bed variety of pool table is very heavy and is usually delivered by specialist companies, which means they are expensive. Expect a price of £120 + for delivery and maybe an extra £50 or more (much more for the multi slate American tables) to do an installation in your home.
I hope you can now make a more considered decision when buying your new pool table. Good luck and enjoy!
Tags: Choosing, Pool, Table, Tips
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