Pool Table Slate Alternative: Best Slate Alternatives
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Modified on 4/13/2020
Best Slate Alternatives For Pool Table
Instead of using the slate, which can be very expensive, the user can consider several other alternatives according to the needs and preferences. If the users are a beginner, that time less professional material may serve the job. The best alternatives for the pool table slates are mentioned below:
Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)
The Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is regarded as a strong, long-lasting as well as a moisture-tolerant alternative to slate. It is actually wood-based composite material that is made from softwood wood fibers. The individual particles of MDF are very much smaller than those found in particleboard, making it the best option to replace the slate of traditional pool tables. Several numbers of plans for pool tables mention using MDF. The MDF is a material, having strength as well as resiliency at a relatively low price. However, the MDF slate cannot offer the same lifespan or resiliency of the slate, so MDF slate is best for family or amateur play.
Permaslate
Another alternative to slate is the permaslate which is a highly resilient as well as lightweight option. Permaslate is composed type of particleboard that is sheathed with the layers of plastic. It works very well for pool tables, as it has the smooth surface that resembles slate and besides that, it can also withstand extreme pressure or shocks just like the slates. The permaslate may also not last as long as a slate table. The Permaslate is very lighter than slate, which in turn means it is easier to work with while building. It is mostly used as an alternative to slate roofing, the permaslate mostly comes in 12-by-18-inch tile. For roofing, the tiles come with a 50-year guarantee which is fair enough. While the guarantee is not applicable when used for a pool table.
Honeycomb
An inexpensive alternative to slate is the honeycomb, the honeycomb tables consist of a hard honeycomb material placed between two sheets of plastic. Just like permaslate, it has had the advantage of being lightweight and very easy to handle. However, when compared with the slate, it may warp or wear with the span of time, which means compromising the pool table for play. Using a honeycomb layer under the MDF can help prevent the pool table surface from warping.