Selecting a Wood Species for your Pool Table...

American Custom Pool Tables are available in any of four wood species: oak, maple, cherry or mahogany. Oak and maple are the same price; cherry and mahogany $600 more. American Custom Pool Tables uses only the finest quality hardwoods: hard rock maple from New York and Vermont, cherry from Pennsylvania, northern oak from Pennsylvania and New York, West African mahogany. All are very strong and durable. Differences are mainly in texture and appearance.

In selecting a wood species consider the ambiance you wish to create and how the pool table will fit in with your other furniture. The same model can present a strikingly different appearance in each of the four wood species.

Choose oak if you want a warm, informal look, and like to see lots of wood grain. Oak is also a good selection if you are concerned about nicks and scratches. The grainy texture of oak hides many imperfections, especially in a light color.

Choose maple in one of the darker colors if you want a more formal, elegant look, with a smooth, glass like finish. Maple is versatile enough to offer informality as well. Light maple colors such as "natural" and "provincial" give a "country" look. Maple shows a variety of interesting grain patterns, but the the grain is tight and smooth. Occasionally you will get a piece with pronounced "tiger stripes". The smooth finish will reveal scratches easily, however, especially in dark colors.

Cherry has been a favorite of fine furniture makers since colonial times. The dark natural color of the wood imparts a deep rich tone to any finish, and interesting grain patterns add character.

Choose mahogany if you want deep rich colors and a satin like texture. Mahogany has a grainy texture, less pronounced than oak, and not as smooth as maple, which give it a soft, satin like appearance.

Tables do not have to be made all in one species. Having rails and trim in a different color or species produces striking effects. You will see many examples of this in the photo gallery. See, for example, the Scandia in black oak and natural mahogany, or the South Beach in natural mahogany and natural maple.

Rosewood rails are a practical option because of their durability and resistance to nicks and scratches, while also providing an interesting and beautiful contrast to the rest of the table. Many antique tables dating back to the 19th Century were equiped with rosewood rails.

The ultimate in customization is to have your table made with an exotic hardwood species such as birdseye maple, walnut, antique heart pine, anigre, afrormosia, bubinga, or dozens of others -- the choices are almost unlimited. Any of our models except those with solid carved legs can be made with exotic hardwoods. These exotic wood types are left in the natural state to show off their dramatic appearance. Oils and waxes are applied for protection, but they are generally not stained or painted. Price estimates are available for the most readily available varieties, but all wood in this category is subject to a price and availability check at the time or order.

Questions? Contact us anytime 24/7 at 770-775-6900

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