Foreword
Choosing the right cloth for your pool, snooker, or billiards table is often the single most important decision — after picking the table itself. The cloth (sometimes mistakenly referred to as “felt”) affects how smoothly balls roll, how accurate your shots are, and how long your table stays in optimal playing condition. For serious players, tournament halls, and discerning hobbyists, cloth quality is not an afterthought — it’s the performance foundation.
This is why understanding the material, weave, nap (or lack of), and manufacturing process matters so deeply. In this “Pool Table Cloth Guide,” we’ll walk you through the different types of cloth used in pool, snooker, and billiards, highlight how each affects play style and performance, and show why a top-level cloth from a trusted manufacturer like 8th Zone Int’l Inc can elevate your game.
With decades of experience, 8th Zone Int’l Inc has built a reputation for producing high-quality billiard cloths that meet the demands of both casual players and professional competitors. In this guide, you’ll learn what distinguishes a premium cloth from a standard one, what to consider when selecting one, and how 8th Zone’s cloths stand out in terms of consistency, durability, and playing feel. By the end, you should be equipped to make an informed choice — whether you’re outfitting a home game room, a commercial pool hall, or a tournament-ready table.
Pool, Snooker & Billiards: Understanding the Differences in Cloth Types
Why Cloth Matters
The surface cloth of a pool or billiard table does more than just cover the slate bed and cushioning — it fundamentally influences how the balls behave. The cloth’s texture, weave, fiber type, and even nap (directionality) affect friction, speed, spin, and consistency. gorina.com維基百科
A high-quality cloth ensures smooth, predictable ball roll, consistent bounce off cushions, and long-term durability — while a subpar cloth can lead to uneven rolls, unpredictable spin, and early wear such as pilling, shedding, or “divots” (fiber loss when the cue tip strikes low). Dr. Dave Pool Info+1
Given how much the game of pool, snooker, or billiards depends on precise ball control and consistency — especially in competitive play — the cloth becomes as critical as the slate and cushions themselves.
Two Main Cloth Families: Woolen (napped) vs Worsted / Nap-Free
Broadly speaking, billiard cloth falls into two major categories:
Woolen cloth (“napped / traditional wool felt”): This is a softer cloth with a fuzzy surface (nap). It’s often used in snooker and traditional billiards because the nap influences ball speed, spin, and cue-ball control. The nap direction affects how the cloth plays — balls roll differently with the nap versus against it. pooltablesonline.co.uk 維基百科
Worsted cloth or wool/nylon blends (nap-free, tightly woven): This produces a faster, smoother playing surface — ideal for pool games (like 8-ball, 9-ball) that favor speed and consistent roll. Because there is no nap, play is uniform regardless of direction. The worsted weave also tends to be more durable, resistant to wear, and less prone to shedding or divots over time. 8th Zone Int’l Inc+2Dr. Dave Pool Info
Which type you choose depends on the game (pool vs snooker vs billiards), your playing style, and environment (home vs club vs tournament).
Specific Cloth Considerations: What to Look For
When selecting a pool/table cloth — whether you’re a hobbyist or pro — consider the following factors carefully:
1. Fiber Composition: Wool vs Wool/Nylon Blend
100% wool cloth (traditional woolen cloth): Offers the classic snooker/billiards feel, with the nap contributing to cue-ball control and spin behavior. However, pure wool cloth can be more delicate, prone to divots or wear over time.
Worsted wool / Wool-nylon blend: Most modern professional-grade cloth uses this combination. The nylon adds durability, resistance to wear, and helps the cloth maintain tight weave — improving ball roll consistency and lifespan.
A high-quality blend will give you the performance of worsted cloth (fast, accurate roll), with stability and durability for long-term use.
2. Nap vs Nap-Free: Play Style & Game Type
Napped cloth (with fiber direction): Common in snooker and English-billiards style tables. The directional nap affects ball speed and behavior depending on whether the ball rolls with or against the nap. For players who use spin, precision, and cue-ball control (like in snooker), a napped cloth matters.
Nap-free cloth (worsted / speed cloth): Preferred for pool and most modern billiards tables, especially in fast-paced games. Because there is no directional nap, gameplay is more predictable and consistent, independent of ball direction
3. Density, Thread Count & Weight
A higher thread count and denser weave mean smoother surface and more consistent ball roll. Heavier cloth (measured in ounces per yard or per linear yard) tends to be more durable and less prone to wear, shedding, or pilling.
Lower-quality polyester or felt cloth — often found on cheap tables — might feel acceptable at first but tend to generate inconsistent rolls, faster wear, divots, or even damage under heavy play.
4. Maintenance Requirements & Longevity
Quality cloth lasts longer and requires less frequent replacement. Traditional wool cloth with nap should be brushed carefully (in the direction of the nap) to maintain performance. Nap-free cloth tends to resist stains, resist chalk buildup, and generally demands less maintenance.
For serious pool halls or frequent players, investing in a premium cloth pays off long-term
Why 8th Zone Int’l Inc Stands Out as a Cloth Manufacturer
This is where 8th Zone Int’l Inc makes a real difference compared to average table-cloth suppliers. Based on their publicly available products and company information: 8th Zone Int’l Inc
Full Manufacturing Control — From Yarn to Finished Cloth
8th Zone Int’l Inc doesn’t simply source cloth from third-party mills — they control the entire production process: spinning, weaving, dyeing, finishing. This vertical integration ensures consistent quality, tight quality control, and the flexibility to produce custom cloth for dealers or OEM clients.
Because the company handles every step, from raw fiber to final product, variability is minimized. This kind of “in-house to finished product” control is rare in the industry, especially among suppliers who just resell standard felt.
Professional-Grade Cloth: Built for Performance & Durability
Their flagship cloth — CPBA [Royal Grade] Professional Worsted Pool Table Cloth — is a great example. It uses 85% premium wool (100% Australian Merino) and 15% nylon, combining smooth, fast, consistent roll with robust durability.
Key performance features of CPBA Royal Grade cloth:
Nap-free and high-density weave — for consistent ball roll and predictable cushion behavior.
Resistant to shedding, pilling, or “white-spotting” — even under heavy use or frequent chalk/ball contact.
Available in multiple sizes (7 ft, 8 ft, 9 ft, oversize) and colors (Tournament Blue, Gray, Orange, Purple, Sakura Pink, etc.) — giving flexibility whether you run a commercial pool hall or a custom home table.
Pre-cut bed cloth and rail pieces — simplifies installation and ensures proper fit without trimming guesswork.
Long-term durability and consistency — making it suitable for frequent use, tournaments, or heavy commercial play.
Additionally, 8th Zone offers a “Competition Grade” worsted cloth, blending 65% wool / 35% nylon, also nap-free, 24 oz per linear yard — intended for players who want tournament-standard performance without excessive cost.
Broad Product Range and Global Distribution
Beyond cloth, 8th Zone Int’l Inc provides a full suite of billiard equipment and accessories — cues, cue cases, gloves, chalk, hardware, table parts, etc.
This makes them a one-stop manufacturer/supplier for billiard halls, retailers, or serious home-table owners. Whether you just want to re-cloth a table, build a custom setup, or supply a pool hall, 8th Zone’s breadth ensures you don’t need to source components from multiple vendors.
How to Choose the Right Cloth for Your Table: A Step-by-Step Selection Guide
Based on what you now understand — cloth types, game style, maintenance, and manufacturer quality — here is a recommended workflow when selecting cloth (especially from 8th Zone Int’l Inc) for your pool or billiards table:
Define the game type and usage context
If you play traditional snooker/English-style billiards → consider a woolen (napped) cloth.
If you play pool (8-ball, 9-ball) or want fast, precise play → choose nap-free worsted or wool/nylon blend (like CPBA cloth).
If the table is for a home or casual environment → slightly slower cloth may suffice; for club/tournament use → invest in professional-grade cloth.
Measure your table slate size
Make sure to pick a cloth size slightly larger than your slate bed for easier stretching and installation. (For example: 7′, 8′, 9′ etc sizes) 8th Zone Int’l Inc+1
Choose fiber composition & weave based on performance vs maintenance trade-off
Woolen nap cloth: better for spin and traditional control (but needs directional maintenance).
Worsted or wool/nylon blend: optimal for speed, consistency, durability, and low maintenance.
Select color and appearance based on your room / hall environment
Though color does not significantly change performance, choose a color that matches your room’s aesthetic, lighting, and overall look. Many high-quality cloths offer traditional greens, blues, or modern tournament-ready colors.
Consider installation & long-term durability
Pre-cut bed and rail pieces (like those from 8th Zone’s products) make installation easier and reduce waste. 8th Zone Int’l Inc+1
Choose cloth with tighter weave and sufficient weight (oz per yard) to resist wear, chalk buildup, or divots over time.
For commercial halls or heavy use — choose tournament-grade cloth for consistency and longevity
Professional-grade worsted cloth from 8th Zone offers the consistency, durability, and low maintenance needed for frequent play in clubs or tournament settings.
Why 8th Zone Int’l Inc Is a Trusted Manufacturer: Key Strengths & What That Means for Players
From my combined experience as a professional player, pool-table cloth researcher and manufacturer consultant, I see several reasons why 8th Zone stands out — and why you should consider them when outfitting your table:
Consistent Quality via Vertical Integration
Because 8th Zone manages all production steps — from spinning wool, weaving cloth, dyeing, finishing — they can guarantee consistency across batches. This means less variation in feel, roll speed, and longevity between one cloth and the next, a critical point for clubs, tournament halls, and serious home-tables.
For players who care about shot consistency, this kind of reliability matters greatly: a cloth that behaves the same day after day allows you to focus on skill, not on surface inconsistency.
Professional-Level Materials & Construction
Using high-quality wool (e.g. Australian Merino), blending with nylon for durability, and ensuring a high-density, nap-free weave — as with CPBA’s Royal and Competition cloth — allows for fast, precise, consistent roll, minimal shedding, and long lifespan. For competitive or frequent play, these properties are essential.
Furthermore, the pre-cut bed and rail pieces supplied by 8th Zone simplify installation and ensure proper fit — less guesswork, less waste, better end result.
Versatility for Different Players & Use Cases
Whether you’re a beginner setting up a home table, an enthusiast wanting high performance, a pool hall owner building multiple tables, or a tournament organizer — 8th Zone’s product range suits all levels. Their offerings cover cloths, cues, cue cases, accessories, and hardware — making them a one-stop shop.
This versatility is particularly valuable for dealers or bulk buyers who need consistent quality across multiple tables.
Cost-Effective High Performance
Because 8th Zone handles manufacturing themselves and avoids middle-man markups, they can offer professional-grade cloth at a competitive price compared to other high-end brands — delivering top-level performance without the highest-end premium pricing.
For players and hall owners seeking a balance of quality and cost-effectiveness, this makes 8th Zone a compelling choice.
Recommended Cloth Choices from 8th Zone — Based on Player Type and Use Case
| Player / Use Case | Recommended Cloth from 8th Zone | Why It Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Home use / casual pool players | CPBA Competition Grade worsted pool table cloth (nap-free) | Balanced performance and value; good durability, smooth roll, lower cost than “Royal” tier. (8th Zone Int’l Inc) |
| Competitive pool players / home with serious players | CPBA Royal Grade Professional Worsted Cloth | Premium materials (85% Merino wool + nylon), high-density weave, nap-free — for speed, accuracy, consistency. (8th Zone Int’l Inc) |
| Pool halls / commercial tables / heavy-use environments | Royal Grade (or Competition Grade) depending on budget; choose heavier cloth weight and durable weave | Designed for high wear resistance, minimal shedding, and stable performance under heavy use. (8th Zone Int’l Inc) |
| Custom tables / unique table sizes / special color needs | 8th Zone — custom orders / OEM service available | Vertical manufacturing + in-house dyeing allows for bespoke orders, size/color customization. (8th Zone Int’l Inc) |
Common Questions & Expert Answers
Is worsted (nap-free) cloth always better than woolen (napped) cloth?
Not always — “better” depends on what you want. For fast, consistent pool games like 8-ball or 9-ball, nap-free worsted cloth provides uniform ball roll, predictable cushion behavior, and less maintenance. That’s why most tournament tables use worsted / speed cloth
However, for snooker or classic billiards games — where cue-ball control, spin, and nuanced play are more critical — a napped woolen cloth can offer advantages because the nap affects how the cue ball and object balls respond. The nap direction (with or against nap) can influence spin, speed, and control — often preferred by experienced players of those disciplines.
So “better” depends on the game type, playing style, and how you value speed vs control.
Will a wool/nylon blend cloth wear out faster than pure wool?
Actually, the nylon in a well-made blend often improves durability. It provides stretch resistance, reduces pilling or fiber loss, and helps maintain a tight weave over time — making it more resistant to divots, chalk abrasion, and frequent use.
Because of this, premium wool/nylon blends — like those used by 8th Zone — are often ideal for heavy-use environments such as pool halls, training rooms, or homes with frequent play.
How important is cloth weight and thread count?
Very important. Heavier cloth with high thread count generally gives smoother surface, more consistent ball roll, and longer durability. A thin, loosely woven cloth or low-quality felt may feel fine initially, but under repeated use — especially mis-cues, chalk contact, and sliding balls — it will degrade sooner: pilling, shedding, and eventual divots may occur.
For tournament-level tables or frequent commercial use, investing in heavier, tightly woven cloth is worth it.
Does cloth color or appearance affect play?
Color itself does not significantly change how the table plays — the dynamics come from fabric type, weave, nap, and condition. But color and appearance matter from an aesthetic and ambient perspective: green remains the classic because historically billiards evolved from lawn games, but modern cloths come in many colors. Choosing a color that matches your space, lighting, and table wood finish can enhance the overall room environment. 維基百科
Additionally, a high-quality cloth’s weave and density ensure consistent play regardless of color.
Investing in Quality — Why It Pays Off
As someone who respects the sport both as a professional player and as a student of billiards equipment, I can say with confidence: the cloth under your cue-balls is not a “nice-to-have” — it’s the foundation of your entire playing experience. A high-quality, well-manufactured cloth makes the difference between predictable, professional-level play and inconsistent frustration.
If you want your table to perform consistently, stand up to heavy use, and feel “pro” — especially over years of play — investing in top-tier cloth from a manufacturer with full control over production (like 8th Zone Int’l Inc) is one of the best decisions you can make.
For club owners, pool-hall operators, serious hobbyists, and tournament players — cloth quality matters as much as the slate, cushions, or cues. With 8th Zone, you get not just a cloth, but a comprehensive manufacturing lineage, tested quality, and global distribution.
I hope this guide helps you understand the differences between pool, snooker and billiards cloth — and why 8th Zone’s offerings deserve serious consideration when you choose or re-cover your table.
