Since the COVID crisis, the outdoor games sector has seen a dramatic rise in sales. What started out as a desperate need for entertainment that allowed for social distancing has spawned a greater appreciation for enjoying billiards and shuffleboard in the fresh air on a sunny day or under the stars on a beautiful night. It’s added a wonderful dimension to the backyard barbecue or the pool/beach party. And contrary to common misconceptions, it’s not that hard to maintain your outdoor play tables. It can even be a fun part of the game experience.
Many consumers liken an outdoor pool table or shuffleboard to buying a boat or installing a swimming pool. But truth be told, some of the best days of an outdoor table owner’s life are the day he buys the pool table, and the day he buys the shuffleboard! Caring for it is as easy as…
- Cover the table when you are not using it. If this is all you do, you have already extended the performance life of your table. Preventing leaves and other wind-blown debris helps you avoid any unnecessary deep-cleaning or early surface replacement. Make sure you use an outdoor cover that stretches all the way to the ground to protect the entire table from bad weather. Legacy Billiards offers full length, water-resistant table covers.
- Legacy Billiards tables are made from Acacia wood – a high-quality wood that’s also naturally water resistant and anti-microbial, in addition to being absolutely beautiful. While Acacia can withstand regular moisture contact without being treated, it still needs to be protected from liquid contact and may warp or form fungus if exposed. The best way is to seal it with linseed or tung oil, which also enhances the appearance of the grain. Here’s the best part – you only need to treat Acacia wood once a year, or when the wood looks dull or lacks shine.
- Clean your outdoor pool table cloth with a damp cloth after every use. Apply a pool table brush with soft bristles before and after play, brushing in one direction with sharp and straight strokes. Legacy Billiards outdoor pool table cloth is made of solution-dyed acrylic that is UV, water, and mildew resistant. They are also soft and breathable but designed specifically for outdoor use. The Legacy outdoor shuffleboards have a nearly indestructible 20” wide playing surface, made from acacia wood and a 1/8” polymer coating. For these playing fields, you can use a favorite furniture polish to clean and prolong life.
Avoid moving your table, even though many outdoor table guides will recommend relocation if too close to extreme elements. But you never want to move your table without professional help, otherwise, you will lose the table’s balance and badly compromise the playing experience. A better option would be to challenge your creativity by putting up a pergola or other barrier treatments – the internet is filled with great design ideas.
The Artform of Outdoor Table Care
Before the big party, or before the pals come over for a game night, pre-game care is a chance to show off your beautiful table and create more excitement for playing. Brushing the pool table prior to each game also makes the guests feel special, while also compelling them to keep food and drinks away from the table. It really is a fun way to demonstrate your hosting skills, and you can come up with a closing song when your guests help you cover the table at night’s end!
Check out our selection of Outdoor Pool Tables
Check out our selection of Outdoor Shuffleboards
