Pockets- the choice of internal or external 'drop' pockets is for the most part a personal preference. Internal pockets usually propel the billiard balls through a channel system into a collection tray at the end of the pool table. This makes retrieving billiard balls for the next game much easier. External pockets are usually made of high-grade leather and collect only the billiard balls that have been sunk into that pocket during the last game. This requires the players to go around the pool table and collect the billiard balls from each pocket prior to break on the next game.

Aesthetics- traditional pool tables are typically placed at the center of a given room or area and garner a lot of attention. For this reason, it's important to consider the aesthetics of a given pool table. You want to make sure that your pool table is attractive to you and that you'll enjoy having it in your home for lots of years. Your choice of aesthetic details can make a big difference in the look- and cost- of the pool table. Some examples of design details include: hand-carved legs, rail style, mother of pearl inlays, details carved into the wood, exotic wood, chrome or other accents, and so on.

Levelers- since not all floor surfaces are perfectly flat, many pool tables come with built-in levelers that allow you to adjust each side or corner of the pool table so that the playing surface is perfectly flat.

Accessories- in addition to the pool table itself, there are other accessories that are required to play a game of billiards and some accessories that aren't required but might add to the enjoyment of your pool table. Of course, you'll need pool cues, billiard balls, a triangle and some chalk, but other available accessories include a 9-ball diamond, bridge cue, cue rack, table brush, under rail brush, chalk holders, tip repair covers, table covers (both plastic and 'dining room' covers that turns the pool table into a dining table, and so on.

How to find the best pool table for you
Naturally, the choice of the best pool table for you will be based on your particular situation, budget, and needs. Once you know what specific features and functions you want from your pool table, you will just need to find some or all of the pool tables that match your needs and begin comparing them by other factors:

Price- of course, price should be a consideration for any purchase you make, including pool tables. However, don't make price your only criteria for choosing the best pool table for you. Remember that buying a pool table can be like buying a future heirloom, so don't skimp on the cost if you think you might regret it later. You should know that some pool table manufacturers mass-produce their tables, and other manufacturers do not have any pool tables in stock and only build custom pool tables.