Especially common on larger pool tables, a sectional slate is another option for some tables in order to make their delivery easier.
What does a ‘sectional’ slate mean, and how does it work?
A sectional slate is basically what it says on the tin. A pool table slate that comes in multiple sections! Many pool table slates come in a single piece, and pre-clothed for ease of installation. Sectional slates on the other hand splits the slate up into multiple pieces or ‘sections’, normally 2 or 3 pieces depending on the size, and do not come clothed.
Why is this done?
What’s the point of splitting up the slate? There are a few reasons why it’s done. Typically, you will only see larger sized pool or snooker tables utilising a sectional slate, usually on models 8 feet or over.
So, why compromise a perfect, single piece slate by splitting it up into pieces you need to align later? This may explain why. As an example, we shall look at a smaller single piece 6 foot slate. By itself, this small slate weighs around 100kg. Just imagine how heavy a single piece 8 foot, 10 foot, or even 12 foot slate might be. Combine that weight with the great size, and you have a very large and fragile piece that would be unrealistically challenging to get into position, especially if the table’s final home is in a room down a set of corridors, or up a flight of stairs.
By splitting the slate into smaller sections, transporting the slate by hand becomes a lot more manageable, and easier to handle, especially in tighter space situations.
Finally, the individual pieces make the table that much easier to fine tune when installing. Instead of levelling an entire slate, each piece can be levelled and installed individually, essentially guaranteeing a consistently level playing surface.
How it Goes Together
To assemble a sectional slate, each piece is lay onto the table’s main frame and then pressed together to close the gap. The next stage involves a special filler being applied where the sections meet to make the transitions between the individual sections completely seamless. Once the filler has completely set, the table can then be clothed in the chosen cloth before the rest of the table’s frame is then installed around it.
Are there any Downsides to a Sectional Slate?
Whilst sectional slate tables are certainly appealing from many perspectives, they are definitely not suitable for every situation.
Firstly, the table cannot be moved at all once installed. Attempting to move the table will disturb the delicate alignment and set up of the installation, and potentially leave you with a ruined playing surface if so. This is especially true if trying to move the table by the upper frame, which is actually not firmly attached to the slate itself.
The second and final problem is that installing a sectional slate table is a very skilled job, and cannot be done by an untrained individual due to the complexity of the table’s design.
Conclusion
Overall, should you be at all concerned when it comes to buying a sectional slate? Simple answer is, no. Should you specifically look into getting a sectional slate? Simple answer yet again is no. A sectional slate table is simply another means for a table to come, and don’t really need to be a criteria you need to consider when purchasing a table. Do bear in mind what owning a sectional slate means in terms of it being a permanent installation, but other than this, simply get a table that will best suit your individual needs. Our team can easily guide you on this.
Give us a call on 0800 622 6464 or 01454 413636 to discuss.