DIY: Outdoor Pool Table

Hustling a game of pool under the open sky, moonlit night or canopy of stars is a whole new experience. There are a variety of designs for making an exterior billiards table, but the most important factor in designing a pool table outside is that it needs to withstand drastic changes in temperature and humidity. Whether you want to play on a deck, patio, screened-in porch or poolside, first locate the place to put your table.

Accommodate for the maximum length of a cue stick (average length is 57 inches) and add 8 inches for comfortable strokes from all angles. Find a secure base foundation for a level playing field. Sand, grass, gravel and dirt can shift and move over time. A table made of recycled wood-plastic composite requires a solid foundation. Recycled wood-plastic composite material costs approximately $2 per linear foot.

Pick out your slate first. Pre-drilled pocket holes save time, but if you don't go that route, measure and drill out holes and pockets. Measure the slate to be four inches smaller than the length of the table and two inches smaller than the width. Measure your wood and mark lengths. Cut your top baseboard and lay it flat. Underneath the table, connect the legs on the inside edges of the table's pocket holes. Screw in bolts to attach the legs and glue them together. Attach the baseboard between the two legs for more support.

Center the slat slab on the table. Glue the back side of the slate to wood-plastic surface. Take wood-plastic composite lumber boards and line them up with the ends of the table. Drill these boards into the two-inch gap of wood next to the slate (these are your rails). Trim the rails around the pocket holes to fit snug and firm. Use the miter saw for correct angles. Drill the end pieces together and sand the edges for smoothness.

Add 10-12 inches on both ends of the weatherproof cloth to allow for cutting errors. Stretch and size the acrylic UV- and water-resistant fiber cloth (table felt) across the table with your hands. Pull it tight and staple it at the end of the table. Continue to pull the cloth around the table and staple it until secure. Cut six slits for the pockets and trim excess fabric with the knife. Alongside the four inside rails, glue a thick strip of vulcanized rubber. Cover the rubber with fiber cloth and staple tightly. Screw rails down to the table edges.

Attach weatherproof netting to the pocket hole areas. Use your level on each rail and in the center of the table to balance your table. Add adjustable, precision built-in leg levelers for true ball balance. Cover with pool table UV- and water- resistant cover.