Slate Beds Made for Bar Billiards Tables
Our bar billiards table slates are made from natural stone and precision-machined specifically for traditional English bar billiards tables. They are suitable for new table manufacturing, vintage table restoration and replacement of damaged or worn slate beds. Each slate can be custom-made according to the customer’s technical drawing, detailed measurements or original slate sample.
Unlike conventional pool or snooker tables, bar billiards tables do not have standard corner and side pockets. Instead, the balls drop into scoring holes positioned across the playing surface—typically nine holes with different point values. Accurate hole diameters, centre positions, opening profiles and alignment with the ball-return system are therefore essential. Under All England Bar Billiards Association rules, the playing surface of a competition table is approximately 138.4–143.5 cm long and at least 78.7 cm wide. These measurements do not represent the finished slate dimensions, however, as the required slate size and machining details may vary between table manufacturers, cabinet designs and vintage table models.
Key Features
Natural Slate Construction
Made from carefully selected natural slate, the slate bed provides the strength, dimensional stability and solid support required for long-term use in bar billiards tables.
Precision-Cut Scoring Holes
The nine scoring holes are precision-machined according to the customer’s approved drawing. Hole diameters, centre positions and spacing are carefully checked to match the table design and ball-return system.
Accurate Flatness
The playing surface is precision-ground, calibrated to the required thickness and inspected for flatness, providing a reliable foundation for smooth and consistent ball movement.
Custom Dimensions
Each slate can be manufactured to suit the table cabinet and supporting structure. We can work from CAD drawings, detailed measurements, an original slate or a full-size wooden template.
Edge and Underside Machining
Custom machining is available for edges, chamfers, fixing holes, underside grooves, recesses and other structural details required for installation and alignment.
Secure Export Packaging
Each slate is securely fixed in a reinforced wooden crate with internal cushioning, edge protection and moisture-resistant materials to help reduce the risk of damage during international transportation.
Custom Hole Layout for Bar Billiards
Traditional English bar billiards tables use scoring holes set into the playing surface rather than the six corner and side pockets found on conventional pool or snooker tables. A typical layout contains nine scoring holes with values ranging from 10 to 200 points.
For each custom slate, we can machine the scoring holes, red-ball spot, playing-area markings and skittle positions according to the approved technical specifications. Hole diameter, centre position, spacing, opening profile and alignment with the ball-return system must all be considered to ensure that the slate fits and functions correctly within the table.
Hole positions and dimensions may vary between table manufacturers, models and restoration projects. We therefore manufacture each slate according to the customer’s confirmed drawing, template or original slate measurements.
Illustration for general reference only. Hole values, positions, diameters, skittle locations and other machining details may vary according to the table manufacturer and model.
Custom Manufacturing Options
Each bar billiards slate can be manufactured according to the customer’s confirmed drawing, physical sample or original slate measurements. Dimensions, hole layout and machining details should be confirmed before production to ensure compatibility with the table cabinet, supporting structure and ball-return system.
| Item | Available Options |
|---|---|
| Slate Dimensions | Made to the customer’s confirmed drawing, template or original slate measurements |
| Slate Thickness | Custom thickness available according to project requirements |
| Scoring-Hole Layout | Standard-style or customer-specific nine-hole layout |
| Hole Diameter | Machined according to the confirmed drawing and associated hardware |
| Hole-Edge Profile | Straight, chamfered or specially profiled as required |
| Slate Construction | One-piece construction or manufactured as technically required |
| Playing Surface | Precision-ground and finished for use as a billiard playing surface |
| Fixing Holes | Drilled according to mounting and installation requirements |
| Underside Machining | Grooves, recesses or custom cut-outs available |
| Identification | Part numbers, matching marks or crate markings available |
| Packaging | Reinforced export wooden crate with internal protection |
To prepare an accurate quotation and review production feasibility, please provide a technical drawing with all critical dimensions. For replacement or restoration projects, detailed measurements, clear photographs, a full-size template or the original slate may also be used as a reference.
Please indicate the slate dimensions, thickness, hole centres, hole diameters, edge details and underside machining requirements.
Applications
Our custom bar billiards slates are suitable for new table production, vintage table restoration and replacement projects. As dimensions, scoring-hole positions and structural details can vary between manufacturers and table models, each project is reviewed individually before production.
New Table Manufacturing
We supply custom-machined slate beds for manufacturers of new bar billiards tables and other traditional games equipment. Slate dimensions, thickness, scoring-hole layout, fixing holes and underside machining can be produced according to the customer’s confirmed technical drawing and table design.
Vintage Table Restoration
Custom slates can be made for the restoration of traditional English bar billiards tables, including vintage Sams, Jelks, Padmore and other makes. Because older tables may differ by model, production period or previous modification, we recommend providing complete measurements, clear photographs and details of the original slate and supporting structure.
Replacement Slate
We can assess replacement projects where the original slate is cracked, damaged, distorted or no longer suitable for use. A replacement can also be considered when the scoring-hole layout, hole-edge profile, fixing points or underside structure must be reproduced for an existing table.
No Standard Model Available?
Even if no standard drawing or ready-made slate model is available, we can still evaluate custom production. Customers may provide a detailed drawing, CAD file, full-size template, complete measurements or the original slate for reference. All critical dimensions and machining details must be reviewed and confirmed before production.
Please provide the overall dimensions, thickness, hole diameters and centre positions, edge details, fixing points and underside machining requirements.
What We Need for a Custom Quote
To prepare an accurate quotation and review manufacturing feasibility, please provide as much of the following information as possible:
- Overall slate length and width
- Slate thickness
- Number and position of all scoring holes
- Hole diameters and required edge profiles
- Distance from each hole centre to clearly identified reference edges
- Fixing-hole sizes and positions
- Underside grooves, recesses or other cut-outs
- Required quantity
- Destination port or full delivery address
- CAD drawing, technical sketch or clear photographs of the original slate
Please indicate all dimensions in millimetres and mark the reference edges clearly on the drawing. If the slate must fit an existing table, photographs of the table cabinet, supporting structure and ball-return system may also help us assess the project.
If a formal CAD drawing is not available, you may send us clear photographs and a dimensioned hand sketch for an initial review.
After reviewing the information, we will advise on manufacturing feasibility, any additional measurements required and the quotation details. All critical dimensions and machining requirements must be confirmed before production.
Send us your drawing, measurements or original slate details for an initial review.
How We Manufacture Your Bar Billiards Slate
Each custom bar billiards slate is manufactured according to the customer’s confirmed technical information. From drawing review to export packing, the key dimensions and machining details are checked at each relevant stage of production.
1. Drawing Review
We review the overall dimensions, slate thickness, scoring-hole layout, fixing points, edge details and underside machining requirements. Any unclear or missing information will be discussed with the customer before production.
2. Slate Selection
Suitable natural slate material is selected according to the required dimensions, thickness and machining specifications. The selected material is checked before further processing.
3. Precision Cutting
The slate is cut to the required external shape and processed to the specified thickness. Angled corners, edge details and other external features are produced according to the confirmed drawing.
4. Hole Machining
Scoring holes, fixing holes, grooves, recesses and other structural features are machined according to the approved technical information. Hole diameters, centre positions and edge profiles are produced to suit the table design and associated components.
5. Surface and Dimension Inspection
The playing surface, overall dimensions, thickness, hole diameters and hole positions are inspected against the confirmed specifications. Flatness and relevant machining details are also checked before packing.
6. Protective Export Packing
The finished slate is securely fixed inside a reinforced export wooden crate. Internal cushioning, edge protection and suitable moisture-resistant materials are used to help protect it during handling and international transportation.
Final Confirmation
Because bar billiards tables can vary between manufacturers, models and restoration projects, all critical dimensions and machining details must be confirmed before production.
We will review the dimensions, hole layout and machining requirements before confirming production feasibility.
Quality Control Before Shipment
Before packing and shipment, each custom bar billiards slate is inspected against the customer’s confirmed drawing and production specifications. The inspection focuses on the dimensions, playing surface, hole machining and overall condition of the finished slate.
Inspection Items
- Overall Dimension Inspection
The overall length, width and external shape are checked against the confirmed drawing. - Slate Thickness Inspection
The slate thickness is measured at relevant points to verify that it meets the confirmed specification. - Playing-Surface Flatness Check
The playing surface is checked for flatness and any visible irregularities that could affect installation or play. - Hole Diameter Measurement
The diameters of scoring holes, fixing holes and other machined openings are checked according to the approved drawing. - Hole-Centre Position Verification
The centre position and spacing of each scoring hole are verified from the specified reference edges. - Edge and Corner Inspection
Edges, corners, chamfers and specially machined profiles are inspected for dimensional conformity and visible damage. - Trial Fitting Where Applicable
Where matching components, templates or suitable assembly conditions are available, trial fitting may be carried out to check compatibility. - Packing Inspection Before Crate Closure
The slate, protective materials, internal supports and fixing arrangements are checked before the reinforced wooden crate is closed.
Please tell us in advance if you require inspection photographs, a measurement record or third-party inspection before shipment.
Export Packing for Safe Transportation
Bar billiards slates are specially shaped, precision-machined and fragile products. Particular attention is therefore given to surface protection, scoring holes, machined edges and corners during packing.
Protective Packing Features
- Playing-Surface Protection
Protective material is placed over the finished slate surface to reduce the risk of scratches, abrasion and contamination during handling. - Scoring-Hole Protection
The edges of scoring holes and other machined openings receive additional protection to help prevent chipping or impact damage. - Edge and Corner Protection
Vulnerable edges, angled corners and specially profiled areas are protected with suitable cushioning materials. - Secure Internal Fixing
The slate is firmly supported and secured inside the crate to limit movement, vibration and direct contact with the wooden structure during transportation. - Reinforced Export Wooden Crate
A reinforced wooden crate with internal supports is used according to the slate size, weight, construction and shipping requirements. - Clear Identification and Handling Marks
Product numbers, matching marks, crate numbers, installation orientation and handling instructions can be shown on the outer crate where required.
Shipping Options
Packing and transportation arrangements can be prepared for sea freight, air freight or less-than-container-load (LCL) shipment, depending on the order quantity, crate dimensions, destination and delivery schedule.
Before shipment, the internal protection and fixing arrangements are checked prior to crate closure. Packing photographs can be supplied upon request.
Shipping methods, crate specifications and freight arrangements will be confirmed according to the individual order and destination.
FAQ – Custom Bar Billiards Slate
We can manufacture commonly used bar billiards slate sizes. However, dimensions, thickness, scoring-hole positions and underside details may vary between table manufacturers, models and vintage tables. We therefore recommend confirming the slate against an approved drawing, full-size template or the original slate before production.
Yes. We can evaluate custom slate production for vintage bar billiards tables using the original slate dimensions, a full-size template, clear photographs and detailed measurements. Because older tables may have been repaired or modified, all critical dimensions and structural details must be reviewed before production.
Yes. The nine scoring holes can be machined according to the customer’s confirmed hole diameters, centre positions and hole-edge profiles. Please also provide details of any associated cups, inserts or ball-return components that affect the hole structure.
Yes, subject to a technical review. Please provide complete dimensions, detailed photographs, a full-size template or the original slate where practical. If the slate is broken into several pieces, its original external shape and dimensions should first be carefully reconstructed and confirmed.
Technical information may be submitted as a PDF drawing, a dimensioned hand sketch or clear photographs with complete measurements. DWG, DXF and STEP files may also be accepted, subject to confirmation of file compatibility. Please identify all reference edges and use millimetres wherever possible.
Prototype, single replacement slate and small-quantity orders can be discussed. The practical minimum order quantity and price will depend on the slate size, machining complexity, packaging requirements and destination.
Shipping to the UK and European destinations can be arranged, subject to the crate dimensions, shipment weight, destination and carrier requirements. We can quote based on delivery to a nominated port or, where available, a specific delivery address. Please provide the required quantity, destination postcode or port and preferred shipping method for review.
Yes, we can carry out an initial review using clear photographs and a dimensioned hand sketch. However, all overall dimensions, thickness, scoring-hole positions, hole diameters, fixing points and underside details must be confirmed before production.
The most important information includes the overall length and width, thickness, position and diameter of every scoring hole, fixing-hole details, edge profiles and any underside grooves or recesses. Photographs of the table cabinet, slate support and ball-return system are also helpful.
Yes. Inspection and packing photographs can be supplied before shipment upon request. Please state any specific measurement records or photographic requirements when placing the order.
The playing surface, scoring-hole edges, external edges and corners are protected with suitable materials. The slate is then supported and secured inside a reinforced export wooden crate to help reduce movement and impact during handling and transportation.
