Buying guide for Best billiard cue racks
Playing pool is fun for people of all ages, but a pool table and its equipment take up space. To outfit your game room for pool, you will need cues, balls, a ball rack, and chalk squares. The best way to organize these items is with a billiard cue rack.
Billiard cue racks come in various shapes and sizes. Smaller units hold only a few pool cues, whereas larger units hold a greater number of cues and can store the other items you need for playing pool as well. Some even provide space for players’ beverages.
A billiard cue rack doesn’t cost anywhere near as much as the pool table itself, but there is a bit of expense involved. Before you choose the rack that will occupy space in your game room, it’s helpful to understand the key features that are available.
Key considerations
Should you get a freestanding rack or a mounted rack? The amount of space you have may make this decision for you.
Freestanding billiard cue racks
A freestanding billiard cue rack stands upright on its own. Most freestanding units have a wide base for stability. Some look like cabinets. Others have a pedestal design with a wide middle post for stability; the cues attach to the pedestal around the exterior.
If you have lots of space around your pool table, a freestanding rack may be the better choice because you need not drill into the wall. Installation is as simple as placing the table where you want it. On the downside, some freestanding racks are flimsy and could tip over. If your rack were to fall, the impact could damage your cues.
Wall-mounted billiard cue racks
Wall-mounted racks hang on the wall, freeing up floor space. Most extend just a few inches from the wall. The majority come with the hardware needed for mounting, but you also have the option of using your own hardware.
Caution
The pinch clips on a pool cue rack should not damage the wood cues. Before inserting the cues, though, you may want to inspect the clips for sharp edges.
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Features
Cue holders: Billiard cue racks hold cues vertically either with holes drilled through the tabletop or plastic clips that pinch the cues to keep them in place.
Stain color: Cue racks made of wood may be stained with a number of colored finishes, including oak, honey, and mahogany. Rarely will you find a painted wood finish other than basic black.
Cabinet design: With a cabinet design, you can close the doors to hide the cues and other equipment when you’re not using them. Some cabinets also have space for a dartboard, giving you an extra gaming option.
Drink holders: Rather than keeping bottles, cans, and glasses on the pool table itself — where damage is likely to occur — consider investing in a billiard cue rack with space for drinks.
Additional storage space: A pool cue rack may have individual spaces for the billiard balls, allowing you to organize and store them with your cues. A triangle- or diamond-shaped ball rack may fit on pegs on the cue rack. Some units have space for chalk, and some have space for a scoreboard as well.
If you’re using the longest cue size (about 57 inches long), select a rack where you don’t need to lift the cue straight upward to release it from the cue rack. Otherwise, you could hit a low ceiling.
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Accessories
Pool ball set: Aramith Regulation Size Pool Ball Set (16 Balls)
High-quality billiard balls can enhance your gaming experience. This set includes 15 standard pool balls and a cue ball, and the caliber of the materials is suitable for both recreational and serious play.
Pool table: Hathaway Fairmont Portable Pool Table (6 Foot)
Large pool tables work nicely for those who have the space. If you’d prefer a pool table you can set up and take down as needed, this foldable table is a great option.
Billiard table cover: Imperial NFL Merchandise Billiard Table Cover
A quality table cover can handle plenty of rough treatment without tearing or showing damage. Select the logo for your favorite NFL team to display on the cover for the perfect finishing touch.
Dartboard: Winmau Blade 5 Dual Core Bristle Dartboard
A quality dartboard can complement your pool table nicely. This board from Winmau features thin wiring between sections to reduce the likelihood of bounce-outs.
Did You Know?
Note that some billiard cue racks are made of hardwood while others are made of MDF, a mix of wood and resin. Hardwood racks are pricier but also tend to be more durable.
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Billiard cue rack prices
Inexpensive: A basic billiard cue rack costs $30 or less and consists of only a couple of pieces. If you want something in this price range, expect to purchase a wall-mounted unit.
Mid-range: For $30 to $100, you will find racks that are mountable as well as freestanding racks. Many allow the storage of 6 to 10 cues as well as balls and a ball rack. A few in this price range have drink holders.
Expensive: If you want a billiard cue rack that resembles a high-quality piece of furniture, expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $1,000. Many cabinet-like racks are found here. These large pieces can enhance the style of your game space and are often made of hardwood.
Tips
- Use a level. When determining where to hang a wall-mountable billiard cue rack, use a handheld level to make sure it will be perfectly straight.
- Use a stud finder. Cue racks are heavy, especially when loaded with cues that each weigh a pound or more. Therefore, it’s a good idea to mount the rack to wall studs. A stud finder can help you locate the studs inside the drywall.
- Pick the right height. Be careful when hanging the rack that you have enough space over it so your cues won’t bump the ceiling. Cue racks with pinch clips are a little more versatile in this regard.
- Use a template. If you want to get a feel for how the rack will look on the wall before you start drilling holes, create a template the same size as the rack with a piece of cardboard. Use the template to test various locations where you may want to hang the rack. This will allow you to envision what it would look like in various spots.
FAQ
Q. Can I build my own billiard cue rack?
A. People with woodworking experience may be able to construct a pool cue rack. You can easily find how-to videos on the internet. However, it will require the investment of time and money, and many prefer to use a pre-fabricated rack.
Q. If I buy a billiard cue rack, is assembly required?
A. Many cue racks ship in pieces, meaning you’d need to assemble the rack yourself. A few small racks arrive already assembled, but this is rare. If the rack needs assembly, it should not take long or require specialized tools.
Q. Do I have to store my cues in a rack?
A. No. Some people leave their cues on the pool table. Those who have expensive cues that break down into two pieces may choose to store them in a carrying case. For most people, however, the best way to keep cues safe from damage is to store them in a rack.
