Olhausen Pool Tables: 8 Questions Dealers and Venue Owners Actually Ask

When I first started handling rush orders for game rooms and commercial venues, I assumed a pool table was a pool table. Put a felt on it, call it done. A few frantic phone calls and a couple of near-misses later, I realized the brand matters way more than I thought—especially when a deadline is breathing down your neck.

In my role coordinating equipment for bars, hotels, and event spaces, I've processed upward of 200 orders for billiard tables in the last five years alone. Some were standard—pick a model, wait six weeks. Others were, well, the kind where you're calling me on a Tuesday needing something installed by Friday. I've seen what works, what breaks, and what dealers and venue owners actually need to know before they pull the trigger.

Here's the FAQ I wish I had when I started.

1. Is Olhausen a good brand for a commercial pool table?

Short answer: Yes, but it depends on the model and the traffic.

Olhausen is kind of the sweet spot between premium craftsmanship and practical durability. The build quality is solid—their Accu-Fast cushions respond well, and the frames are generally heavier than what you'd get from a budget brand. For a bar or venue that sees moderate play, an Olhausen is a solid investment. I've seen tables from their Americana and Encore series hold up for years with daily use, assuming they're on a level floor and not getting abused.

That said, if you're running a high-traffic pool hall with 30 tables and open until 2 AM every night, you might want to look at something with a bit more of a commercial-grade build—think Diamond or similar. Olhausen is strong, but it's still built with that premium home/light-commercial feel. I've had a client push an Olhausen past its intended use case, and the rail cloth needed replacing way sooner than expected.

2. Should I buy a used Olhausen pool table?

I think this is the most common question I get, and the answer is: it's a gamble, but it can pay off.

Honestly, a used Olhausen can be a great deal—or a money pit. What I tell dealers is to inspect the slate first. Cracks in the slate are basically a deal-breaker unless you're prepared to replace it (which can cost more than the table itself). Same goes for the frame: if there's water damage or warping, pass on it.

The cushions are also a big one. Olhausen's Accu-Fast cushions are good, but they do wear out. If they feel dead or inconsistent, factor in the cost of replacement—figure around $200–400 for a complete set, plus labor.

I've seen plenty of cases where a used Olhausen for $1,500 ended up costing someone $3,000 after repairs. But I've also seen a 10-year-old York model that was basically perfect because the owner kept it in a climate-controlled room and never moved it. The key is: don't buy sight unseen, and get someone who knows tables to do a quick walkthrough.

3. How much does an Olhausen pool table cost new?

This varies a ton based on model, size, and options—but I can give you a ballpark based on what I've seen in the last 12 months.

For a standard 7ft or 8ft Olhausen model from their entry-level series (like the York or the Americana), you're looking at roughly $2,500 to $4,500 depending on the finish and cloth choice. Once you move up to the Encore or the custom options, prices climb into $5,000 to $9,000+. The high-end stuff—think fancy wood inlays, upgraded rails, matching accessories—can easily go past $10,000.

A quick note: these are MSRP-ish numbers. As a dealer, you're likely getting a better price, but those numbers are in the range of what a consumer would pay retail, based on online listings I checked in early 2025.

4. What about an Olhausen outdoor pool table? Is that a real thing?

Yeah, they exist, but I wouldn't call them a massive part of Olhausen's lineup.

Olhausen does make outdoor tables—usually with weather-resistant materials and outdoor-rated felt. The catch is that 'outdoor-rated' doesn't mean 'leave it in the rain for two years.' You still need to protect it with a cover or store it in a weather-controlled area when it's not in use. The outdoor models I've seen are typically in the $3,500–$5,500 range.

If you're a venue owner looking to put a table on a covered patio or a deck, it's a decent option. But if you want something that can sit out in the elements 24/7, I'd look at dedicated outdoor brands like Playcraft or even a synthetic slate table. I've had clients push back on that advice and later regret it when the felt faded after one summer.

5. How does Olhausen compare to Brunswick?

To be fair, Brunswick is the heavyweight name in billiards—they've been around for over 170 years. But Olhausen holds its own.

The biggest difference I've noticed is in the feel of the play. Brunswick tables—especially the classic models like the Gold Crown—are built with a specific kind of precision that serious players love. The rails feel different, the ball reaction is consistent, and they're built like tanks.

Olhausen, on the other hand, tends to have a slightly livelier cushion action. Some players like it; some don't. It's not better or worse—just a different preference. From a logistics standpoint, Olhausen tables are usually a bit lighter and easier to move, which matters if you're setting up a temporary event space or moving tables around.

I'd say this: if your client knows they want a Brunswick, they're not going to be happy with an Olhausen. But if they're new to the game or want a good-quality table without paying the Brunswick premium, Olhausen is a no-brainer.

6. How hard is it to move an Olhausen pool table?

Pretty hard, honestly—but not as bad as some other brands.

Moving a pool table is not a DIY job. I've seen people try. It doesn't end well. A standard Olhausen slate bed weighs about 400–600 pounds depending on size, and the frame adds another 100–200 pounds. You need at least three people and proper equipment to do it safely.

The good news is that Olhausen tables break down relatively well. The slate comes in pieces (usually 3 for a 7ft or 8ft table), and the frame disassembles without too many specialized tools. I've moved entire game rooms in a day with a good crew.

If you're a dealer, I strongly recommend offering or at minimum referring a pool table moving company. I've seen clients damage slates trying to save $300 on a mover—then paying $800 to replace it. Not worth it.

7. Can I get an Olhausen table delivered and set up quickly? What if it's urgent?

I get this question a lot from event venues and hospitality managers. The answer is: it depends on stock and the model.

For standard models like the Americana or the York, Olhausen usually keeps a reasonable inventory, so a standard order can ship in 2–4 weeks. But if you're looking at a custom finish or a limited edition model—like the 30th anniversary edition I saw a while back—lead times can stretch to 8–12 weeks.

In March 2024, I had a client call me on a Thursday needing a table for a VIP event on Saturday. The normal turnaround was, well, not that. We found a local warehouse that had an Americana in stock, paid about $400 extra in rush fees (on top of the standard delivery cost), and had it installed by noon on Friday. The client was thrilled—their alternative was renting a beat-up table for $2,000 and hoping it worked.

So yes, it's possible. But it costs more, and it's not something you want to rely on as your standard practice. If you know you'll need a table for a specific date, order early. I can't stress that enough.

8. How much does setup cost? And what about maintenance?

Setup is usually a separate cost, and it's one of those things people underestimate.

Professional installation for an Olhausen pool table typically runs $300–$500 for a standard setup, including leveling, attaching the rails, and stretching the felt. If you need the table moved from a second floor or down a tight staircase, add at least $100–200 more. I've seen quotes go up to $800 for tricky installations.

Maintenance-wise, you're looking at refelting every 3–5 years (commercial use) or 5–7 years (home use). Cost for that is roughly $200–$400 for materials plus labor. Rail cushion replacement is rarer—maybe once every 10 years—but it's around $300–$600 if it's needed.

The thing I tell clients is: don't cheap out on setup. A poorly leveled table plays terribly, and a bad felt job looks sloppy. Pay a pro. Your customers (or your rec room) will thank you.

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Based on data from 200+ billiard table orders processed between 2021 and early 2025. Prices are approximate and based on publicly listed information for new Olhausen models as of January 2025. Always verify current pricing and availability with your distributor.