Olhausen Pool Tables: New vs. Used – What a Quality Inspector Wants You to Know

If you're running a bar, family entertainment center, or hotel in Atlanta, the question eventually comes up: Should I buy a new Olhausen pool table or save with a used one? I've reviewed hundreds of tables over the past six years — both fresh off the assembly line and ones that've been through a few rounds of bar life. Let me walk you through the comparison so you can make an informed decision.

Why This Comparison Matters

I'm a quality compliance manager at a commercial recreation supplier. My job is to inspect every table before it reaches a customer — roughly 200 units a year. I've rejected about 18% of first deliveries in 2024 due to things like uneven slate, misaligned rails, or cosmetic damage. So I've seen both sides: the shiny new factory models and the used ones that look fine but hide expensive problems.

Here's the core framework I use when helping clients decide: upfront price vs. total cost of ownership. A used table might save you $2,000 today but cost you double that in repairs and lost revenue six months later. Let's break it down dimension by dimension.

Dimension 1: Initial Investment vs. Long-Term Value

New Olhausen tables — like the West End model, which is popular in Atlanta — run anywhere from $4,500 to $8,000 depending on finish and accessories. Used ones? You'll see listings as low as $1,000 for a 10-year-old table that's been in a corner bar, sometimes less.

But here's something vendors won't tell you: the real cost of a used table often reveals itself after purchase. A friend of mine (a fellow inspector) bought a used Olhausen for his own home game room. The felt looked fine, the rails seemed tight. But when we leveled it, the slate had a hairline crack underneath the cloth. Releveling and new cloth cost him $750. Then we discovered the cushions were dead — another $400. Suddenly his $1,500 bargain turned into a $2,650 table with no warranty.

Conclusion: New tables carry a premium but predictable lifetime cost. Used tables can be a steal if you know exactly what to check — but most buyers don't. (I should add: if you're purchasing for a commercial venue, the risk of downtime from a used table failure far outweighs the savings.)

Dimension 2: Condition & Play Surface Longevity

Olhausen's claim to fame is the Accu-Fast precision play surface. A new table will give you consistent ball speed and true roll from day one. On a used table, the surface might have been refelted once — or three times — and the underlying slate could be warped from improper leveling.

I once inspected a used Olhausen that looked immaculate from the outside — brand-new cloth, polished rails. But when I ran a level across the slate (something most buyers skip), I found a 1/16-inch dip in the center. The seller had deliberately covered it with thick felt to mask the problem. That table would have been frustrating to play on for any serious pool player.

What most people don't realize: Slate can crack or shift if the table is moved improperly. A used table that's been relocated multiple times has a much higher chance of having a damaged playing surface. New tables come with installation crews who know how to handle the 500+ pound slab.

Verdict: For a commercial venue where customers expect consistent play, new is almost always safer. For a home rec room with casual use, a thoroughly inspected used table can work — but get a pro to check it first.

Dimension 3: Warranty & Post-Purchase Support

New Olhausen tables come with manufacturer warranties — typically 3 years on the slate and 1 year on cloth and cushions. Used tables? Almost always as-is. Even if the seller offers a 30-day guarantee, you're unlikely to get coverage for structural issues that show up later.

In my Q1 2024 quality audit, we tracked the most common service calls for used tables in the Atlanta market: misaligned rails (34%), torn cloth near pockets (22%), and leveling issues due to uneven floors (18%). None of these are covered by a typical used-table sale.

I've heard a lot of buyers say, “I'll just replace the felt myself — it's cheap.” But if the rail alignment is off, simply reclothing won't fix it. On an Olhausen, the rail angles are machined to tight tolerances; a previous owner might have loosened them during a DIY repair. That's a headache I wouldn't wish on anyone (ugh).

Dimension 4: Selection & Customization Flexibility

If you want a specific Olhausen model — say, the West End in a certain stain or with a ping pong top — new is your only option for exactly what you want. Used inventory is random: you get whatever someone's selling that week. In Atlanta, I've seen lots of Sheraton and Belmont models on the secondhand market (they were popular in the early 2010s), but if you have your heart set on the sleek Eclipse line, you'll have to go new.

But here's an insider perspective: Sometimes a used table from a less-common model is actually a better value because the seller doesn't know its true worth. I've spotted a beautiful Olhausen limited edition that was listed for $2,000, while a similar new model would be $6,000. The catch? It needed new cushions and cloth — about $700 in parts if you can do the work yourself. That's a patient buyer's opportunity.

So, New or Used? Here's My Rule of Thumb

I've gone back and forth on this for years. The numbers say used can be cheaper upfront, but my gut — based on the damage I've seen — says buy new for commercial use, and buy used only for personal use with a professional inspection.

Specifically:

• Choose new if: You're opening a venue in Atlanta that relies on reputation (e.g., a billiard hall, hotel lobby). You need reliable play, warranty support, and a table that looks pristine. A new Olhausen also adds resale value to the property itself.
• Consider used if: You're outfitting a home game room, you have budget constraints, and you're willing to invest $200–$300 for a trained technician to inspect the table before purchase. Check the slate (no cracks), the cushions (press firmly — they should spring back), and the rail alignment (use a straight edge).
• Skip used entirely if: The seller can't tell you the history, the table has obvious water rings or delamination on the wood, or the price is too good to be true ($500 for a 10-year-old Olhausen? Likely hiding something.

In my experience, an informed customer makes faster decisions and ends up happier. That's why I'd rather spend 20 minutes walking you through these trade-offs than watch you make a $3,000 mistake. If you're in Atlanta and looking at an Olhausen West End — new or used — drop me a line. I've got a checklist I share with venue owners that covers the 8 things to check before you buy.

“I learned this lesson the hard way in my first year: I approved a used table based on photos. The cloth was brand new, but the slate was cracked. Cost me a $1,200 redo and a delayed opening.” — anonymous quality inspector (that's me)