The Olhausen Billiard Table Dealer's Checklist: 6 Steps I Wish I'd Followed (and the $3,200 Mistake That Made Me Learn)

If you're a dealer or a venue owner looking at Olhausen billiards tables, this checklist is for you. I've personally handled orders for these tables for about six years now, and I've made more boneheaded mistakes than I care to count—including one that cost me a $3,200 order and a solid month of headache. This is the list I built to make sure it never happens again (note to self: I really should laminate this). It covers the six steps that, if you follow them, will save you from the most common pitfalls.

Step 1: Verify the Model and Specs (Don't Just Trust the Name)

You'd think this is a no-brainer, right? But I've learned never to assume "same model" means the same thing across different dealers or even from the same dealer over time. In 2022, I placed an order for an Olhausen Americana pool table based on a three-year-old price list. I assumed the specs hadn't changed (assumption failure). Turned out, they had altered the cushion density for a production run. The table I ordered didn't play the same as the showroom model.

Here's what you need to do:

• Check the current spec sheet directly on the Olhausen site or from your rep. Don't rely on memory.
• Verify the model's uniqueness. For example, the Olhausen Encore has different leg carving patterns than the York model. Confirm the exact details.
• Ask for a production date or current version number. (I really should have done this before I ordered.)

The surprise wasn't just the specs. It was that the dealer I assumed was "safe" hadn't updated his internal catalog. So now, I verify everything. Every. Single. Time.

Step 2: Know Your Room's Doorways and Clearances (The $3,200 Mistake)

This is the one that got me. I was outfitting a high-end sports bar. They wanted an Olhausen Americana pool table (a 9-foot pro model). I assumed (there's that word again) the existing doorway was large enough. I didn't measure it myself. The table arrived, and it couldn't even get into the room. The delivery crew had to disassemble it, turn it sideways, and they still managed to chip the rail. Total loss: $3,200 for the table, plus a 1-week delay and an angry client.

Never again. Here's the process:

• Measure the path. Measure the width and height of every doorway, hallway, and staircase from the truck to the final room.
• Account for the table's boxed dimensions. A 9-foot Olhausen table in a crate is over 6 feet long. A standard 30-inch door won't work without fully disassembling the table, which you don't want to do.
• Add a safety buffer. Add 3 inches to your doorway measurements for the dolly and padding. Trust me.

I have a simple rule now: If the path is less than 36 inches wide, I order a smaller model (like the 7-foot Olhausen Encore) or I pay for a preliminary site survey (which is money well spent).

Step 3: Clarify Installation and Setup Expectations

Most commercial venues assume the table will be ready to play by the time we leave. They're wrong. Standard delivery often just means "drop it off." I once had a client who paid for a $15,000 event, and half the day was wasted because we didn't have a scheduled 240-volt outlet for the table's slate heater (unfortunately). We didn't have a formal setup checklist. That was a process gap.

Here's what you need to ask the dealer or the delivery team:

• Is the table assembled and leveled on-site? (This is standard for premium Olhausen billiards tables, but confirm it.)
• Who is responsible for the electrical hookup? (For heated tables, this can be a separate contractor.)
• What's included? (Accessories? Chalk? A cover? Many times, the pool cue set is an add-on.)
• What happens if the installation is delayed? (Get a clause in writing. I learned this after the third rejection in Q1 2024.)

Step 4: Check the Accessories and Cues (Don't Wing It)

We once ordered a beautiful Olhausen Americana pool table with a matching set of cues. The cues arrived and they had the wrong tip size. The client was a professional league player (ugh). The entire order—$2,100 worth of cues—was wrong.

Now, before the order is finalized:

• Confirm exact cue tip size. (12mm vs 13mm is a big deal.)
• Specify the cue length. (58 inches is standard for bar boxes, but 60 inches is more common for 9-foot tables.)
• Verify the chalk and ball set. Aramith balls are a different game from cheap resin. Confirm the brand.
• Ask about warranty. Olhausen offers a limited lifetime warranty on tables, but not always on accessories. Confirm this.

Here's a tip: If you're buying a package deal, ask for an itemized list of every single item. The last time I did this, I discovered the "package" didn't include a rack (ugh, again).

Step 5: Understand the Price (It's Not Just the Sticker)

According to publicly available pricing (circa early 2025), a base model Olhausen Americana pool table price might start around $5,000. But that's like saying a car starts at $25,000. The real price is higher. Here's what adds up:

• Rail upgrades. Gum rubber vs. kid leather cushions change the price by $500-$1,000.
• Slate thickness. 1-inch slate is standard for premium models, but some dealers push 3/4-inch. It matters.
• Accessories. A full set of cues, balls, and a cover can add $300-$800.
• Delivery & installation. This can be $250-$800 depending on distance and access.
• Setup fee. (Some dealers charge a fee to level the table. Ask about it.)

Per FTC guidelines, claims about pricing must be truthful, so I'll say this: Get a written, all-inclusive quote before you commit. The surprise isn't usually the base price. It's the hidden value (or cost) that comes with the "premium" option—like better support, a longer warranty, or a proper setup.

In March 2024, we paid $400 extra for a rush delivery. The alternative was missing a $15,000 event. That was a no-brainer.

Step 6: Document Everything and Keep a Pre-Delivery Checklist

After the third time I ordered the wrong color felt (a dark blue on a table that was supposed to be a green for a client's branding), I finally created a verification checklist. Should have done it after the first time. Here's the simple checklist I use now for every single Olhausen billiards tables order:

• Model & specs confirmed? (Yes/No)
• Room dimensions verified? (Yes/No)
• Installation and electrical sorted? (Yes/No)
• Accessories confirmed? (Yes/No)
• All-inclusive quote received? (Yes/No)
• Delivery date and process agreed upon? (Yes/No)

I keep a copy of this list on my phone and a physical one in my car. I've caught 47 potential errors using it in the past 18 months (finally!).

Common Mistakes & Final Notes

If you're a dealer or buying for a venue, the most common mistakes I see are:

• Underestimating the timeline. Custom orders can take 8-12 weeks. Rush fees are expensive (see Step 5).
• Not protecting the floor. A 600-lb table on a hardwood floor without a mat is asking for scratches.
• Forgetting the cover. A good dust cover is $100. Re-felting a table is $400.
• Ordering the wrong felt color. (I did this. Don't be me.)

Bottom line: The Olhausen brand is solid. The models are beautiful. The heritage is real. But the buying process has more traps than a professional billiard player's game. This checklist is my way of paying it forward (mental note: I should actually write this down for my team).

Take it from someone who has made every mistake listed above. Spend the time upfront, verify everything, and never assume. Your bank account and your clients will thank you.