Billiards Direct Review: Pool Table Stores

Brandon Gramse is the owner and operator of Billiards Direct, based in San Diego. His pool table store has been in business since 2003 and carries all of the trusted brands in the industry.

Highest-priced table: $50,000

Selection is one big reason to consider getting your pool table from Billiards Direct. With over 200 models in stock, there's bound to be one that's the perfect match for your game room. On the high end of the spectrum, you'll find the ornate Victorian model by Golden West, marked down to a "bargain" starting price of "just" $50,000. It's made from exotic woods and can be customized with your choice of over 20 wood stains, 20 felt colors, and in lengths of either 7 or 8 feet. You can upgrade the felt if you like, and you can add a dining table top for $2,000 (though we have a hard time picturing how you could slide chairs underneath this particular pool table).

Lowest-priced tables: $2,695

But, realistically speaking, most of us aren't looking for a pool table that's the price of a Tesla, so don't be afraid to click on the boxes with the price range that meets your actual budget. In the "Under $3,000" category, Billiards Direct had 12 entry-level pool tables at the time of our visit, with several brands and models at a starting price of $2,695. Those included Imperial's Eliminator model, the Tiburon by Kay Woods in either mahogany or cherry, and the Kay Woods Windsor in cherry.

Detailed product descriptions

No matter which pool table you're interested in, you'll find a wealth of details in the description. That can include whether or not the table can be converted to a ball return design, if it comes in both 7- and 8-foot sizes, the full specifications, and all of your options for upgrades and customizations.

All tables include accessories

Any pool table purchase comes with the standard accessory kit. That includes two 2-piece cues, a box of chalk, a bridge stick, a wall-mount cue holder, a set of pool balls, a rack, and a pool table brush. There's an available premium accessories kit you can consider, but unfortunately the Billiards Direct site doesn't really spell out what that encompasses.

Help is at the ready

Not sure which pool table or options are the best fit for what you're looking for? Don't hesitate to reach out via phone or email. One of the most consistent compliments we've seen for this store is how helpful and knowledgeable the owner and staff are, so even if you're not a local, you can still get that first-rate treatment at a distance.

No setup offered if you're outside the area

Unless you live within the delivery area of Billiards Direct (San Diego or Orange County/LA), you won't have any options for setup of your pool table. Delivery alone will cost $750 outside of that area (and only within the continental US). However, if you do live locally, you can pick up your pool table in San Diego at no charge, or you can pay $399 to $499 for delivery, installation, and setup.

Financing available via Affirm

Speaking of payments, if you'd rather not buy your pool table on your credit card but you could use a little financing help, Billiards Direct has a partnership with Affirm. You'll see that option on the website, and you just click on "check your purchasing power" to get started.

60-day returns (you pay the cost)

Billiards Direct offers a 60-day return policy. Just keep in mind that you're on the hook for any return costs - and that could be prohibitive if you live in, say, Maine.

No complaints here

Not only is Billiards Direct the recipient of an "A+" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, it's also one of the only pool table stores we know of that has absolutely zero complaints filed with the BBB. We didn't find a ton of feedback elsewhere, but what we did see was almost always glowing praise.

Excellent place to buy a pool table (especially for locals)

Billiards Direct is an all-around terrific option for buying your pool table. Although you'll have to find someone locally to do the setup and installation after it's been delivered (if you don't live in the San Diego/Orange County region), you'll still benefit from all of the benefits of shopping here - including the personalized help of the owner himself, if you need it. On selection and price, this store is almost unbeatable, and the reputation is first-rate.

Learn More  ➜

On the Billiards Direct website