A slate is manufactured by combining the layers of clay sediments along with these minerals. This clay mixture is then compressed under a press to release excess water from it, which gradually converts it into sedimentary rock.
The sedimentary rock is baked in an industrial oven so that all the moisture is released. It helps in hardening its surface. A Slate helps in increasing the efficiency of the gameplay and therefore, is expensive than a non-slate pool table.
Slate is found all around the globe in abundance but regions like India, Italy, Brazil, and China are the largest exporters of slates.
The history of slates goes way back in the 1800s, and since then slates have been used in pool tables. When we talk about the non-slate tables, they lack in efficiency.
The slates are perfectly formed into a flat surface as it undergoes serious grounding and polishing procedures. It is said that the Ligurian region of Northern Italy produces the best slates. These slates are used in pool tables worth international standards.
Italian billiard tables are therefore considered the best slate pool tables in the business and are used in competitions and championships.
Due to the addition of the big sedimentary rock on the pool table framework, the weight of a slate pool table becomes extra heavy. So, it can range from 500-3000 pounds, depending on the size.
