That answer is subjective. The best value is actually a used table. The cheapest that can be purchased often means poor installation - that results in low value although cheap. A good value 8 foot table is 1 inch slate and is put together by a pool table professional. Any pool table supplier, as opposed to Target, Walmart, Sears, etc. can provide an overall better value. The brand is not as important as the installation.
8
yes
There are no mushrooms on a billiard or pool table. A bumper pool table has mushrooms, although these are rarely found in bars today. The typical bumper pool table has 8 center mushrooms and 2 at each end.
No, a pool and an 8 ball are not the same thing. A pool typically refers to a swimming pool or a game played on a pool table with balls and a cue stick, while an 8 ball is a specific ball used in the game of pool.
No. Gandy was a very well built table and very popular in pool halls, bars, etc.
a pool table
Check with the pool table companies. However my guess is that you would want at least several more feet beyond a cue stick's length from the table.
eleve inches
The value is about $100, regardless of size, if it is in excellent condition. There is no resale value to the general public, because slate doesn't go bad. The only potential purchaser is a major retailer who may want the slate to be able to replace a set that was damaged in handling. The slate must be replaced as a set for multiple piece slate.
12, 8 in the center and 2 on either side
The newer homes can support a pool table without any special considerations. For an 8 or 9 foot table, the per square foot weight distribution is less than having people occupying the same space.
It is located on the opposite side from where the balls are racked, and it is the area down to the second diamond on that end the table.