Workshop
Drawing on nearly two centuries of expertise built since its founding in 1857, Toulet has developed an unrivalled mastery in the craft of game tables making.
The Toulet workshop, custodian of an expertise since 1857
The finest materials are selected according to precise criteria: wood species, slate, rubber and leather are rigorously sourced and inspected.
Each stage of production follows a demanding process, carried out by our craftsmen, ensuring the perfect finish of our tables.
Our workshop in Bondues, in northern France, manufactures our game tables entirely in-house, optimising both the quality and lead times of production and delivery.
Quality wood species
Solid wood game tables can be crafted in Kotibé, walnut, oak, teak or any other species on request. We favour the densest woods, as guarantors of optimal stability.
Kotibé is an exotic wood from the mahogany family. A hardwood, it ensures the rigidity of the piece. It has a reddish grain, ideal for cherry or mahogany stains. We bleach it for lighter finishes. Walnut and oak share the same characteristics, with the added quality of a more pronounced grain, allowing for limed and aged patina finishes.
A patented metal frame
Two types of frame are available: with L-section angle irons or with U-section steel channels. The dimensions of the metal structures are determined according to the thickness of the slate. The metal is arc-welded using a jig; however, as the steel sections are not perfectly flat, a 10mm MDF board is bonded to the surface. This is then passed under a planing machine fitted with a carbide-tipped cutter head, ensuring a flawless level surface.
Metal sections range from 80 to 120mm, depending on the required slate thickness. Tensioners are then fitted to constrain the slab and prevent any movement of the bolted slate. The metal does not shift over time.
Our billiard tables with metal frames are delivered and installed by our own teams (in mainland France and neighbouring countries): experienced personnel ensure your billiard table is installed to perfection.
The art of slate
In billiards, players seek inertia. Our tables are made with slate: single-piece 19mm, or three-piece in 30, 50 or 60mm depending on the dimensions. It is the material offering the highest density (2.7, compared to 2.2 for marble, with which it is often confused).
Our slate, sourced from Italy and Brazil, is ground to within 1/20th of a millimetre before being bolted to the metal frame. The grinding is carried out using a diamond lapping machine (30cm head), which refines the surface and eliminates all impurities, cooled by a fine stream of water following the method of the great Italian marble craftsmen. The slates are then cut, drilled, and the pockets routed using a hole saw for American-style play.
The precision of production
Since 1857, Toulet has embodied the alliance between historic expertise and technical rigour. 160 years of mastery, in service of a perfect gesture.
A CNC machine ensures a precise, high-quality finish. 60mm-diameter levelling feet are fitted beneath each leg of the billiard table, allowing perfect alignment. They are covered with a protective pad to prevent floor damage when the table is moved.
Competition-grade cushions and cloth
The profile and density of the cushion rubber are determined according to the style of play. Three cushion profiles exist: L-shaped for 8-ball Pool, quadrangular for French and American billiards, and triangular for the restoration of antique tables.
Each cushion is inspected before assembly: it is the quality of the cushion that ensures the rebound of the ball and the long-term integrity of the rubber.
To achieve the finest roll, we work exclusively with competition-grade cloth. On our American billiard tables, we use Simonis 760, 860 or 920. On our French billiard tables, Simonis 300. We use Strachan and Hainsworth cloth on our 8-ball Pool tables, and exclusively Strachan on our snooker tables.
