High Density Composition: Try tapping a billiard ball on a piece of slate, Precision SL8™ and MDF, or better yet, watch the attached video demonstration. You will instantly notice how density effects the sound and feel of a play surface. Slate and Precision SL8™ both fall within a density and hardness range that allows them to sound and play similarly. Warp Resistance: With a composition similar to slate Precision SL8™ shares many of the same stable properties including a resistance to warping. It is common for wood beds or any flat wood surface (like pool cue shafts) to flex and warp. Once a wood bed (or pool cue shaft) warps there is no way of repairing it. Impervious to Moisture: The laboratory testing process completely submerses samples of all three materials. Both slate and Precision SL8™ remain stable after hours, days, weeks of submersion. MDF begins absorbing and deforming almost immediately. While this process may be extreme, moisture makes wood more susceptible to warping and a spill can permanently damage the surface of a wood bed table. Replaceable Cloth: Since Precision SL8™ tables are designed to last for years, replaceable cloth is an important feature that is not available on most wood bed tables. Cloth replacement does require a professional table installer. Seamless One-Piece Play Surface*: Many people are not aware that slate pool table play surfaces are constructed from three professionally-installed pieces of slate. Because Precision SL8™ is half the weight of slate even 8 foot play surfaces can be installed in one piece making it possible to for you and a friend to install Precision SL8™ tables yourself. No Need for Professional Installation*: The convenience of installing a Precision SL8™ table with a friend in less than two hours is a nice benefit, but saving the hundreds of dollars in installation expenses is a ulitmate bonus. Conclusion: Precision SL8™ is the perfect solution because: Looks and sounds like slate Plays like slate Resists moisture and warping Allows for replaceable cloth And allows for do-it-yourself two-person installation* *Note: Only applies to Precision SL8™ in one-piece play bed design.