If you’re a pool fanatic, you probably have a table with a few cues at home, or maybe you love playing socially. If you have recently purchased your very own pool cue, you may have some storage-related questions. Can pool cues be stored horizontally?
Pool cues can be stored horizontally. When you decide to store your pool cues horizontally, a few things need to be considered, such as not storing them at an angle, storing them in a controlled environment, and avoiding too much pressure.
When you don’t want to store your pool cues vertically, storing them horizontally won’t damage them if done correctly. Stay with us as we discuss whether or not you should store your pool cues horizontally and what to keep in mind!
Can You Store Your Pool Cues Horizontally?
When pool cues are stored in a vertical position, such as in a pool cue rack or pool cue case, the cues will be pulled in only one direction due to gravity.
However, when you store pool cues in a horizontal position, their entire length will be pulled at different rates, which means that the mass of the cues will become more evenly distributed.
Therefore, it may be better to store cues vertically if you plan to store them for a long time. However, it would be better to store them horizontally so the fibers inside of the wood won’t become too stressed.
Storing Your Pool Cues Horizontally In A Case
Many prefer to store their pool cues in cases, and most often, these cases are stored vertically. These cases are carried around, which would cause the fibers in the wood to become damaged or chipped, along with the tips of the cues.
For this reason, when you store your pool cues in a case, you need to lay it flat against the surface it sits on.
You can set your cue case horizontally on a secure desktop, table, or shelf if possible. It’s crucial to remember that if your pool cue’s case sits on an angle, it could bump around inside, shift, or slide, increasing the risk of damaging it.
For this reason, you also need to take special caution to handle your pool cue case very carefully when your cue is inside it.
Storing Your Pool Cues Horizontally On A Pool Cue Rack
Pool cue racks are best for pool enthusiasts, especially those with a pool table at home. While many pool cue racks are available for storing your pool cues vertically, many can also store your pool cues in a horizontal position.
It is crucial to know that a horizontal pool cue rack needs to be mounted perfectly straight, as it could become warped when the rack is not placed perfectly.
Additionally, any side pressure from the rack can cause your pool cue to become pressured against its wood grain, and even the smallest fractured against the wood grain fibers can cause your cue to become warped or break.
If you prefer to store your pool cues on a horizontal shelf or rack, you’ll need to make sure it doesn’t lean directly on the wall, but an inch or two away, to avoid the pressure from the wall against your cue.
There should also be two pressure points to help to evenly distribute the weight between the thickest part of the cue at the back, and the thinnest part, which would be the tip. This will decrease the chances of your cue becoming warped or fractured.
Tips For Storing Pool Cues Horizontally
While you can store your pool cues horizontally, you’ll need to consider some things to ensure your pool cue remains usable.
Let’s look at some of these considerations for storing your pool cues horizontally:
Do Not Store Your Pool Cues Horizontally In Direct Sunlight
Because pool dues are made with wood, direct sunlight paired with extremely hot temperatures will cause severe damage to your pool cue, especially when placed on a flat surface.
The sun’s rays will not only cause your pool cue’s finish to fade and the wood to become lighter, but it could cause them to become dried out and crack. If your pool cue rack or horizontal storage space is in a sunny room, you can always place them flat in a cabinet if you have enough space.
Store Your Pool Cues In An Area With Correct Humidity Levels
When pool cues are stored in an area with too high humidity levels, it could cause the wood to become damp, causing mold or warping. Similarly, storing pool cues in areas without enough humidity could cause them to dry out and crack.
This is when it becomes crucial to ensure your pool cues are stored in an area where humidity levels are between 40% and 60%, especially if they are stored horizontally.
You can purchase a small humidifier for a room without enough humidity to ensure the wood of your cues remains moist and to prevent them from cracking.
Do Not Store Your Pool Cues In An Area Without Ventilation
If you are not using a horizontal pool cue rack for your cues, you need to ensure the area where you store them is well-ventilated. This is especially true if you store your pool cues in enclosed areas, such as a cabinet or closet.
Without proper ventilation, these areas could cause your pool cues to warp. To avoid damage, store your cues in a well-ventilated area.
Do Not Store Pool Cues Close To An Artificial Heat Source
If you store your pool cues on a horizontal shelf or rack, place them strategically. Just like the sun could cause severe damage to the wood of your pool cues, so can other heat sources, such as radiators or a fireplace.
Extreme and sudden temperature changes can cause the wood to warp, dry out, and ultimately crack. If you have no choice but to store your pool cues close to a heat course, you can take protective measures and protect your cues using a towel or sheet.
Conclusion
Storing your pool cues horizontally won’t cause them any damage if it’s done strategically and correctly, and it could be aesthetically pleasing.
If you decide to showcase your favorite cues horizontally, you have many choices, from professional horizontal pool cue racks to floating shelves and more, according to your taste!
