Without doubt the first improvement in the table was the fitting of a form of "Cushioning" around the inside of this wooden rim, a fairly obvious improvement really, which reduced the noise of impact caused by the balls striking against the plain wooden rim, and also improved the rebound of the balls, especially when striking the rim at right angles.

This "Cushioning" was formed by building up layer upon layer of felt or list (list being the trimmings or selvedges from the edge of woven woollen cloths, and sometimes by stuffing the cushioning with horse hair. A photograph of an old cushion rail showing the layers of list cushioning is shown here.