Based on analyzing a semi-analytical heat transfer model with both contact angle and surface roughness effects in the pool boiling, the present paper concluded that the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) could be expressed as a uniform function of wall superheat, solid-liquid contact angle, surface roughness, influence parameter of heating surface material and the fluid thermophysical properties. The comprehensive effects of surface characteristics are expressed for the first time in one correlation, and they are thoroughly discussed. An improved correlation which is similar to Rohsenow's correlation are proposed by the induction using the experimental data of 7 kinds of fluids (water, ethanol, CCl4, acetone, n-hexane, R113, R141b). It is verified that the proposed correlation for predicting pool boiling heat transfer can be widely applied on the common plain surfaces without capillary structures under various pressures. These surfaces include ordinary metal, metal with coating and high thermal conductive nonmetal. It has a uniform correlation factor and fixed dimensionless parameter exponent, which will not vary with changing the surface-fluid combination. Its accuracy has satisfied the general engineering application requirements, which will offer a calculating basis for heat transfer engineering application. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.