Moving a Pool Table?

Moving a pool table is a challenging and delicate task, requiring careful planning and execution to avoid damaging the table, yourself, or your property.

To begin with, pool tables are heavy, and their weight is not evenly distributed, making them tricky to handle.

Moving a Pool Table

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to move a pool table:

Preparing to Move the Pool Table

  1. Gather Supplies: You’ll need a staple puller, flathead screwdriver, socket wrench, power drill, moving blankets, dollies, and a moving truck.
  2. Enlist Help: Due to the weight and size of pool tables, it’s essential to have several strong helpers. Professional movers with experience in moving pool tables are highly recommended.
  3. Take Measurements: Measure doorways, staircases, and hallways to ensure the pool table can pass through easily.

Disassembling the Pool Table

  1. Remove the Pockets: Use the screwdriver or drill to remove the pockets. They might be bolted or stapled in place.
  2. Take Off the Rails: Undo the bolts that hold the rails to the table. Carefully remove the rails and wrap them in moving blankets.
  3. Remove the Felt: Carefully pull out the staples or unscrew the fasteners holding the felt in place. If the felt is glued, gently pull it up. Try not to stretch or tear it. Fold the felt carefully for transportation.
  4. Take Apart the Slate: The slate is extremely heavy and delicate. Remove the screws holding the slate in place. If it’s in multiple pieces, remove each piece carefully. Mark them if needed for easier reassembly. Wrap each slate piece in a moving blanket.
  5. Disassemble the Frame: Depending on the type of table, you may need to disassemble the frame. Keep all screws and bolts in a labeled bag for reassembly.

Note: The pages on this website have quite a bit of disassembling and reassembling my pool table. Be sure to check the linked pages pages out if you need some instructions!

Moving the Pool Table

  1. Use Dollies: Place each major component on a dolly for transport. This includes the main frame, slate pieces, and legs.
  2. Lift Correctly: When lifting the table or its parts, always lift with your legs, not your back, to avoid injury.
  3. Load onto the Truck: Carefully move (or load) the pool table pieces to wherever you’re taking it. The slate pieces should be transported vertically to prevent them from breaking.

Reassembling the Pool Table

  1. Reassemble in the New Location: Using your labeled bags and prior notes, reassemble the table. Start with the frame, then the slate, and ensure the slate is perfectly level.
  2. Attach the Felt: Once the slate is level, stretch the felt back over it and secure it in place. Be careful not to overstretch or wrinkle the felt.
  3. Reattach the Rails and Pockets: Finally, reattach the rails and pockets.

WAIT! There’s more…

Generally speaking, it is recommended to wait a day or two* before playing on a pool table after it has been moved, especially if the felt has been reattached or replaced.

This waiting period is important for a few reasons:

  1. Settling: After a pool table is moved and reassembled, it needs time to settle into its new position. This is particularly crucial if any leveling was done during the reassembly. Playing on the table too soon can disrupt the leveling.
  2. Adhesive Drying: If new felt has been applied using adhesive, it’s important to give it enough time to dry and adhere properly to the slate. Playing on it too soon can cause the felt to shift, bubble, or wrinkle, affecting the playability and longevity of the felt.
  3. Glue or Wax Settling: In some cases, the slate sections are sealed together with wax or a special glue. This needs time to set completely to ensure a smooth and uniform playing surface.
  4. Frame and Joints Stabilization: The frame and joints of the table may also need some time to stabilize after the move. Playing on the table immediately after reassembly could cause unnecessary stress on these parts.

*The recommended waiting time can vary, but a period of 24 to 48 hours is typically suggested. This allows enough time for any adhesives to dry, the slate to settle, and the entire structure of the table to stabilize. Keep in mind that different materials and adhesives might have different requirements. Read the instructions.

Moreover, giving your pool table some time to rest after a move or re-felting not only ensures the best playing experience but also helps in maintaining the table’s condition over time.

Important Tips

  • Professional Movers: Given the complexity and risk, hiring professionals who specialize in moving pool tables is strongly recommended. They have the experience and equipment to do this safely.
  • Take Photos: Taking pictures at each stage of disassembly can be a helpful guide for reassembly.
  • Leveling: Leveling the table in the new location is critical for proper gameplay.
  • Safety First: Pool tables can weigh several hundred pounds, so prioritize safety to prevent injuries or damage.

That is to say, moving a pool table is not a simple task. It’s bulky, heavy, and requires precision both in disassembly and reassembly. If you’re not fully confident or equipped to handle such a task, hiring professional pool table movers is the safest and most reliable option.

On the positive side, this would be the perfect time to replace any table parts needed. For example, you will want to check the pockets, hole liners, pockets, and other replaceable parts.

What great timing that would be!
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