How to Move a Pool Table by Yourself

Are you a proud owner of a pool table who’s facing a long-distance move to another part of the country?

Or maybe you need to have your pool table moved across town, to another city in the same state, or even to a different room in your own house?

If yes, this complete step-by-step guide to moving a pool table by yourself is just for you. It will explain in detail what is involved in moving a pool table and will also cover fundamental topics such as

• the cost of moving a pool table to another place,
• how to prepare your pool table for moving,
• what tools and equipment you need to disassemble your table, and
• how to dismantle, pack and later re-assemble your billiard table.

Also, this article will provide you with good ideas about moving a pool table a short distance, and advise you of the risks and dangers that the process of moving a pool table by yourself can hide.

How to move a slate pool table? Read on to find out.

How much does it cost to move a pool table?

One of the very first thoughts to occupy your mind will surely be, How much to move a pool table?

And it’s only natural that you would very much like to know the cost of moving a pool table in advance simply because the estimated price will help you find the best answers to the following 2 major questions:

Question 1: Can I afford to hire professional pool table movers to handle the delicate job in a fast, safe, and efficient manner?

Answer: It’s all about how limited (or unlimited!) your moving budget is. Moving on a tight budget is never fun as you should constantly question your current financial status about every single step of each relocation stage.

By knowing the average cost of moving a pool table, you will get a much clearer idea of how deep you will be forced to dig into your pocket.

Question 2: Is the pool table I own worth the money and effort to be relocated to the new place?

Answer: Nobody can give a better answer to this deal-making or deal-breaking question than you.

Sometimes it’s more sensible to sell your pool table and buy another one after the move than to pay for its long-distance relocation. When assessing the market value of your pool table, take into consideration the amount you paid for it in the first place, its current condition (new, as new, slightly worn out, considerably worn out, defected, etc.), and the sentimental value it has for you.

What is the cost of moving a pool table?

Expect to pay somewhere between $400 and $600 if you decide to have your table disassembled, packed, transported, delivered, and re-assembled by experienced movers who specialize in moving pool tables.

The exact price will be based on a few variable factors, such as:

• Type. Is yours a drop-pocket pool table or is it quipped with a ball return system? Does it have leather or plastic pockets?
• Size. Generally speaking, there are 7-, 8-, and 9-foot slate pool tables. Do you know which size your particular pool table is? Refer to its manual if you’re not sure as your specialist mover will want to know the table size in order to quote you a price.
• Weight. How heavy is a slate pool table? Depending on the exact size and model, a slate-top pool table can weigh between 650 and 1,000 pounds. Their weight is primarily determined by their size and in particular, how many slates they have. Each slate weighs from 150 lbs. to 250 lbs., and most pool tables have 3 slates.
• Distance. The total distance to your new home is a major factor that will determine the overall price of moving your pool table.
• Special circumstances. The exact conditions in both places – your current home and your future one are not to be underestimated. Too many stairs? Lack of an elevator? Tight corners? Narrow doorways? Be ready to pay more for any special circumstances that will undoubtedly make the process of moving your pool table more difficult.

If going with the pros is your preferred way to move your pool table across the country, then request a moving quote from your specialist mover after an on-site survey of your home.

However, if you think your moving budget won’t survive professional moving assistance and you’re 100% positive that your current pool table must make its way to your new residence, then you’re only left with one good option under the circumstances – to move your pool table on your own.

What you will need to move a pool tablе

Moving a pool table across the country by yourself is rarely a viable option simply because long distances are, in most cases, not suited for self-moving.

However, if you plan to move your pool table across town or locally to another close-by city within the same state, then you will definitely be interested in knowing how to move a pool table by yourself.

Don’t worry – pool tables are designed to be taken apart for safe transportation, so you won’t damage your table if you follow our pool table disassembly instructions closely. Moving a pool table in one piece, as it is, can only be done in some special instances (read below).

Before you decide to disassemble your pool table for moving, make sure you meet the following 3 essential requirements. Here’s what you will need to disassemble and move a pool table:

Muscle power

One thing should be crystal clear to you – you shouldn’t attempt to move your pool table without the invaluable help of at least 3 friends of yours, preferably 4, or even 5.

Similar to pianos, pool tables are not only super heavy and bulky, but they are also rather complex and fragile objects, and one wrong step can damage your valuable possession for good. I

It’s very important that you gather up your merry team of reliable friends to help you pull off this arduous relocation project. If you don’t have the muscle power you need, then don’t hesitate to contact experienced pool table movers.

Tools and equipment

You’re going to need the following tools and moving equipment in the process of taking apart, moving, and setting up a pool table in the new home:

• a staple remover (or a pair of needle-nose pliers),
• a set of flathead screwdrivers,
• a socket wrench,
• a power drill,
• a carpenter’s level,
• a pair of safety goggles,
• plastic re-sealable bags,
• moving blankets (or thick regular household blankets),
• sheets of bubble wrap, and
• packing tape.

Time

With the help of the following step-by-step guide to moving a pool table and a bunch of trustworthy friends, you’re going to need at least 60 minutes to dismantle and pack your pool table for moving.

How to dismantle a pool table

If your table came with specific instructions on how to dismantle it for moving, then you should follow them.

But in case it didn’t, or you don’t keep the instruction manual or find it hard to understand, follow our detailed steps on disassembling a pool table for moving.

Step 1. Unfasten the pockets

Start your pool table disassembly by first removing the six side pockets.

Depending on the model, your ball pockets are either stapled in or secured with screws. Get underneath the table and take out the staples with the staple remover, or remove the screws with the appropriate screwdriver to unfasten the pockets.

Make sure you wear protective goggles to shield your eyes against flying fastening elements.

Step 2. Disengage the rails

The rails are bolted in place so you need your trusted socket wrench to loosen them.

Having removed all the bolts from a section, slide the rail out gently with the help of your friends and place it carefully on a moving blanket to be safely wrapped. If some of the rail sections are attached at the table corners, turn the rail over and disengage the separate parts.

Use plastic re-sealable bags to keep the removed bolts, screws, nuts, and other small parts.

Step 3. Remove the felt

You have 3 major options when it comes to removing the felt of your pool table – one of the most delicate and time-consuming steps when moving a pool table yourself.

• Option 1: If the felt is already too worn out and you plan to replace it when putting the pool table back together in the new place, then you can just rip it off. Obviously, this is the easiest option you have.
• Option 2: If the felt is stapled to the pool table and you want to reuse it, then use the staple remover and carefully pry out the individual staples from the table edges to release the cloth. When ready, fold the felt carefully to avoid ultimate damage to the felt by causing lines (wrinkles) in it.
• Option 3: If the felt is glued to the table and you want to use it again, pull the cloth up very gently in a smooth backward motion. Don’t pull it upward or forward as that action will most likely stretch out the cloth and ruin it. Pay special attention when removing the felt at the table corners as that can prove to be particularly tricky. When done, fold the felt carefully as mentioned above.

Once the felt has been removed from the table, you will be able to see for yourself whether the slate actually consists of one huge piece or if there are three individual slate pieces arranged tightly one next to the other.

Step 4. Take out the slate(s)

Here comes the most dangerous step when moving your slate pool table – removing the slates.

The slates will be screwed down tight to your pool table, so take out your power drill, equip it with a suitable screwdriver bit, and release the slates one by one. Keep the removed screws together with all the other small disassembled elements.

Next, you’re going to need all the combined strength of you and your helpers to remove the slate or slates without causing any damage. If your table has only one slate, the latter could weigh up to 800 lbs. and if it has more than one (two or three), each individual piece will be between 150 lbs. to 250 lbs.

So, be extremely careful as you lift the slate off the frame of the pool table and place it on the ground over a thick moving blanket for safe wrapping.

There is one important thing you should know upfront when removing the slates of your pool table. Although the pieces are made of rock (hence their extreme weight), they are rather brittle and can be easily ruined (chipped, scratched, or plain broken) if dropped.

The bad news is that even if one slate gets damaged, you will have to replace all of them simply because the slates are perfectly matched. And, of course, purchasing brand-new slates for your table will burden your budget even more.

Therefore, if you don’t have enough helpers for this particular stage of your pool table endeavor or you feel nervous about handling heavy yet fragile rock pieces, then the wise choice is to get professional help with moving your pool table.

Step 5. Remove the frame and legs

If you have somehow managed to complete the above step successfully, removing the frame and the legs of your pool table should be a no-brainer for you.

With the help of your reliable friends, flip the remaining and much lighter structure upside down, and remove each table leg, as well as any parts of the frame that can easily be detached.

And, you’re done! Congratulations on a job well done!

Our tips on how to move a pool table by yourself continue with some practical pointers on how to pack your pool table for moving.

How to pack a pool table for moving

How you pack your pool table for moving is vital for the overall success of the operation as some of the already disassembled parts can easily get damaged during transportation if you fail to protect them well.

And having gone through the trouble of taking apart your pool table, a transportation incident due to improper packing would surely dampen your mood and temporarily kill your pool enthusiasm.

Here are a few packing and loading tips when getting ready to move your pool table to your new home.

• Don’t skimp on packing supplies as that can prove to be too costly for you in the end.
• Use soft packing paper to wrap the pockets, the balls (unless you keep their original box), the triangle, and any other small-sized billiard accessories, and place them in a sturdy cardboard box. Label the moving container appropriately.
• Take advantage of the utmost protection that moving blankets provide. Use these blankets to wrap each individual slate, rail, leg, and frame element and tape the bundle into place with enough packing tape. Also, you can bundle your set of pool cues and wrap them in one or two blankets depending on their number and overall thickness.
• Keep in mind that with the exception of the heavyweight slates, loading the well-protected pool table pieces onto the moving truck should be pretty straightforward as long as you have enough helping hands.
• Be extremely cautious when handling the slates – use an appliance dolly to transport them to the moving vehicle and then wheel them up the loading ramp to get them into the storage area of the truck. Once there, you can stack the slates on top of one another but make sure they are, as well as the rest of your pool table elements, securely fastened and won’t move during the relocation trip.
• Keep all the small parts safe, preferably in re-sealable plastic bags. According to Murphy’s law, if even one tiny fastening element goes missing, you won’t be able to find it at the local hardware store in your new city.

How to set up a pool table after the move

When your relocation to your new residence is a fact, it’s time to reassemble and level your pool table the right way. The pool table reassembly will be a much tougher challenge due to one additional task – leveling the table.

Read on to find out what it takes to put back the table AND level it at the same time.

By the way, you have brought your loyal friends with you, right? As was the case with disassembling and moving your pool table, you can’t make it on your own during this final relocation stage either. If you have been left on your own, then you should ask professional pool table movers to give you a hand.

• Step 1. Flip the table frame upside down and place back the legs and any frame sections you have removed.
• Step 2. Level the slates and the entire pool table as well. Sadly, re-inserting the slates in their rightful places won’t be enough this time. Take out the carpenter level and place it on the already positioned rock pieces to test their horizontal alignment. Your pool table should be perfectly level, otherwise, your game will be way off – check the very center of the table, as well as all its sides.
• Step 3. Bear in mind that the floor of your new home may not be perfectly level either, so you’ll probably need to adjust the height of each individual table leg too. If the legs are adjustable, you’ll simply need to remove the pins or screws that hold each leg in place and move the leg a bit up or down. If the legs are wooden, then you’ll need special wooden shims placed under each leg to adjust its height.
• Step 4. Add the felt. Similar to leveling the table, the process of reinstalling the pool table felt can take up a great amount of your time. You can use a rolling pin to smooth the cloth evenly and thus avoid the formation of any small air pockets, bumps, or creases which can affect the trajectory of the balls when shooting pool later.
• Step 5. Place back the rails in their original spots while making sure you don’t wrinkle the perfectly laid felt in the process.
• Step 6. Reattach the side pockets, and you’re done.

Do you have to refelt a pool table after moving it?

Not necessarily. If you succeeded in removing the felt without any damage, and then managed to fold it right, transport it safely and install it trouble-free, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t use your old cloth again.

On the other hand, the recent relocation can be a good excuse to freshen up your pool table and purchase a brand-new felt for an enhanced pool experience.

How to move a pool table a short distance

So far, we’ve discussed how to dismantle your pool table in order to be moved to a new home. But what if you only want to move your pool table only a short distance in your own home?

Then you’ll surely need to possess the know-how of moving a pool table a few inches, moving a pool table a couple of feet, moving a pool table across the room, or moving a pool table to another room within the house.

And in particular, you will be very interested in learning how to move a pool table in one piece without taking it apart, right?

There are a few possible short-distance pool-table moving scenarios here:

Scenario 1. Moving a pool table in the same room

Moving a pool table to replace the carpet, for example, can be a good reason to want to move your pool table without disassembling it. In this case, you only need to move your pool table a few feet for the new carpet installation.

Maybe your first thought is, Hey, there’s 4 of us – let’s each one grab one side and lift at the same time!

Don’t ever do it this way! Maybe you don’t fully realize the risks involved in such a hasty act. This is not the right time to show your friends how your regular visits to the gym have paid off.

Instead, your best option is to purchase one set of special heavy-duty furniture sliders from the local moving company. There are those sliders that will work best for hardwood surfaces and those that are designed for sliding heady objects on the carpet.

Place one slider under each leg and slowly push the pool table in the desired direction.

Scenario 2. Moving a pool table from one room to another adjacent room

You can try and use the method described above provided that the destination room is either an adjacent one or one on the same floor. Before you even think about doing it, plan your moving route well and measure the doorways or hallways to make sure the table can be squeezed in.

If you only need a few extra inches of doorway space, consider temporarily removing the door frames. If that doesn’t help either, your two only options left are to either disassemble your pool table or call in the pros who will surely find an adequate solution to your problem.

Scenario 3. Moving a pool table to another room on a different floor

Moving a three-piece slate pool table to another room on a different floor without taking it apart first is something that you should never try to do.

Moving a pool table downstairs into a basement? Moving a pool table upstairs to an attic?

Chuck those crazy ideas, and either follow the above steps to disassemble your pool table the right way or contact professional table pool movers who will save you plenty of time, splitting headaches, or possible self-injuries.

Why moving a pool table by yourself can be a bad idea

Let’s be honest from the very beginning – moving a pool table is a tricky business.

How hard is it to move a pool table?

There are numerous dangers lurking behind each table pocket for you (failure to follow strictly the safety tips could lead to possible injuries due to the extraordinary weight of your entertainment hub) and your pool table (failure to follow the disassembling steps closely could damage your table and render it unplayable).

Before you decide you’re up to the challenge of moving your pool table by yourself, either to your new home or around your current house, you must be fully aware of the dangers and risks that such a decision will bring about.

Increased risk of self-injury

As discussed above in detail, each individual slate of a multiple slate pool table will weigh from 150 lbs. to 250 lbs., while the slate of a single slate table can go up to 800 lbs. This basically means that one wrong move could get you straight to the hospital.

Furthermore, you should also think about the safety of your helpers and what would happen if any of your good friends got accidentally hurt.

Possible pool table damage

Ruining your table felt can be the least of your possible worries. A scratched, cracked, or plain broken slate will cost you dearly as you will be forced to replace the entire set of rock slabs.

A damaged rail can also affect your game, as will a badly leveled pool table after the move. A good idea is to hire professionals to take care of the re-assembling process, and especially the leveling stage.

Just like moving a piano, moving a pool table is best left to professional movers who know exactly what they are doing. Yes, you will be charged for hiring dedicated pool table movers to take care of your valuable pool table, but it’s also true that a broken table slate or an unexpected medical bill will certainly be costlier in the end.

Use our Moving Cost Calculator to get a pool table relocation offer from experienced professional movers and thus ensure the kind of treatment your cherished table pool deserves.

Bonus: The rules of pool etiquette

Clockwise from the top left corner:

1. Billiards (Pool) is a game for ladies and gentlemen.

2. Do not sit on or lean against the tables.

3. Do not put drinks or cigarettes on the rail.

4. I will speak softly and will not shout.

5. I will control my temper and language when things do not go right.

6. Keep one foot on the floor when shooting.

7. No masse shots are allowed.

8. Step back from the table when your opponent is shooting.