How to Level a Slate Pool Table

Assembling a slate pool table (made of two slate slabs) is most likely a job for professionals, but if you're attempting to do it yourself then you know that leveling the pool table is an important step. Leveling your pool table will result in a better game experience. All pool tables should be leveled to ensure that any crookedness of the surface on which the pool table rests doesn't hurt your game. You must level the pool table to make up for any inconsistencies in the level of the floor. Even if you think that the surface is perfectly level, you should always check the slate to make sure.

Things You'll Need

• Machinist's level
• Shim (any small tapered piece of wood)
• Rubber mallet

Instructions

1. Decide which slab of slate you wish to begin leveling first.

2. Place the level on top of the slate horizontally and assess. The bubble on the center vial should be in the center section of the vial.

3. Move the level around the pool table and decide which side is the highest. Even if it is only slightly higher (causing the center bubble on the level to offset), it is cause to level the table.

4. Using the mallet, tap a shim into the higher end. Insert the thinner end of the shim between the slate and the table and tap it lightly to achieve the height that you need. Do the higher end first to ensure that you'll get the most level results; you can add or remove shims as necessary.

5. Tap shims into the lower end to bring it level with the higher end. It is a good idea to leave the machinist's level atop the slate the entire time, so that you don't use too few or too many shims.

6. Move to the next piece of slate when you have the first one level. Use the first piece of slate as your guide to bring the second piece of slate level, repeating the process of tapping in shims.

7. Place the level across the slate seams to ensure that both pieces of slate are level with each other.