Pool Table Moving Instructions

Prevent damage to your pool table by taking it apart before relocating.

Your pool table is a delicate piece of equipment and you cannot simply drag it from point A to point B. Because the average pool table weighs approximately 1000 lbs., moving it improperly could crack the slate or worse--cause serious physical injury. If you cannot afford to hire professional pool table movers and moving the pool table isn't optional, you can do the job yourself provided you take extreme caution to do so carefully.

Things You'll Need

• 3 or 4 friends
• Staple puller
• Socket wrench
• Screwdriver
• Carbide drill
• Screwdriver bit

Instructions

1. Ask three or four friends for help. Although you can complete a portion of the process on your own, you'll need additional help moving the pool table's slate and frame.

2. Remove each of the staples that hold together your pool table's pockets. Do so carefully so you don't damage the pocket material.

3. Detach the bolts from the pool table's rails using a socket wrench. The rails are located underneath the table itself. Remove the rails either by sliding them out from the pool table or pulling them free, depending on how your table's rails are attached.

4. Turn the pool table over on its side. Do this slowly and gently to avoid collapsing the pockets and cracking the surface slate.

5. Unscrew and remove the plate covers protecting each pocket. Remove the pockets.

6. Remove the staples holding the pool table's surface felt in place and remove the felt. If your pool table's felt is glued, start at one corner and slowly pull the felt free. Lay the felt on a flat surface. Do not fold or crease it.

7. Remove the screw coverings on the slate's surface that attach it to the pool table's base. The screw coverings will be covered with wax or plaster and located at each corner of the table. If the coverings are covered in wax, dig the wax out with your screwdriver. If they are covered with plaster, drill the plaster away.

8. Put on your safety goggles. Attach either the Phillips or flathead screwdriver bit to the drill, depending on the type of screws in the slate. Drill out the slate screws.

9. Lift off the slate table surface. Turn it on its side for transport. Transporting the slate surface horizontally places too much stress on the center of the stone and can result in a crack.

10. Turn the pool table's frame upside down. Unscrew and remove the legs.

11. Transport each of the pool table's pieces to its new location.

Tips & Warnings

• Although you should not carry the slate horizontally, you can safely transport it horizontally provided it rests on a flat surface.

• Wrap each piece of the pool table in cloth, felt, or bubble wrap to keep it safe during transport.

• Taking apart your pool table will likely void your warranty.

References

• 123 Movers: Billiard/Pool Table Move
• Dallas Pool Table: Moving Instructions

Resources

• HomeFair: How to Pack for Your Move
• Movers: Relocation Guides and Resources