How to Restore a Pool Table

A pool table in good condition makes for a better game.

A good quality pool table is an investment, and not one that is easily made twice for most people. This is why, when your pool table begins to fall into poor condition, you may consider refinishing it rather than purchasing a new one. There are several parts to the structure of a pool table and each one must be refinished in a certain way. By restoring your pool table yourself, you can save a good deal of money and gain a true sense of satisfaction.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Chemical stripper
• Rags
• Medium steel wool
• Lacquer thinner
• Paintbrushes
• Stain
• Polyurethane
• Drill
• Screws
• New felt
• Staple gun with staples
• Scissors
• Adhesive
• Pocket liners
• Finishing nails
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Take the pool table apart into its main pieces. Unfasten and peel away the felt. Unscrew the slate top and lift it away; place the slate in a safe place.

2. Apply a thick layer of finish stripper to all of the wooden pieces of the pool table with a rag. Let the stripper sit until the surface begins to blister and scrape away all of the old finish with medium grade steel wool. Apply a generous amount of lacquer thinner to a clean rag and wipe all of the pieces down until they are free of stripper.

3. Brush the new stain onto all of the prepared wooden pieces in a single direction. Let the stain dry overnight and seal them with polyurethane. Allow the polyurethane to dry completely and reassemble the body of the table (except for the rails).

4. Reuse the slate you removed earlier or purchase a new slate top. Place the slate back onto the pool table top. Drill new holes in the perimeter of the slate if necessary and secure it to the table with screws.

5. Lay the new piece of felt centered over the top of the table and smooth out any wrinkles. Attach the felt with staples at the bases of the table edges. Begin stapling in the center of each edge and pull the felt taught before continuing.

6. Pull the loose end of the felt very firmly toward the other end of the table once the first end is fully attached. Secure the opposite end as you did the first. Stretch each side and attach it in turn.

7. Trim away superfluous felt at the pocket areas. Make short cuts in the felt that is left so that you can tuck it underneath each pocket. Secure the felt to the underside of the slate with a small amount of adhesive.

8. Reinstall the pool table rails. Reattach the pocket liners or attach new ones with finishing nails.

References

• How to Pool.com: Complete Pool Table Restoration Project