How To Move A Pool Table Safely To Your New House in 6 Steps

Key Takeaways: 

• Identify whether your pool table is a slate or non-slate table, as how to move a pool table properly.
• Gather and prepare all required tools and materials needed for the move, such as a socket set, screwdrivers, moving blankets, lifting straps, and more.
• Measure doorways and clear the path in your home to prevent damage carefully.
• Pay close attention to the slate when disassembling your table, and follow the instructions strictly.
• Tightly wrap every component, paying particular attention to the slate to prevent damage.
• Carefully reassemble your pool table, ensuring its level for the best possible play.

Prepare to move a pool table

Step 1: Preparation for Moving a Pool Table

Before learning how to move pool table, you should understand your kind of pool table and its components.

Assessing the Pool Table

• Identifying the type of pool table (slate vs. non-slate).

The difference between slate and non slate tables

You should know what material the pool table is made of to  its weight and find the most suitable and easy way to move it successfully.

Pool tables typically have slate or non-slate surfaces.

A slate pool table has a flat and rigid surface made from a rock called slate. This rock is perfect for playing because it stays smooth and even. 

Non-slate tables are made from other affordable materials such as wood or synthetic materials. 

Therefore, a slate table is heavier than a non-slate one.

• Understanding the pool table components.

Understanding the parts of a pool table can help you carefully move and maintain each part of it. Below is the anatomy of a basic pool table:

• Bed: This is the flat surface of the pool table where you hit the balls.
• Cabinet: The main body of a billiard table under the bed
• Rails: The cushioned edges surrounding the surface.
• Pockets: Holes in the edges where balls fall in.
• Frame: The main structure of the pool table that holds all the parts together.
• Legs: These are to support the table and keep it steady.
• Cloth: This is the fabric covering the playing surface.

Gathering Necessary Tools and Materials

Necessary tool for moving a pool table

To move the pool table, you should gather the right tools to support your moving process. 

When taking the pool apart, you need the necessary tools, including drills, screwdrivers, and socket wrenches. You’ll also need moving gear, such as pads and stretch wraps.

You should include moving blankets, bubble wrap, and packing tape to protect the pool table from damage during the move.

About the tools to move the pool table, you’ll need a dolly or trolley to handle the heavy parts and lifting straps, which are great for moving pool tables or securing the weight of a slate one during transportation.

Measuring Doorways and Paths

Measuring the doorway to effectively find the way to move pool table

Before relocating the pool table, measure the height and width of doors, hallways, and staircases with measuring tape to ensure it can pass through them.

Tip: Cover the table’s sharp edges with bumpers or towels to prevent damage while moving. 

Before moving the pool table, you also need to measure the pool table, check for obstacles and clear the path. Some parts, like the heavy slate, may need two people. Taking the table apart makes the stairs easier. 

Teamwork is crucial for balance and safety. Go slow and prioritize a clear path. With planning and teamwork, you’ll handle stairs like a pro.

Step 2: Disassembling the Pool Table

If you have little space, the best way to move a pool table is to take it apart before moving. Even if you have enough space, disassembling it can make driving easier.

Disassembling all the parts of the Pool Table

Here’s the recommended way to disassemble most standard pool tables:

Removing the Pockets and Rails

Taking out the ball pockets and rails is simple. Below are the simple steps to remove:

• Using a screwdriver or staple remover to take out pockets (as they’re usually attached with screws or staples).
• Use a socket wrench to loosen the rail bolts on each side of the table. 
• Gently take off the rails.

Taking Apart the Felt

The felt usually sticks to the slate bed with staples, although sometimes it may stick by glue. If so, you should use a staple remover and carefully withdraw each staple or gently pull backward on the felt, working from the outside to remove the felt from the slate. 

After removing the felt, roll or fold it gently to prevent wrinkles or damage and prepare it for safe transportation.

Disassembling the Slate

When you remove the felt, you’ll see the table bed, which could be slate or wood. It’s usually fixed to the table with screws, so you’ll need a drill to remove them. Once the screws are out, you can separate the slate from the rest of the table. 

Usually, it comes apart in two or three pieces, but you might need someone to help because they can be heavy.

Once you take it off, wrap the slate well in moving blankets or anything soft to protect it from scratches or damage while you move it.

Step 3: Packing and Protecting the Components

Wrapping Components for Protection

Carefully wrap the slate of the pool table for moving

Moving the pool table will be pretty straightforward once you’ve taken the table apart. To ensure it stays safe:

• Wrap the table legs: Cover them with bubble wrap or moving pads to prevent scratches or damage.
• Pack the felt: Carefully fold it and put it in a robust, waterproof package.
• Protect the base: Use moving pads to cushion and keep it safe.
• Protect the slate bed: The slate is delicate, so you should handle it carefully. Ask for help or use dollies to move it safely, and cover it with moving pads for extra protection during transport.

Securely Packing Smaller Parts

Once your pool table arrives at its new place, you’ll need to put it back together. Remember to pack up and label all the parts you took off, tiny things like pockets, bolts, and screws. Make sure nothing gets lost.

If you’re not moving immediately after packing up, consider renting a self-storage unit for oversized items like your pool table. This storage keeps your stuff safe while you prepare everything else for the move.

Step 4: Moving the Pool Table

Preparing the Moving Vehicle

Moving vehicle for the process

You can arrange to move the pool table yourself in your own vehicle or hire a truck or other service.

Using a moving truck to protect the pool table from rain, sun, or other weather that could damage it. It’s better when the truck has a hydraulic tail lift, so lifting heavy slate is easier without hurting your back.

Make sure you wrap every part of the pool table well with moving blankets and maybe even bubble wrap before taking it to your new home. The slates, especially, need extra care because they’re heavy and can easily break. 

Safely Transporting the Pool Table

How to move a pool table safely? Picking the right moving truck is just the start; how you drive is important, too. Follow these driving tips to keep your pool table parts safe:

• Drive smoothly: Avoid sudden starts, stops, and turns that could shift the pool table. Accelerate gently, brake early, and be careful on turns, roundabouts, and corners.
• Keep a moderate speed: Drive at a speed where you can react if needed.
• Choose good roads: Avoid bumpy roads and low-hanging branches that could jostle or damage the components. Pick routes with less traffic.

Step 5: Reassembling the Pool Table

Reassembling the pool table after the move

Putting the pool table back together in your new place might seem tricky, but you’ll have to reverse your steps to take it apart.

Setting Up the Frame and Legs

• Place the frame where you want the pool table. Ensure it’s perfectly level, which is super essential for playing correctly.
• Reattach the legs to the main structure. Remember to follow the label when you wrap it.

Installing the Slate

Follow 3 steps to install the slate:

• Gently put the slate on top of the frame.
• Use a level again to make sure it’s flat. 
• If there are seams between pieces of slate, fill them with beeswax or a special bonding agent, then smooth them out.

Reattaching the Felt

Carefully refelt by putting the felt back on the slate, ensuring it’s nice and smooth without any wrinkles. You should staple or glue it down, depending on how it was before.

Reinstalling the Rails and Pockets

Reinstalling is the final step in completing the assembly.

• Attach the pockets on the rails. 
• Double-check to ensure all the bolts and screws are tight and everything feels stable.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Leveling the Pool Table

After reassembling, you should make the table flat again. Sometimes, the place isn’t perfectly flat, so pool tables have adjustable feet to fix this.

Once you’ve sorted out the frame and any big imbalances, leveling the table is time. Get a friend to hold a level on a flat part of the frame, and

• Check if it’s level.
• If not, lift the end that needs adjusting.
• Have your friend tweak the leg.
• Put the table back down.
• Check again and keep adjusting if required.

Maintenance and Care Tips

Proper pool table maintenance can bring you the joy of smooth gameplay for longer. These are some tips to take care of your pool table.

• Post-move maintenance tips.
• Check the frame, legs, and playing surface for cracks, scratches, or misalignment.
• Use a carpenter’s level to ensure your pool table is properly leveled after the move. 
• Adjust the table legs to achieve perfect leveling, which is crucial for accurate gameplay.
• Check and tighten any bolts or fasteners that may have loosened during the move.
• Carefully install the pool table felt without damage or stretch to ensure smooth ball roll and gameplay.
• Ongoing care for your pool table.
• Regularly clean the pool table and brush off any dust.
• Cover the pool table when you don’t use it to prevent the table from weather, dust, and scratches.
• Stop putting sharp and heavy stuff on the table, even drinks.
• Limit moving the table and keep it in a place with steady temperature and humidity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest way to move a pool table?

The simplest way to move a pool table is to hire a service. Although it is the most costly way, it is worthwhile. A third party with experience in moving services can easily give you a stable pool table in another place and limit the damage to the table.

How much does it cost to move a pool table?

Moving a pool table can cost between $300 and $800. This cost covers taking it apart, moving it, and putting it back together in its new spot. Smaller or lighter tables usually cost less, while bigger or heavier ones cost more.

How to move a pool table without taking it apart?

If you want to move the pool table without taking it apart, you can use sliders or dollies, especially when moving only a short distance, like to a nearby room. But it’s best to do this with someone helping you, and it’s only suitable for short moves.

Can you move a slate pool table without disassembling it?

Yes, you may use dollies, sliders, or pool table lifts to move the slate without disassembling it. Remembering to secure the slates using moving blankets and bubble wrap during the procedure would also be ideal. 

When loading, never lay the slates flat or at an angle. To prevent them from shifting, lay your slates flat on the ground and strap them to the truck.