Your pool table is the centerpiece of your game room—it’s the proverbial hearth around which you gather with friends and loved ones for a little fun and friendly competition. That’s why it’s important to take the proper steps to move your pool table safely.
So, how do you move a pool table? Whether you’re moving your table into personal storage, downstairs to your renovated game room, or transferring it across the country to your new home, you must take the proper measures to protect your pool table, from its felt field to its legs. Your safest and easiest option is to hire a professional pool table mover. Movers will handle the heavy lifting and protect your pool table from damage. If you’re not looking to hire a professional pool table mover, here are 5 steps to help you get moving on your own.
Step 1: Take Measurements
A standard size pool table measures about three feet by seven feet, which means you’ll need to do some preliminary measuring to make sure you can maneuver through narrow doorways, corridors, and staircases.
Grab your measuring tape to gauge the dimensions of your pool table as well as any spaces it’ll need to pass through. Be sure to measure the height and width of:
- Doorways
- Hallways and corridors
- Staircases
You should also use these measurements to verify that the pool table will fit on the dollies and inside the vehicle you plan to move it in.
Step 2: Take It Apart
Depending on the amount of space you have, you’ll likely need to disassemble your pool table before you can transport it. And even if you have the space, taking it apart can make moving it more manageable.
Here’s the best way to disassemble most standard pool tables:
- Remove ball pockets – The ball pockets and pocket liners should be fairly easy to remove. They’ll be attached to the table by either screws or staples, so you’ll need a screwdriver and staple remover here.
- Remove rail bolts and rails – Use a socket wrench to remove the rail bolts from each side of the table. Then, carefully remove the rails. For most pool tables, each rail side is an individual piece that detaches easily from the others.
- Remove felt – The felt playing surface will also need to be removed. Generally, the felt is attached to the slate bed with staples, although in some cases, felt may be attached with glue. If so, gently pull backward on the felt, working from the outside in. Remove the felt with care to avoid damage.
- Remove slate bed screws – Removing the felt exposes the table bed, which is made of either slate or wood. It’s generally attached to the table via a series of screws, so you’ll likely need a drill to remove them.
- Remove slate bed – Once the screws are out, you can detach the bed from the rest of the table. For most models, the bed should come apart in two or three pieces, but you’ll likely need a friend or two to help with the lifting, as they can be quite heavy.
- Remove table legs – Finally, flip the table over and remove the legs. In many cases, the legs should easily unscrew from the base of the table. If they’re bolted in, you may need a wrench to remove them.
Step 3: Package and Label All Parts
You’ll be reassembling your pool table when it reaches its destination, so be sure to package and label all the parts you’ve removed, especially smaller pieces like ball pockets, bolts, and screws. Take care not to lose any of the pieces.
If you’re planning for there to be some time in between packing your things and making your move, consider renting a self storage unit to store bigger items like your pool table. This way, you can ensure your prized possessions are out of the way to avoid any damage while you finish renovating or packing your home.
Step 4: Move and Load Into Truck
Once the table has been taken apart, you should have very little trouble moving it. To keep it all safe during transport, be sure to:
- Wrap the table legs – Bubble wrap or moving pads will protect the table legs from knicks, scratches, and other damage during transport.
- Fold and package the felt – Fold the felt piece carefully and place it in a durable and water-proof package.
- Protect the base – Padding the base of your pool table with moving pads can help to keep your pool table in pristine condition.
- Protect the table bed – The table bed is one of the most fragile parts of your table, especially for slate pool tables. As such, take extra care when moving and transporting it. Helpful friends and dollies can be useful for this. You can also protect the bed with moving pads during transport.
Step 5: Transport and Reassemble
Once you’ve safely loaded and secured your pool table, you can transport it from your home or self storage unit to its new space. The final step is pool table installation, then you’re ready to find a worthy competitor, chalk your cue stick, and break like a pro.
Price Self Storage: Storage Made Simple ®
Knowing how to move a pool table without a pool table moving service and carefully planning your moving methodology can streamline your moving process. However, if you need a place to store your larger items like pool tables, refrigerators, or even pianos, Price Self Storage has a variety of sizing options detailed in our storage size charts.
When you choose Price Self Storage, you’ll not only enjoy our competitive rates, month-to-month leases, and climate-controlled units—you’ll also enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your belongings are stored in a well-lit facility equipped with on-site security cameras. Start with one of our storage experts today.
Sources:
Legacy Billiards. Regulation Size Billiard Tables: What is Regulation? https://www.legacybilliards.com/blogs/resources/regulation-size-billiard-tables-what-is-regulation#
WikiHow. How to Disassemble a Pool Table. https://www.wikihow.com/Disassemble-a-Pool-Table
