Frequently Asked Questions

Commonly asked questions, answered by the Pool Table Guru
It's so heavy! How do I move my pool table?

It is not suggested to get a few strong humans and move the pool table intact with brute strength. You should consult a professional before moving your pool table yourself. They can provide useful information based on your table’s brand and style.  NEVER, EVER take the legs off of a furniture-style pool table or turn it on its side to try and fit it through the door. This WILL cause major damage to the leg mounts, blind aprons, or slate, and cost a small fortune to fix.

If you still want to grab a buddy and move a slate billiard table yourself, see our guide: How to Move a Pool Table

Is it okay to move a pool table without taking it apart?

99% of the time the answer is “NO”! The only exception is a pool table that is constructed to be tipped over onto its side (coin-operated table) or in a situation where there is a large opening that the table can be dollied out as a whole. You should still consult a professional before moving your pool table yourself. Even tables in these situations can be damaged if they are improperly manhandled. NEVER, EVER take the legs off of a furniture-style pool table or turn it on its side to try and fit it through the door. This WILL cause major damage to the leg mounts, blind aprons, or slate, and cost a small fortune to fix.
See our guide: How to Move a Pool Table

What colors and types of billiard cloth are available?

There is much more than green!

DK Billiards stocks about 20-30 different colors and styles of pool table felt.
View our billiard felt color chart here.

How much room do I need for a pool table?

Measuring for a pool table can be tricky. Not only do billiard tables come in different sizes, but cue stick lengths also play a big role. To help make things a little easier for you, we have a handy-dandy game room planning guide. Print it out and arrange it to your liking. Then bring the guide to our showroom and let us help you find the right size products for you.

Gameroom Planning Chart 

What is a standard size pool table? How do I know what size table I have?

Most people refer to an 8′ pool table as a standard for home use. The playing field is 44″ x 88″. Most coin-operated “bar” pool tables are 7′ and tournament-sized tables are 9′. The best way to find out what size pool table you have is to measure from cushion tip to cushion tip on the short side, or width of the table. The length is always double the width. The only time you should measure the outside dimensions of your pool table is when you are ordering a custom cover.

How to Properly Measure Your Pool Table

How much does a pool table weigh?

A typical 8’ slate pool table weighs about 750-850 pounds.

How long will my felt last?

If the pool table is used daily for four to six hours you can expect your billiard cloth to last about 3 years. Most people, however, will choose to change the cloth color long before it is worn out. You can prolong the life of your cloth by brushing your table regularly and even using a small handheld vacuum is good to remove all of the chalk that settles into the cloth. Remember, keeping your pool table covered is the best way to protect and preserve your felt.

Is this the same as Danny K’s Billiards?

We are not affiliated with Danny K’s. Naming is merely a coincidence as a result of David’s name. Danny K’s founder, Danny Kuykendall, is widely recognized as one of California’s leading tournament directors. He is also a world-class pocket billiard player who believes in the etiquette of the game and describes it as an art form. For more information about Danny K’s Billiards and Sports Bar visit dannyks.com.

How do I brush my pool table?

The best way to brush your pool table is to stay in one direction. This will keep the nap of the cloth uniform. It is also okay to use a small handheld vacuum cleaner to help remove any chalk dust that has settled onto the slate bed. A lint roller is also a lifesaver for dark cloth colors or pet hair and is safe to use.

How much space do I need for my pool table?

A standard 44” x 88” (8’) pool table needs a minimum of 42” around the playing field. Ideally, you should have at least 58” for a standard-sized cue. Check our Room Chart for more info.

Is it necessary to replace the felt when moving a pool table?

No. The billiard cloth (aka felt) can usually be reused if it has been removed carefully and has not been re-stretched more than two times before (except worsted cloth). Remember that any tiny nicks or small tears in the cloth will get slightly larger and more noticeable when re-stretched onto the slate bed, and refelting at the time of your move or setup saves you around $100 in labor.

How long should my cushion rubber last?

Generally, 20-25 years, although some cushion rubber lasts longer. If the pool table has seen direct sunlight, cushion life will be greatly reduced. We have also seen pool tables less than five years old that have “dead” cushions. It is unusual but it happens. You can test your cushions by rolling a ball firmly against a cushion on the short side. It should make 3 or 4 cushion-to-cushion contacts before coming to rest. The telltale sign of a dead cushion is a “thud” noise on contact. Cushions should be quiet and lively.

How high should I hang my lamp above my pool table?

There should be 32-36” between the bottom of the lamp and the cloth on the slate.

When should I replace my cue tip? (How can I prevent tears in my cloth?)

You should check your cue tip regularly for wear. When the leather tip wears down to the thickness of a dime it is time to replace it. By keeping your tip in good shape, you will not only get consistent play but also prevent small cuts in the cloth from miscues.
Related Post: Oops, I Ripped My Felt!

Can I put a pool table upstairs?

Yes! There is usually an additional fee to move a pool table up a flight of stairs, but there is no reason that you can not put it there. We are assuming that your place is up to code. If you are unsure please consult a licensed general contractor. The pool table is probably as heavy as three or four big men.

What are billiard balls made of?
Modern, high-quality billiard balls are made of pure phenolic resin. Lower-quality balls are made of polyester or other polymers. Resin balls last longer, clean easier, and prevent burn marks in billiard cloth. Ivory balls are extremely rare and have not been used for decades for ethical reasons.
What do I do? I spilled my drink on the pool table cloth!

Remember that prevention is key. You should not eat or drink near your pool table. But, if you do find yourself in this situation, act quickly. Absorb as much liquid as possible with clean dry paper towels. The longer the liquid sits, the more it will stain the cloth.

We offer billiard cloth embedded with Teflon to help you keep your pool table clean. This is a great preventative measure, but secondary to not setting your drink on the rail of your pool table.

How long does it take to…
  • Setup a new pool table? Approximately 1.5 – 2 hours.
  • Move a pool table from one house to another? About 3 hours, not including drive time or flights of stairs.
  • Refelt a pool table? About 2 hours.
What breed is Mila?

Dutch Shepherd