How to Move a Pool Table

Learn how to move your slate pool table safely, the correct way so nothing gets damaged and nobody gets hurt.

First and foremost, DO NOT attempt to move your pool table in one piece. The majority of pool tables are not designed to be moved this way. Bad things can and likely will happen. See our series “How Not to Move Your Pool Table” parts 1-5 if you don’t believe us.

DISCLAIMER: We are not responsible for damages, medical bills, or expenses from an injury lawyer as a result of following the guide below. Seriously. This can be dangerous work. You are likely, not insured, nor have the 30+ years of experience (like we do) to do this kind of work. Continue at your own risk.

Moving a Pool Table Instructions

Time Required:
About 1-3 Hours

Tools Needed:

  • Cordless Drill with appropriately sized sockets/bits
  • Permanent Marker such as Sharpie
  • Thin-bladed slotted screwdriver
  • Pair of Diagonal Cutters/Dikes
  • Large Magnet (optional)
  • Strong friend or family member (or two) willing to help
  • A pickup truck or van

Step One: Removing the Rails

Removing Rail Section

Note the head of the pool table. This is where the nameplate usually is and the side on which you place your cue ball to break. Working your way around the table, remove each railbolt from underneath the rails. Take care to collect the washers and bolts and keep them together in a small box or bag. Carefully remove the staples or tacks where the leather nets attach to the underside of the slate. Typically, the rails are connected in two U-shaped sections. With the help of your assistant, gently lift the connected rails and flip over so that the bottom of the rails are facing up. Label the rails Head, Head Left, Head Right, Foot, etc. Remove the pocket bolts securing the pocket to the rail. Place them with the other hardware or screw them back into the pockets.

Step Two: Removing the Felt

Removing the billiard cloth, aka felt, carefully can often save you the cost of refelting. There are few shortcuts to taking the cloth off but the best way is the most time-consuming. Removing the staples one by one takes time and can be a tedious task. That’s why you enlist help. Taking your time prevents tearing the cloth and also doesn’t leave staples sticking out of the slate liner, saving your hands when it comes time to carry.

Work around the perimeter with the screwdriver. Pry each staple off then remove it using the pliers. A magnet can be helpful after you are complete to pick up any loose staples left behind as they easily get stuck in the carpet.

Fold the felt neatly and place it with hardware so it doesn’t become misplaced.

Step Three: Removing the Slates



remove slate screws


Carry Pool Table Slate

Carry Pool Table Slate

The three pieces of slate are secured into the frame with 1 to 3 inch slate screws. The seams are typically joined together with beeswax, though sometimes they are puttied or Bondo’d. Draw an arc spanning the three slates and mark the head slate, if not already marked. Remove all slate screws, including ones possibly in the center covered by wax, putty or Bondo.

Separate end slates first by sliding them apart a few inches. Some slates are dowelled, so lifting up without separating can break the dowels. Next, scrape seams clean of wax or putty. Mark the center slate in relation to its position on the frame using hatch marks. This ensures the middle slate will go back to the exact same position during setup.

Carry the slate pieces to the truck and stack them one on top of another in the bed making sure that they sit perfectly flat on one another. Do not place anything between. Double-check the bottom of the slate for any shims or other debris. Even something very small can cause the slates to crack during transport. Each piece must remain completely flat. Lift each off with one person on each side of the slate piece. Seams sealed with wax come apart easily. Great care should be taken with seams sealed with Bondo as it is likely to chip the slate when pulled apart.

Advice from the Pool Table King:

king


Look here and listen, buddy. Don’t try and move this in one piece with a bunch of friends. And, don’t be too proud to schedule a professional to
move your pool table
for you. Save your back and protect your investment!

Step Four: Load Frame, Rails, and Parts


Load Pool Table Frame

Load Pool Table Frame

The frame of the table will be heavy, but manageable. Turn on its side to get through a doorway or around a tight corner. There are instances where legs can and should be removed from the main frame, but most commonly it can remain completely intact for the move.

Load the pool table frame into the truck, then secure it with straps for its journey. Wrap rails with moving blankets or towels to prevent scratches, then load in the truck. Don’t forget to load pockets, hardware, and felt. Most folks will place these items in the truck cab, but you can also leave them in the bed if you’d like.

Don’t forget your balls, cue sticks, and rack!

Step Five: Drive to Your New Location and Unload

When you reach your destination, start by unloading your frame first. Work your way backward through steps four and then three to begin the setup process.