How to Move a Pool Table
Moving a pool table is like moving a piano – it’s tricky and requires knowledge, patience, and skill. Seeking a professional pool table mover to move your pool table and/or help to reassemble it in your new home is a smart idea. Lifting a pool table and transporting it from one place to another is out of the question. You must disassemble the parts in order to properly move a pool table.
The Required Steps for Moving a Pool Table:
- Remove the pockets. The first step you need to take to move a pool table is to remove the side pockets. You will need a few simple tools to do this, depending on how the pockets have been affixed to the table.
- Remove the rails. Using a wrench, unscrew the bolts holding the rails to the table and remove each rail.
- Loosen the felt. How you remove the felt depends upon how it’s been laid on the base. During this step is when you risk irreparable damage to the felt and you should consider this before you begin. The felt will either be stapled (easiest to remove) or glued (not so easy to remove).
- Remove the base. Unscrew the bolts holding the main base of the table onto the frame. You will need power tools at your disposal for this step.
- Separate the frame from the legs. Underneath the base is a frame. Detach this frame from the legs.
- Pack up the pool table. Now you’ve got your pool table broken down into its main parts and you can pack them in the truck as you would your other furniture. Please consider using furniture pads or shrink wrap to protect finished wood, particularly on valuable pieces.
- Pack up the pool table accessories. Place the pockets, balls, and any other accessories, along with standing cues in a large box. Fill the box with stuffing (pillows, blankets) to discourage the items from moving about. Note: gently place the folded felt in this box if room permits, or roll or fold it carefully and cover with a plastic wrap.
Consider using a professional pool table mover to assist or take care of the pool table move for you. Moving a pool table often gets overlooked as a special consideration during a move. If you don’t have the right tools, leave it to the last minute, or encounter a block during the process, you may find it’s not worth the hassle to do this on your own.
Good Luck!
