Moving a pool table or billiard table is a specialised task, quite different from relocating regular furniture. These tables are not only heavy and delicate but also represent a significant investment, so proper care is crucial if you want to keep your precious pool table safe and perfectly level. You can move a pool table to another house or even a new location safely by planning ahead and following the right steps for pool table moving.
A lot can go wrong if you rush or skip key steps in the pool table removal process. Taking the table apart and moving it piece by piece including the table legs and slate makes things much easier and protects your pool table from damage. You’ll need a few basic tools, some patience, and a clear plan to get the job done right, whether it’s a local pool table move or further afield.
Key Takeaways
- Careful planning and preparation are essential for a stress-free pool table moving experience, helping to avoid damage.
- Dismantling the pool table and moving its components in pieces is the safest and easiest method for moving pool tables.
- Reassembling and levelling the table at your new house is crucial for ensuring a good game on your slate pool table.
Essential Preparations Before Moving
Before starting the pool table removal process, ensure you have measured all spaces, collected the right supplies, and planned for safe handling of your pool table. Proper preparation can help prevent damage and make the pool table move faster and easier.
Measuring Doorways and Pathways
Accurate measurements are important before you lift or move a pool table or any of its parts. Get a measuring tape and note the width and height of every doorway, hallway, and staircase the pool table must pass through to reach its new location.
Record the dimensions and compare them with your table’s size after it has been disassembled. Check for narrow corners or low ceilings that could be a problem. It’s helpful to create a simple sketch or write down tricky spots so you can plan the best route for moving the pool table.
If a pool table part, like the slate, seems too large, consider removing doors from their hinges or clearing out furniture to make space. Make sure you tell anyone helping with the pool table moving service about tight areas so you can all be prepared on moving day.
Gathering the Right Tools and Materials
Before disassembly for your pool table removal, gather all the necessary tools and packing materials. This often includes:
- A socket wrench or spanner
- Screwdriver set (a power drill can be handy for some screws)
- Staple remover or pliers
- Plenty of moving blankets
- Bubble wrap
- Strong packing tape
- Plastic bags for bolts and screws (especially rail bolts)
- A marker or labels
Pool tables are heavy and their components can be easily scratched or damaged. Securely wrap each piece, especially the slate (the slate slab is very delicate), with moving blankets or padding. The wrapping process is key.
Keep small parts in labelled bags so you don’t lose anything. Set the appropriate tools you will need in one box for quick access later. You can buy or hire these supplies, or contact Perth Cheap Movers to make your pool table move easier; we offer an efficient service.
Safety Considerations for Handling
Pool tables can weigh several hundred kilos, making heavy lifting a significant concern. Always use safe lifting techniques lift with your legs, not your back, and keep your movements slow and steady when moving a pool table.
It’s best to have at least three or four people to help with the pool table moving and lifting. Make sure all helpers wear closed shoes and have gloves for grip.
Clear the path of any trip hazards, pets, or clutter. Plan how you will handle steps or slopes, using furniture sliders or a trolley/dolly whenever possible.
If you need to move a pool table with its large, heavy slate pieces and want to avoid injury or damage, you can contact Perth Cheap Movers. Our team of professional pool table movers is experienced with pool table removals and can handle all the heavy lifting for you, ensuring your pool table is moved safely.
Disassembling the Pool Table
Taking apart your pool table is an important step before moving a pool table. To prevent damage to your precious pool table, pay close attention to every part, from the table legs to the slate, and use the right tools as you work.
Removing the Pockets and Rails
Start by taking out the ball pockets. Most pool tables use screws securing the pockets under the rails. Use a screwdriver or small wrench to carefully remove them. If your pockets are stapled, use pliers or a staple remover to pull out the staples. Label each pocket so you can reattach them in the right spots later.
Next, move on to the rails. Usually, six rails surround the table. Locate the rail bolts holding them underneath and loosen them with a socket wrench. As you remove each rail, place the bolts and hardware in labelled zip bags. This step makes it easier when reassembling your pool table.
Be gentle with both parts to avoid scratching or tearing the wood. If any hardware appears worn or stripped, consider replacing it during reassembly of your own pool table.
Taking Off the Felt
Carefully remove the pool table’s felt covering the slate. Most felt is either stapled or glued. If it’s stapled, use a staple remover or flathead screwdriver to remove each staple. Work slowly to avoid tearing the felt, especially if you plan to reuse it on your pool table.
If the felt is glued, gently peel it up from one corner, pulling evenly to avoid stretching. Some glue might remain on the slate, so you may need to gently scrape it off with a non-metal tool. Fold the felt neatly to prevent creases and store it in a plastic bag for protection.
Check the felt for any holes, rips, or worn patches. If you notice damage, now is a good time to plan for a replacement before setting up the table in your new house. This ensures your next game is on a perfect surface.
Detaching the Slate
The slate is the heaviest and most fragile part of your slate pool table. Usually, your table will have one large or three smaller slate pieces. The slate is secured with screws or bolts, often hidden under putty. Use a screwdriver to remove the putty and reveal the fasteners.
Carefully unscrew each bolt, working in a diagonal pattern to keep the slate balanced. Mark or label each slate piece and note its original position. This helps maintain a level playing surface during reassembly of your pool table.
Always ask for help from a professional pool table mover like Perth Cheap Movers to handle the slate. It can break or chip easily and is often too heavy for one person to lift safely. When you wrap slate, do it carefully. Stack slate pieces upright on their edges with padding to prevent cracking during the pool table move. Handling the slate slab correctly is vital.
Transporting the Pool Table Components
Make sure every pool table component is well protected during the trip in the moving vehicle. Safe lifting, loading, and unloading are key to safe transport and help prevent injury and damage to your pool table.
Protecting Pool Table Parts During Transit
Securely wrap each piece of the pool table with moving blankets or thick towels. Focus on the table frame, table legs (each leg individually), slate, and ball pockets. Use plastic wrap or bubble wrap for sharp corners and delicate parts of your pool table.
Tape the moving blankets securely but avoid packing tape directly on the wood to prevent marks. Stack parts flat to stop them from shifting in the moving truck. For the slate pieces, stack only one piece at a time and keep it upright or lying on a flat, stable surface.
Label all hardware and small parts. Use plastic bags or small containers and tape them to the main table frame. This keeps everything organised for reassembling your pool table in its same condition as before the move.
Loading and Unloading Safely
Plan your path before moving the table parts to the moving vehicle or moving truck. Clear the way of any obstacles from the house to the truck, and lay down mats if possible to stop slips on the floor.
Use a trolley or dolly for the heavy slate and main table frame. Never lift the slate alone. Even small pool tables have heavy slates that need at least two or three people to carry safely. A hydraulic lift might be used by professional pool table movers for extremely heavy items.
Lift with your legs, not your back, and keep each piece close to your body. When you reach the moving truck, load larger pool table components first and stack lighter pieces on top. Tie down each part with straps or ropes for the drive to the new location.
If you do not have enough people or the appropriate tools, consider hiring a professional pool table moving service like Perth Cheap Movers in Perth. They have the experience, know-how, and equipment for safe transport of pool tables, even for a short distance or if you’re moving it within the same house or same room.
Reassembling and Leveling at the New Home
Moving a pool table takes care and patience, but getting your pool table moved and set up again in its new location or new residence is just as important. A well leveled and carefully reassembled table will help keep your games accurate and fun.
Reinstalling the Slate and Felt
Start by placing the table frame exactly where you want your pool table. Make sure there’s enough space around all sides for easy movement. Next, lay each slate piece back onto the table frame. Line up any seams tightly and double check they’re flat against the surface.
Secure the slate with screws, following the pattern you used when taking it apart. Mix some plaster or beeswax and fill in the seams for a smooth surface. Let it dry. Once the seams are smooth, roll out the pool table’s felt. Pull it tight and staple it gently along the edges, avoiding wrinkles and tears. Smooth out the felt with your hands to make sure it lays flat on the slate pool table.
Ensuring Proper Alignment and Balance
It’s critical to get the table perfectly level – on the same level. Use a carpenter’s level along all edges of the pool table and across the diagonal.
Adjust the table legs (or all the legs) by turning the built-in levelers or add thin shims under the table legs. After each adjustment, check the level again. Move slowly and check in more than one spot to make sure the table isn’t sloping.
Look for gaps under any part of the table frame. If you find one, add another shim and try again. A properly balanced pool table makes the balls roll in a straight line. Don’t rush this, take your time until it’s perfect.
Final Touches and Inspections
Check that all rail bolts and other screws are tight. If anything is loose, tighten it with the correct tools.
Reattach the ball pockets and rails, making sure they’re secure. Run your hands along the felt to check for bumps or uneven spots on your pool table. Wipe the surface down with a clean, dry cloth.
Tip: If you want everything set up for your pool table move with no stress, Perth Cheap Movers offers a professional pool table moving service that can help with disassembly, transport, and levelling. This saves time and ensures the table is ready to play as soon as possible, providing a stress-free experience. Our pool table removals services are comprehensive.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many people run into problems when moving a pool table due to not planning the moving process well or trying to handle the pool table removal alone. Learning from these common mistakes can help you avoid injury, damage, and extra costs.
Overlooking Important Steps
Forgetting key steps in pool table moving, like removing the table legs or slate pieces, often leads to broken parts. Pool tables are heavy and awkward, so dismantling them is not optional for a safe pool table move. Always take off the balls, ball pockets, rails, felt, and slates in order.
If you skip labelling pool table components and screws, you might spend hours trying to put everything back. Use bags or containers and label each one for items like bolts and nuts. This keeps small parts from getting lost during the pool table removal.
Securely wrap each part well with moving blankets or thick towels. Skipping this step causes scratches or dents. Even professional pool table movers like Perth Cheap Movers use extra padding.
Careless removal or storage of the pool table’s felt can leave it wrinkled or torn. Fold or roll it gently and place it in a clean bag. Always check the new house or location for size and clear paths before you start the pool table moving process, so nothing has to get forced through a door.
Attempting the Move Alone
Pool tables can weigh over 300 kilograms. Attempting a DIY move or trying to lift or move a pool table on your own is unsafe and risks injury or property damage. At least four adults are needed for moving pool tables, and even then, the pool table move is tricky.
Carrying heavy slate pieces without help may also crack the slate or damage the table frame or table legs. The weight is uneven, which makes dropping parts much easier than you think.
You also risk scratching the floor and walls by bumping corners. Using furniture sliders, dollies, and straps is not enough if you don’t have team support for your own pool table.
Hiring local pool table removalists or a professional service like PerthCheapMovers is often the safest and simplest choice for pool table removals. Professional pool table movers have the appropriate tools, know-how, and skills to do the job right, saving you time and hassle, and ensuring your pool table is moved without a hitch. They offer a complete pool table moving service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving a pool table involves special equipment, careful handling, and can cost more than moving other furniture due to its weight and size. Using appropriate tools and techniques can help avoid damage to the table or your house. For more general questions, see our FAQ page.
Can a slate pool table be moved without dismantling it?
No, you should not try to move a pool table of this type without taking it apart. The slate is heavy and brittle; trying to move it whole can cause cracks or breaks in the slate slab. Most experts, including professional pool table movers like Perth Cheap Movers, recommend disassembling the table first for any pool table removal.
What precautions should be taken when moving a pool table to ensure the slate does not break?
Remove the pool table’s felt and rails before moving the slate pieces. Use thick moving blankets or moving pads to wrap slate. Carry each slate piece flat and avoid tilting. Make sure there are enough people to support the weight evenly during the pool table move.
Is it feasible to relocate a pool table without professional assistance, and what are the risks?
It is possible to move your own pool table yourself, but it is risky for a DIY move. You could damage the slate, table frame, or felt, or hurt yourself with the heavy lifting of parts. Professional pool table removalists like Perth Cheap Movers have the right tools and experience to handle pool tables and billiard tables safely, offering an efficient service for pool table removals.
What are the estimated costs associated with transporting a full-sized pool table?
Moving a pool table (a full-sized one) in Perth usually costs between $300 and $800. The price for the pool table moving service depends on distance (e.g., to a new house or location, or even for interstate removals), stairs, size of the table, and how much work is needed to dismantle and reassemble the pool table. Special requests may add to the pool table removal cost.
How should a three-piece slate pool table be safely moved?
Start by removing the ball pockets, rails, and felt from the pool table. Then carefully lift each of the three slate pieces off the table frame. Protect each slate section during transport with padding or moving blankets. Make sure each slate piece is carried by at least two strong people to keep it steady during the pool table move.
Are there specific tools or equipment recommended for moving a pool table?
Yes, for a pool table move, you will need necessary tools like a staple remover, power drill, flat dollies, moving straps, and thick moving blankets or pads. A spirit level is crucial for reassembly to ensure the table is on the same level. Professional pool table moving companies like Perth Cheap Movers can supply all the appropriate tools and equipment for your pool table removal.