Preparing Your Pool Table for Relocation

Step 1: Gather the Right Tools and Supplies

Bare hands are not enough to move a pool table. Gather the tools and packing materials you need before getting started. Using proper materials or packing and unpacking services can significantly reduce the risk of damage:

• Wrench or screwdriver (depending on the bolts in your table)
• A staple remover or a flathead screwdriver (otherwise known as the felt one)
• Power drill (optional, to take apart faster, disassemble)
• Relocating padding or blankets
• Taping and plastic transparencies
• Hardware strong boxes
• Furniture sliders or dollies
• Bags with screws and bolts labelled

It will facilitate the process greatly to have such pieces available.

Step 2: Clean up the Area of the Table

Moving a billiard table needs a lot of space to operate. Clear the table by removing chairs, stools, or other pieces of furniture, to provide movers with the necessary space to disassemble and carry each piece devoid of any damage. Proper preparation follows the same principles used when moving heavy furniture safely.

Step 3: Removal of the Pockets

Start with the pockets removed. The majority of the pockets are stapled or screwed to the frame. Gently remove them with a screwdriver or staple remover. Put all screws or staples into a labelled bag to ensure that they can be easily put together again.

Step 4: Detach the Rails

You have the rails removed when the pockets are out. Remove the bolts holding the rails onto the table. The rails of some tables are united in pairs, so do not forget the order. Under the rails, cover with moving blankets or bubble wrap to keep them from being scratched.

Step 5: Remove the Felt

The cloth is one of the most sensitive components of a billiard table. The slate has either stapled or glued material on it. The staples should be removed with the help of a staple remover, or the glued felt should be torn away. Be patient, the temptation to align the felt quickly is high, but the results can be ripped or stretched. After removing, fold the felt neatly and store it in a dry clean bag/box.

Step 6: Separation of the Slats

The table has the heaviest part, which is called the slat. Most of the modern pool tables have different slats. This could be three pieces of slats or just a single slab of slats. Each of the slat pieces could be more than 100 kg, so you will require several people (or movers) to move it without risking injuries.

Unscrew the slat from the frame and keep the screws in a bag labelled accordingly. When removed, place the moving blankets around each piece of slat and tape or strap them in place to protect against chipping.
Read More: How We Successfully Transported a 900kg Pool Table Without Damage

Step 7: Disassemble the Frame and Legs

The legs and a frame are left, which do not weigh much and are handy to hold because of the removal of the slate. Take off the legs from the frame and pack them separately. In the case where the frame is large, see whether it can be disassembled or not so that it is easier to carry it.

Step 8: Pack and Protect Each Component

Since the pool table is now completely broken down:

• Put moving blankets to cover each part (rails, legs, frame, slate, pockets).
• Tape or strap blankets.
• Put screws, bolts and other hardware in separate labelled plastic bags.
• Keep all parts intact so that you do not lose any parts in the process of moving it.

Step 9: Load Safely

Move the parts using dollies or sliders on heavy pieces, particularly the slate. In case you can not manage going up or down stairs or need to go through narrow corridors, contract movers to avoid injuries or disturbances to your property. Load the slat and frame into the moving truck first and secure it with straps to the sides. Put lighter objects over them or on top of them.

Step 10: Reassembly at the New Location

After arriving at the new site, the pool table will require re-assembly with caution and levelling. This is one of the most problematic sections because the slats must be ceiling lined up to ensure a smooth, polished play. Sometimes installers will use some special tools and fillers to eliminate the exposure of gaps and bumps between sections of slats. Unless you feel more confident to reassemble the table by yourself, it is strongly advisable to find team who can help you do it.