How To Move A Pool Table When Relocating

Step-by-Step Guide To Understand The Pool Table Moving Process

Moving a pool table is like relocating a giant puzzle, and doing it improperly can lead to costly mistakes. These beautiful and often expensive pieces are intricate, with components that can easily be damaged if not handled properly. For this reason, if you’re wondering how to move a pool table when relocating, you’re in the right place.

Whether you’re moving across town or to another state, this guide will walk you through every step of the process.

Why Planning Is Key To A Safe Pool Table Move

Pool tables aren’t your average furniture. Most weigh between 500 to 2,500 pounds and consist of fragile parts like the slate, felt, and frame. 

Selecting the right tools and determining if professional assistance is necessary can significantly influence the outcome of your move, sometimes even preventing costly damage. Here’s why skipping a strategy could cost you more than you think:

• Risk of damage to flooring and walls: A single misstep while maneuvering a heavy part could gouge hardwood, dent drywall, or chip tile.
• Injury to yourself or others: Slate is not only heavy but awkward to carry. Without proper lifting technique or equipment, back injuries, crushed fingers, or worse can happen quickly.
• Voiding warranty or insurance coverage: Some manufacturers or insurers require that pool tables be moved by certified professionals to maintain coverage. DIY handling might leave you unprotected if something goes wrong.
• Incorrect reassembly: A pool table must be precisely leveled for proper gameplay. If it’s not reconstructed perfectly, it could ruin your experience and cause uneven wear over time.
• Unexpected delays: Realizing midway through your move that the table won’t fit through a doorway or needs extra hands can cause frustrating setbacks, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.

For instance, hiring a residential mover with experience in specialty furniture can make all the difference between a seamless transition and a costly mistake.

How To Move Your Pool Table Safely

Step 1: Measure The New Space

Before even touching the table, measure the new room where you’ll be placing it. A standard pool table requires not just room for the table itself, but space around it for cue strokes. Ideally, you want at least five feet of clearance on all sides.

Don’t forget to account for doorways, staircases, or tight hallways. If the table can’t make it through the door without being disassembled, you’ll want to know that in advance.

Step 2: Gather Tools & Supplies

You’ll need more than just manpower to move a pool table. Essential supplies include:

• Power drill or screwdriver.
• Socket wrench.
• Staple remover (for the felt).
• Moving blankets.
• Bubble wrap and packing tape.
• Labels and ziplock bags for screws and bolts.
• A dolly or moving cart.

If you’re relocating with help from local or long distance moving companies, many of these tools might be provided, and the pros will already know how to disassemble and reassemble everything.

Step 3: Disassemble The Pool Table

Moving a pool table safely and in one piece is usually impossible. Disassembly is safer and more efficient.

1. Remove Pockets: Most pockets are attached with staples or screws. Use a staple remover or screwdriver to detach them carefully.
2. Take Off the Rails: Rails are typically bolted underneath. Remove each bolt and label all parts to avoid confusion during reassembly.
3. Remove the Felt: If the felt is glued, gently peel it off to preserve it. If stapled, use a staple remover. Be patient. Tearing the felt could mean replacing it.
4. Detach the Slate: This is the heaviest part of the pool table and might come in one solid piece or in three segments. Each section can weigh over 200 pounds. Carefully unscrew it and lift it with assistance.
5. Dismantle the Frame: Once the slate is off, the remaining frame is easier to manage. Take it apart as much as needed, protecting any ornate woodwork with blankets or foam padding.

Step 4: Protect & Pack Components

Wrap every piece securely. Use moving blankets and bubble wrap to prevent dents and scratches, and make sure all screws, bolts, and small parts are sealed in clearly labeled bags.

If you’re using a packing service, they’ll take care of this for you, using proper techniques and materials designed to safeguard valuable items like your pool table.

Step 5: Move The Pieces

At this stage, weight and bulk are your biggest challenges. A dolly or cart can help, especially when navigating tight corners. For stairs or uneven surfaces, extra hands are essential.

For large or multi-level moves, it’s often best to rely on experienced pool table movers. Not only do they have the muscle. They also understand how to handle the slate, level the table properly during reinstallation, and ensure the felt isn’t damaged during transport.

Step 6: Load & Transport

Carefully load all the protected parts into your moving truck. The slate should lie flat, and no heavy items should be stacked on top of it. Avoid shifting during transport by securing everything with straps or padding.

If you’re working with cross-country movers, double-check that your pool table is included in your moving contract. Items like this may require special handling or additional fees.

Step 7: Reassemble In Your New Home

Once the pool table arrives, reverse the disassembly process. Reattach the frame, lay the slate back in position (leveling it precisely), stretch and staple the felt, and reinstall the rails and pockets.

Precision is key here. A slight tilt or bump can ruin your game. This step can be time-consuming (and frustrating) without the right tools or experience.

That’s another reason many people opt for professional help from a residential mover who offers specialty services. They’ll not only reassemble the table but also ensure it’s perfectly level and game-ready.

Planning helps, but avoiding these common errors requires vigilance and attention at every step of the process.

What To Do If Your Pool Table Doesn’t Fit Through a Door

If your pool table won’t fit through a door, don’t worry—this is a common problem that can be solved. First, disassemble the table. Remove the rails, pockets, slate and frame and you’ll be able to get the table down to a much smaller size. If disassembling doesn’t solve the problem, look for alternative exits like larger windows or back doors that might give you more room to maneuver the table through.

If you’re still having trouble or are unsure how to proceed, professional pool table movers can be a lifesaver. They have the experience, tools and expertise to handle even the toughest moves, including tight spaces or complex disassembly. Or rent specialized equipment like a piano dolly or lifting straps and you’ll be able to move the table much easier. Whatever your method, make sure to reassemble the table and level it properly in its new home for optimal play.

When To Hire Professionals To Move Your Pool Table

While moving a pool table on your own is technically possible, it’s often more effort and risk than it’s worth, especially under certain conditions. Consider professional help when:

• There are tight corners, narrow staircases, or small doorways: These architectural limitations make it extremely hard to maneuver heavy parts safely.
• You’re moving long distance: Extended trips mean prolonged exposure to bumps and vibrations, increasing the risk of damage without expert packing and positioning.
• You don’t have enough manpower: Even a small table requires at least three strong people to move safely. If you’re short-handed, it’s best not to try.
• You’re not confident in your tools or skills. Disassembling a pool table requires care and precision, especially when dealing with glued or stapled felt. Mistakes here can be costly.
• You want it done quickly and correctly: A professional crew can often handle the whole process in just a few hours, including leveling and reinstallation.

Whether you’re working with general local moving companies with experience in specialty items, hiring the right help can protect your investment and your peace of mind.

Move Your Pool Table With Confidence – Let A Wise Move Handle The Heavy Lifting!

Whether you’re moving across town or heading out of state, A Wise Move, your trusted Phoenix moving company, is here to make relocating your pool table easy and stress-free. Our skilled team of movers specializes in safely disassembling, transporting, and reassembling your pool table, ensuring no damage and a seamless experience.

With years of experience in handling delicate furniture like pool tables, we treat your belongings with the utmost care, so you can get back to enjoying your game as soon as possible!

Ready to make your move without the hassle? Contact us now, and let us do the heavy lifting!