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How to Move a Pool Table Without Damaging It_ A Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

zainabfarrukh04

Updated: Jan 21

Moving to a new home can be stressful, especially when it involves relocating heavy and bulky items like a pool table. If you're planning to take your beloved pool table with you, you may find yourself wondering whether you can handle the task without hiring professionals. While it’s highly recommended to use experienced movers for such a challenging job, it is possible to do it yourself with the right approach, tools, and manpower.


Here’s everything you need to know about moving a pool table on your own, from gathering the right materials to reassembling it in your new space.

The Challenges of Moving a Pool Table


Moving a Pool Table

Pool tables are among the heaviest household items, often weighing up to 1,000 pounds. Their size and weight make them incredibly difficult to transport, and they must be fully disassembled to move them safely. The process requires meticulous attention, plenty of muscle, and specialized equipment. If hiring professional movers is not within your budget, here’s how you can take on this task yourself.

Gather the Necessary Moving Supplies

Before diving into the move, it's crucial to gather all the necessary materials and tools. You'll need a few specific items to safely disassemble and transport the pool table. Here's a list of essentials:


  • Power drill

  • Screwdriver

  • Socket wrench

  • Staple remover (To remove the felt)

  • Thick moving blankets (For wrapping components)

  • Labeled bags or boxes (To keep screws and small parts organized)

  • Tape and markers (For labeling)


Make sure to label each part as you disassemble the pool table. Losing screws or mixing up parts during reassembly can lead to major frustrations, so keeping everything organized is key.


Rent a Moving Truck

Your average car or van isn’t going to cut it for moving a pool table. With lengths ranging from 7 to 9 feet, depending on the model, a pool table requires a large moving vehicle like a pickup truck or a box truck. You can easily rent one from a moving truck rental company for the day. Make sure to choose a truck with enough space for both the table and any additional household items you may be moving.

Enlist Plenty of Helpers

To give you a better understanding of how heavy pool tables are, here’s the average weight range for different standard sizes:


  • 7-foot Pool Table: Weighs between 700 to 900 pounds

  • 8-foot Pool Table: Ranges from 850 to 1,200 pounds

  • 9-foot Pool Table: Can weigh anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 pounds


Given the sheer weight and awkward size, moving a pool table is not something that can be done by one person or even a small team. You’ll need at least four to five strong individuals to safely lift and transport the various components. Slate is not only heavy but delicate, meaning improper handling can lead to cracks or damage that would affect the playability of the table. The frame, legs, and rails are also bulky and difficult to maneuver through tight spaces.


It's important that everyone involved in the move wears appropriate footwear, like sturdy sneakers or boots, to protect against slips or foot injuries. Comfortable, durable clothing is also a must, as you’ll be bending, lifting, and carrying throughout the process. Safety should be a priority, so make sure your team is prepared for a day of careful and strategic heavy lifting.


Measure Doorways, Staircases, and Hallways


measure all doorways, staircases, and hallways

Before you start disassembling the pool table, it’s essential to measure all doorways, staircases, and hallways the parts will need to pass through. Knowing the exact dimensions in advance helps prevent any unexpected challenges, like the table parts getting stuck in narrow doorways or tight corners. These measurements will also allow you to plan the best route through your home, ensuring that each component can be maneuvered safely and efficiently.


Additionally, take precautions to protect your home from accidental damage during the move. Cover door frames, walls, and flooring with moving blankets, towels, or padding. This step is especially important when transporting heavy and bulky pieces like the slate or the table’s main frame, which could easily scratch floors, dent walls, or chip paint if mishandled. Planning ahead and protecting your home will minimize the risk of damage and make the move smoother for everyone involved.


How to Disassemble the Pool Table

Disassembling the pool table is a delicate process. Follow these steps to ensure you do it correctly:


  1. Remove the ball pockets: Start by removing the six pockets. Depending on how they’re attached, you’ll either need a staple remover or screwdriver. Be careful not to damage the pockets, especially if you plan to reuse them.

  2. Detach the rails: Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts holding the side rails in place. Gently lift each rail off the table, and store the bolts in labeled bags for reassembly.

  3. Remove the felt: Pool table felt is delicate and can be easily damaged during removal. Use a staple remover to carefully take out the staples securing the felt. If you plan to reuse the felt, be extra cautious to avoid ripping it. If it’s too worn or damaged, consider replacing it during reassembly.

  4. Take off the slate: The slate is the heaviest part of the pool table and can weigh up to 450 pounds. Use a power drill to remove any screws securing the slate to the table frame. You’ll need several people to carefully lift the slate off the table without causing injury or damage. Handle it with care, as any cracks in the slate can affect the playing surface.

  5. Disassemble the table frame: Finally, remove the legs and frame from the main body of the table. You may need to turn the table upside down or on its side to detach the legs more easily. Make sure to label and store all bolts and parts as you go.


Protect the Parts and Load the Truck

Once the pool table is disassembled, it’s crucial to properly protect each component for the move. Start by wrapping all parts, including the legs, rails, pockets, and frame, in thick moving blankets. This padding helps prevent scratches, dents, or any other damage during transport. Pay special attention to the slate, which is not only heavy, but also fragile. Slate can crack if mishandled, so consider adding an extra layer of bubble wrap or blankets around the edges and corners for maximum protection.


When loading the disassembled parts into the truck, ensure the slate is securely positioned. The slate should be placed flat and balanced, ideally against the side of the truck bed, and securely strapped down to avoid any shifting during the drive. Additionally, be mindful of any bumps in the road, sharp turns, or sudden stops, as the weight and fragility of the slate make it vulnerable to damage from even minor jolts. Drive carefully, maintaining a steady pace and avoiding any quick movements to ensure all parts of the pool table arrive intact and ready for reassembly.


Reassemble the Pool Table in Your New Home


Reassembling the pool table

Reassembling the pool table can be just as complex as disassembling it. With the help of your friends, begin by reattaching the legs to the main structure of the table. After that, place the slate on top, securing it with screws. Make sure the slate is level before moving forward—any tilt can affect gameplay.


Next, reattach the felt. This step can be tricky, as the felt needs to be perfectly smooth for proper play. If you’re unsure about this process, it may be worth hiring a professional to ensure the felt is installed correctly. Finally, attach the side rails and ball pockets, ensuring everything is securely fastened.

Last Tips

Safety first: Pool tables are incredibly heavy and awkward to handle, with components that can weigh several hundred pounds each. Always prioritize safety by avoiding unnecessary strain or lifting without adequate support. Never try to move the table or its parts alone. Make sure everyone involved knows how to lift correctly to prevent injury, and use dollies or moving straps to assist with heavier items, such as the slate.


Consider professional help: While it’s possible to move a pool table on your own, hiring professionals is highly recommended. Pool table movers have the right tools, including specialized dollies and padded blankets, as well as experience in handling the table’s fragile components, like the slate. Professionals can disassemble, transport, reassemble, and level the table far more efficiently than an amateur team. Plus, they’ll ensure everything is done correctly, especially when it comes to releveling—a critical factor for proper play.


Inspect for damage: Before disassembling the pool table, carefully inspect each part for any existing damage, like cracks in the slate or loose screws. Do the same after the move to make sure nothing was harmed during transit. Even slight damage to the slate or frame can impact gameplay, so take your time to check everything thoroughly. If you notice any issues, address them immediately to prevent long-term problems.


Moving a pool table is a demanding task, requiring detailed preparation, plenty of manpower, and careful handling to ensure all parts arrive safely and undamaged. Whether you choose to tackle the move yourself or enlist professional help, the main goal is to safely transport and reassemble your pool table so you can enjoy countless games in your new home. With the right approach and support, your pool table will be back in action, providing entertainment and memories for years to come.


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