Although some large furniture items can be pretty heavy, almost nothing beats the challenge that a pool table provides. It can be up to nine feet long and weigh over 700 pounds! If you have an authentic one with a slate top, the entire assembly can be more than half a ton.

Getting the pool table readied for that process can require some extra preparation when you’re getting ready to move to a new address. You’ll need a few moving supplies if professional movers aren’t coming to help, along with plenty of extra muscle.

Here are the steps to follow to take the pool table apart to move it.

Gather Everything You’ll Need to Move the Pool Table

When heavy furniture like a pool table needs to get moved, the easiest way to create a successful result is to disassemble the unit. That means you’ll need a few tools available: a socket wrench, a drill, and a screwdriver set are helpful here.

Most pool tables use staples to attach the felt to the playing surface. That means a staple remover is helpful to have.

Packing supplies, such as bubble wrap or moving blankets, can protect the surfaces of the pool table as you move it out of your previous home and into the new one.

Remove the Rails and Pockets

Although some pool tables have specific instructions to follow, the first disassembly step is to remove the pockets. Most are held in place with staples or screws. Once those are out, use a socket wrench to remove the bolts found in the side rails.

Set these items aside in a safe place. Wrap them with your packing materials to avoid scratches, scuffs, and other mild damage if you have the time.

It also helps to place the hardware removed from the pool table in individual plastic bags (sandwich bags work!), labeled with their matching pool table components.

Remove the Felt from the Pool Table

Gently remove the staples that attach the felt to the playing surface. Take lots of extra time here because you don’t want to tear it. This step should take longer than the previous one to ensure it’s done correctly.

Once all the staples are removed, the felt should come up with ease. However, it might stick a little if you’ve used the playing surface repetitively, so don’t force it.

Remove the Slate from the Pool Table

Once the felt is safely packed away, you can address the slate portion of the pool table. You’ll need to use a drill to remove the screws that hold it in place. Since this component alone can weigh more than 450 pounds, you’ll need some extra hands for the lift.

Slate is a natural surface prone to cracking, chipping, and other damage with impacts. Therefore, be careful when removing the screws and moving this component. Trying to do all the work yourself significantly increases the risk of an injury and other adverse events.

Remove the Legs from the Pool Table

After you’ve removed the other components of the pool table to move it, you’re ready to take off the legs. The easiest way to accomplish this step is to flip the frame gently upside-down or onto its side.

When moving the pool table in this manner, try to keep the weight as evenly as possible. The legs can break or crack if they’re dropped or have too much force placed on them.

Use a drill to unscrew the hardware that holds the legs to the frame. Wrap them after removing your packing materials, then set them in a secure spot.

Finish the Packing Process

pool table

Once you’ve reached this stage, you’re ready to start moving the pool table out of the home. Make sure you’ve wrapped the table frame carefully to ensure it doesn’t pick up scratches, chips, dents, and other damage while moving.

You’ll need to measure the exits before moving the slate or the frame. Without damage, getting it through the home and out the door requires a plan. It’ll be much easier to navigate that process when you know how wide your hallways, staircases, and doorways are.

If your pool table has sharp edges, cover them with foam bumpers or thick towels to prevent accidental damage to your walls, trim, and doors.

Moving a pool table isn’t easy, even if you’ve taken it apart successfully. But, should you need some help, the Expo Movers team is just a call or an email away!

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Trust Expo Movers for a hassle-free moving experience.

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By Published On: March 11, 2022Categories: Moving Tips