Moving a pool table isn’t something you can tackle alone with a pickup truck and some rope. This complex piece of furniture requires special handling, precise disassembly, and careful reassembly to maintain its perfect level.
I’ve partnered with a dependable moving crew in Memphis who taught me the ins and outs of safely relocating these 700+ pound behemoths. If you’re facing this challenge, here’s my step-by-step guide to getting your table from point A to point B without damaging it.
Assessing the Moving Space
Before touching a single bolt, check your spaces. Grab a tape measure and jot down the width of doorways, hallways, and stairwells in both your current and new location. My basement door was only 32 inches wide, which made moving my 8-foot table a real headache. Look for tight corners, low-hanging fixtures, and other obstacles that might block your path.
Don’t forget to measure the spot where you plan to put the table – you’ll need at least 5 feet of clearance on all sides for comfortable play. Proper space assessment saved me from getting stuck halfway through a doorway with a 300-pound slate section.
Disassembling the Pool Table
Start by removing the obvious stuff. Take off the ball pockets first – they usually pull right out or unscrew easily. Next, tackle the rails by removing the bolts that secure them to the table (keep these organized in labeled bags). Now for the tricky part: carefully peel back the felt. If it’s glued down, you’ll probably need to replace it, but if it’s stapled, remove the staples carefully so you can reuse it.
The slate comes next – this is the heaviest part and usually comes in three pieces. You’ll need at least two people to lift each section safely. Finally, unscrew the legs from the frame. Label everything as you go – trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
Protecting and Packing the Parts
Wrap everything like it’s made of glass – because some parts practically are. The slate sections need special attention – I wrapped mine in moving blankets, then added cardboard corners for extra protection. For the wooden rails and legs, bubble wrap works great to prevent scratches. The felt (if you’re reusing it) should be rolled, not folded, and stored in a clean tube or box.
Keep all hardware in labeled ziplock bags – mixing up screws is a nightmare during reassembly. I packed smaller parts in sturdy boxes, clearly marked with their contents and which table section they belonged to. This system made unpacking logical and straightforward.
Moving the Pool Table
This is definitely not a one-person job. I needed four people to move my slate pieces alone. Rent proper moving equipment – furniture dollies are essential for the frame, and heavy-duty hand trucks help with the slate. Lift with your legs, not your back, and move slowly. The slate sections should be carried vertically when possible to reduce stress on the piece.
Load everything into your truck carefully, placing the heaviest items lowest and against the walls. Secure everything with straps to prevent shifting – even minor movements can chip slate edges or damage wooden components. Take your time with this step – rushing leads to damage.
Reassembling and Leveling the Table
Rebuilding your table is like disassembly in reverse, but with one critical addition: leveling. Start with the frame and legs, making sure they’re tight and secure. Place the slate pieces back in position, then use a carpenter’s level to check alignment before screwing them down. Use a level across the seams to ensure perfect flatness.
Small wooden shims can help adjust uneven spots. Once the slate is level, seal the seams with beeswax or wood filler. Reattach the felt (or install new felt), working from the center outward to avoid wrinkles. Finally, bolt on the rails and reattach the pockets.
Ready to move your pool table but feeling overwhelmed? Don’t risk damaging your investment. Reach out to our professional moving team for a free quote on specialty furniture moving. We bring the right tools, expertise, and manpower to ensure your table arrives in perfect playing condition. Get in touch today and move with confidence!
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