fbpx

How to Move a Pool Table

Estimate your moving cost for free:

blog author

Author: Vlad Kandybovich

Meet Vlad Kandybovich, your friendly moving expert with over 10 years in the game! As the heart and soul behind QShark Moving Company, he has been a part of more than 50,000 moving journeys, helping individuals like you make smooth and stress-free transitions. Vlad is not just about the business; he genuinely cares about making each move a happy memory. So, when you are looking for advice or a tip on your next move, know that Vlads wisdom comes with a big dose of care and friendship. Happy moving!

Having your own pool table can be lots of fun, but it can also be quite a challenge when you’re planning to relocate. It is a very heavy and bulky item and a significant investment, so it requires delicate handling. 

Each part of the pool table is important for its functionality, and if you’re not careful enough while moving it, you can cause damage that is expensive to repair.

To help you handle this difficult task, we have prepared a comprehensive guide on how to move a pool table. Take a look at it and follow it carefully, or contact us for professional help!

Qshark mover loading the truck

Key Points 💡

  • Pool tables are heavy, bulky, and fragile. Proper preparation ensures a safe and efficient move.
  • Having at least 3–4 helpers is essential to handle a heavy pool table safely.
  • Measure doorways and hallways, clear obstacles, and prepare for tight spaces to avoid delays or damage.
  • Remove pockets, rails, felt, slate, and legs to make the table manageable and protect it from damage during transit.
  • Wrap each piece securely in moving blankets and label small parts like screws and bolts for easy reassembly.
  • You can avoid all the effort and inconvenience by ordering a professional moving service at Qshark Moving Company.

Necessary Preparations ⚒️

Before you move a pool table, take care of all these preparations for the highest effectiveness and safety:

Gathering Tools and Supplies

To disassemble and move a pool table safely, we recommend preparing the following items:

Tool/SupplyPurpose
Socket wrenchDisassembling the legs and frame
ScrewdriverRemoving screws and pockets
Moving blanketsProtecting the table from scratches
Packing tapeSecuring loose parts
Furniture sliders/dolliesMoving heavy components
Measuring tapeMeasuring doorways and pathways
Marker and zip-lock bagsLabeling and storing screws and bolts

🔨Tip: Preparing all the tools and supplies will help you avoid interruptions during the moving process.

Planning the Route

Moving a pool table often involves navigating tight corners, staircases, or narrow doorways. For this reason, planning your route ahead of time is key to avoiding significant difficulties or even injuries.

  • Measure Doorways and Pathways: Use a measuring tape to ensure the disassembled parts can fit through all spaces.
  • Clear Obstacles: Remove furniture, rugs, or other items from the route to create a clear path.
  • Prepare for Tight Spaces: Identify areas where the table or its parts may need to be tilted or adjusted to pass through.

Assemble a Team

Pool tables are heavy, often weighing between 700 and 1,000 pounds. Therefore, you need to organize the help of at least 3–4 people to move it.

🚚 Tip: For extra safety and no effort on your side, consider hiring professional heavy item movers at Qshark Moving Company.

Qshark movers taking out a dolly from their truck

How to Move a Pool Table – Step-by-Step Guide 🎱

Follow our guide on how to move a pool table to make the whole process as smooth and safe as possible:

Step 1: Disassemble the Pool Table

You probably won’t be able to move the pool table as a whole. Instead, you’ll need to break it down into its key components to make it easier to manage in tight spaces.

  1. Remove the Pockets: Use a screwdriver to carefully detach the pockets. For leather or plastic pockets, handle gently to avoid tearing or cracking.
  1. Detach the Rails: Loosen the bolts or screws connecting the rails to the table using a socket wrench. Remove the rails carefully and place them on a blanket to prevent scratches.
  1. Take Off the Felt: If the felt is glued, gently peel it off without tearing and roll it up carefully to avoid creases. If it’s stapled, use a staple remover or flathead screwdriver to remove the staples.
  1. Disassemble the Slate: Slate pieces are heavy and fragile, often weighing up to 250 pounds each. Unscrew and lift each piece carefully, ensuring you have enough people (preferably experienced local movers) to support the weight. Wrap each slate in moving blankets and secure it with packing tape.
  1. Remove the Frame and Legs: Turn the table frame upside down to access the bolts holding the legs. Unscrew and detach each leg one at a time.
📷 Tip: Taking a picture of your pool table before disassembling it will make reassembling it in a new location easier.

Step 2: Pack and Protect Components

Once disassembled, it’s crucial to protect each piece to prevent damage during the move.

  1. Wrap Components: Cover the rails, frame, and legs with moving blankets. Secure the blankets with packing tape to keep them in place.
  2. Label Small Parts: Place screws, bolts, and other hardware in zip-lock bags and label them for the same reason you label moving boxes for your other belongings – easy unpacking and reassembly.

Step 3: Move the Disassembled Parts

When the pool table is in pieces, you can proceed to load them on the vehicle more conveniently.

  1. Move the Frame and Legs: To load these pieces onto the truck, use sliders or dollies typically used for moving furniture. Avoid dragging the frame directly on the floor to prevent scratches.
  1. Transport the Slate: Use lifting straps or a dolly to move the slate pieces. Handle with care, as it is prone to chipping or cracking if dropped.
  1. Load Safely Into the Vehicle: Securely arrange the pieces in the moving truck, using straps or padding to prevent them from shifting during transit.
📦 Tip: To make sure every element is packed properly, order a packing service from a professional moving company.

Qshark mover carrying a dolly down the stairs

Step 4: Reassemble the Pool Table

Once at the new location and chosen the best place for your pool table, you’ll need to reassemble it.

  1. Position the Frame:  Set up the frame in the desired location and ensure it is stable.
  2. Level the Slate: Place the slate pieces back on the frame and use a level to ensure they’re even. Adjust using shims if necessary.
  3. Reattach the Felt and Rails: Carefully reapply the felt and reattach the rails.
  4. Install the Pockets: Screw the pockets back into place and make sure that the whole table looks the same as before.

Hire Professionals to Move a Pool Table Easily 🚛

Following these steps will help you move a pool table to a new place relatively easily, but there is another way to make the process safer and require little effort. 

We offer commercial and residential moving services conducted by well-trained and experienced professionals. All you need to do is schedule your move, and we will come at the settled time and date to transport your pool table securely and as quickly as possible. We can also reassemble it at your new location for even more convenience.

Reach out to our customer service and get a free quote for moving your pool table!

Spread the love
Get Your Free Moving Estimate:
Receive your cost estimation within just 10 minutes