How to Move a Pool Table 🎱

How to Move a Pool Table

Pool tables are a beloved addition to many homes, but when it’s time to move, their size, weight, and construction make them one of the most challenging pieces to transport.

While Packhorse Moving excels in relocating heavy and fragile items, pool tables fall into a unique category requiring specialized skills and equipment.

Here’s why moving a pool table is a job best left to professionals trained specifically for this task and what you need to know if you’re planning to move one.

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Understand the Complexity of a Pool Table

A pool table isn’t just a heavy piece of furniture; it’s a precision instrument designed to provide a perfectly level playing surface. These tables are typically constructed with:

• Slate Beds: Most pool tables have one or more slabs of slate, which can weigh hundreds of pounds individually. These pieces must be handled carefully to avoid cracking.

  
  

• Intricate Frames: The wooden frame is designed to support the slate and maintain stability. Damage to the frame can ruin the table’s performance.

  
  

• Delicate Felt: The felt covering the slate is fragile and can easily tear or crease during disassembly or reassembly.

  
  

The combination of weight, precision, and fragility means even a small mistake can lead to costly damage or affect gameplay quality.

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Disassembly Is a Must

Pool tables cannot be moved in one piece. To safely transport them, they must be fully disassembled. This includes:

• Removing the Rails and Pockets: The rails and pockets must be carefully detached using the correct tools to avoid stripping screws or damaging the frame.

  
  

• Taking Apart the Slate: The slate slabs must be unscrewed, removed, and wrapped securely. This process often requires special equipment to handle their immense weight.

  
  

• Protecting Each Component: Every part, from the wooden frame to the felt, needs to be wrapped and padded to prevent damage during the move.

  
  

Without the proper tools and knowledge, attempting to disassemble a pool table can result in costly mistakes or even personal injury.

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Transporting the Pool Table

Even after disassembly, moving a pool table is no small feat:

• Specialized Equipment: Moving slate slabs often requires dollies, lifting straps, and other tools designed to handle heavy, unwieldy objects.

  
  

• Expert Handling: Slate is brittle and can crack under pressure. Professionals know how to maneuver these pieces to minimize risk.

  
  

• Precision Packing: Each part of the table must be carefully loaded and secured to prevent shifting during transit.

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Reassembly Requires Expertise

Reassembling a pool table is just as complex as taking it apart:

• Leveling the Table: Pool tables must be precisely leveled to ensure a consistent playing surface. This requires specialized tools and expertise.

  
  

• Reinstalling the Felt: Stretching and reattaching the felt without wrinkles or damage is a meticulous process.

  
  

• Aligning the Slate: The slate pieces must be positioned and sealed perfectly to create a smooth, seamless surface.

  
  

Improper reassembly can affect gameplay and shorten the table’s lifespan.

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Why Packhorse Moving Doesn’t Move Pool Tables

At Packhorse Moving, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service for all types of relocations.

However, moving a pool table requires highly specialized expertise and equipment that go beyond the scope of standard moving services.

To ensure your pool table remains in perfect condition, we recommend hiring a professional pool table mover who specializes in disassembly, transport, and reassembly.

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What You Should Do Instead

If you’re planning a move and need to relocate a pool table:

1. Hire a Pool Table Specialist: Look for a company that specifically handles pool tables and has the tools and experience necessary for the job.

   
   

2. Coordinate with Your Moving Company: Let your movers know about the pool table so they can plan accordingly. In some cases, specialists can handle just the pool table while the rest of your move is managed by your primary moving company.

   
   

3. Plan Ahead: Pool table moves often take extra time for disassembly and reassembly. Build this into your moving timeline.

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While moving a pool table may seem like a daunting task, the right professionals can make it look easy.

At Packhorse Moving, we’re here to help with the rest of your move, ensuring every other item is transported safely and efficiently.

When it comes to your pool table, we recommend leaving it to the specialists who have the skills and tools to handle its unique challenges.

For more expert moving tips, stay tuned to our "How to Move..." series!