Moving Your Pool Table? Learn from the Pros in 6 Easy Steps

If you’ve ever tried moving a couch or a refrigerator, you already know how tricky large items can be. But when it comes to a pool table, the challenge goes from tough to technical. Pool tables are incredibly heavy, unusually shaped, and require precise setup to function properly. Whether you’re shifting it to a new room, a new house, or across state lines, a poorly executed move can lead to broken slate, torn felt, or even serious injury.

That’s why professionals—especially experienced movers NY and reputable long distance moving companies—treat pool table relocations with special care. Want to learn how it’s done the right way? Follow these six pro-approved steps to ensure your pool table arrives in perfect condition.

Step 1: Evaluate Your Pool Table and Plan Accordingly

Not all pool tables are created equal. Some are 7-foot bar tables with synthetic surfaces, while others are 9-foot tournament-grade tables made of solid slate. Your first step should be to understand what type of pool table you own, as this will impact how it’s disassembled and transported.

Ask yourself:

Is your table one-piece or three-piece slate?
How heavy is it? (Some can exceed 1,000 lbs)
Are you moving it within the same home, across town, or to another state?

Knowing these details will help you determine if you can manage the move yourself or if you’ll need help from professional movers NY or a long distance moving company.

Step 2: Gather Tools and Materials

Once your plan is in place, you’ll need the right tools. Here’s what pros use when preparing for a pool table move:

Screwdrivers and socket wrenches
Staple remover or pliers
Power drill
Moving blankets and padding
Bubble wrap or foam
Labeled plastic bags for hardware
Heavy-duty dollies or carts

If you’re missing some of these items, renting equipment or contacting a moving service may save you money (and headaches) in the long run.

Step 3: Disassemble the Table Safely

This is the most critical phase of moving a pool table—and the one where things often go wrong.

Follow this order to disassemble like a pro:

Remove the pockets by unscrewing or unclipping them.
Take off the rails by loosening the bolts beneath them.
Detach the felt carefully. If you plan to reuse it, use a staple remover to keep it intact.
Remove the slate bed. If it’s a three-piece slate, label each one (left, center, right). These slabs can weigh up to 250 lbs each—don’t try this alone.
Disassemble the frame and legs, and keep all screws and bolts in labeled bags.

Improper disassembly can damage expensive components and make reassembly a nightmare. If you’re uncertain, many movers NY offer specialized pool table services that include careful breakdown and reassembly.

Step 4: Protect Every Piece for Transport

Once the table is disassembled, it’s time to protect the components. Even minor bumps can damage the slate or warp the wood frame.

Wrap slate pieces in moving blankets or foam padding.
Use bubble wrap for legs, rails, and frame parts.
Store hardware in a sealed and labeled bag so nothing gets lost.

This is especially important if you’re working with long distance moving companies, where the table may be in transit for several days or even weeks.

Step 5: Transport with Precision

With everything wrapped and labeled, you can move on to the transport phase. Whether you’re using your own vehicle or hiring movers, proper handling is essential.

For local moves, a large van or box truck with a ramp will work. Make sure slate pieces are flat and secured so they don’t shift during transit.

For long-distance moves, hire experienced long distance moving companies that know how to handle delicate specialty items. Be sure to confirm that:

They’re insured for specialty items
They have climate-controlled trucks (important for slate)
They offer guaranteed delivery timelines

If you’re relocating across state lines, a full-service mover will often coordinate every detail, including disassembly, packing, transportation, and reassembly.

Step 6: Reassemble and Level the Table

You’ve made it to your destination—now it’s time to put everything back together. Just like disassembly, reassembly must be precise.

Steps include:

Reattaching the legs and frame
Positioning and leveling the slate (using a carpenter’s or laser level)
Sealing slate seams with beeswax or putty
Reinstalling the felt
Securing the rails and pockets

Leveling the table is critical. Even the smallest tilt can cause balls to roll inaccurately, ruining gameplay. That’s why professional movers NY often include leveling as part of their reassembly package. If not, consider hiring a local billiards technician to get your table game-ready.

Bonus Tip: Is It Time for a Refelt?

If your felt is older or has suffered from wear, now’s the perfect time to replace it. You already have the table apart—installing a new felt will improve gameplay and refresh your table’s look. Ask your movers if they offer this as an add-on service, or work with a billiards specialist during the reassembly phase.

When to Hire Professionals

While it’s tempting to DIY to save costs, pool tables are simply too valuable—and too tricky—to move without help in many cases. Here’s when you should definitely consider hiring pros:

Your table has a slate bed
You’re moving up/down stairs or through tight spaces
You’re not confident in disassembly or reassembly
You're relocating out of town or across the country

Reputable movers NY and long distance moving companies often include pool table moving as part of their specialty services. They bring the muscle, the know-how, and the insurance to protect your investment.

Conclusion: Make Your Move the Smart Way

Moving a pool table isn’t a small job—it’s a project that combines engineering, strength, and finesse. From disassembly and careful packing to reassembly and leveling, every step matters.

By following these six pro-approved steps and working with qualified movers NY or long distance moving companies, you’ll protect your table, your home, and your peace of mind. Whether you’re a casual player or a serious pool enthusiast, there’s no reason to leave your game to chance.

Murphy Moving & Storage
845-276-3060
https://murphymovers.com/

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