Pool Table Moving – How To Do It The Right Way
Moving a pool table is not as fun as moving the pool balls. However, if you are leaving your present space for a new one, you cannot escape the hassle of pool table moving if you want to continue enjoying the game. A standard pool table is between 7 ft. to 9 ft. long and weighs between 700 to 1000 pounds. Hence, it is arguably the heaviest furniture you can find in a house and moving it can be tasking.
In this article, we have shared the right steps to follow to make moving your pool table a lot easier for you. Whether you intend to move the table from one room to another within the same house or you are relocating to an entirely new house, these steps on how to move a pool table will be helpful to you.
Pool Table Moving Within a Building
If you want to move your pool table to another room, there are pretty easy ways to do that. However, if the room is on another floor, you may have to follow the steps for moving a pool table to a different building which we will discuss later in this article. For rooms on the same floor, you can use any of these methods below.
1. Move Them on Dollies
Using dollies allows you to move the pool table from one room to another on the same floor without taking the table apart. However, the doors and hallways must be wide enough to allow easy passage. To achieve this, you need four dollies; one for each leg of the table. Also, you need up to four persons to help you maintain the balance of all four legs during your pool table moving. When loading the table, ensure that you lock all the dollies to prevent them from rolling.
2. Pool Table Lifts Are Made for This
Another great option for moving your pool table without disassembling it is the pool table lift. These lifts are specifically made to move pool tables and they are easy to use. Simply place the lift beneath the table at the centre, and lift the table off the floor using the lever. You can now roll the table away with the help of the wheels at the base of the lift.
3. Try Using Furniture Sliders
This is good if the pool table moving is over a short distance within a room. Simply attach furniture sliders to the bottom of each table leg and slide the table gently towards the desired position.
If you love DIY projects, here are some more DIY ideas for you
Pool Table Moving to a Different Building
Moving a pool table to a completely different home or building requires more work and more tools to make the process smooth. Some of the tools that you will need for this process include:
- Measuring tape
- Flathead screwdriver
- Moving carts or dollies
- Carpenter’s lever
- Power drills
- Socket wrench
- Snips or any other cutting tool
- Staple remover to detach felt lining
- Bubble wrap and moving blankets
Below is a step-by-step process for pool table moving
1. Get a Truck Ready
Your minivan will not be a good fit for the job because of the weight and length of the pool. So, you need to rent a pickup truck or box truck to help with transporting the pool table. There are a number of truck rental companies that you can choose from. Enquire about the ones available within your neighbourhood and choose your preferred company.
2. You Need All the Help You Can Get
No doubt, you are going to need more than the right tools to have a smooth pool table moving process. You need the help of up to four or five adults to carry the table. We recommend that you hire professional movers as they have a better experience with navigating complexities like narrow doorways. However, if you can get enough help, you are good to go.
3. Measure the Doorways and Hallways
The first step in moving a pool table is to take the measurement of all the doorways and hallways the table will pass through. With this, you can tell how much space you have to move the table through without damaging the tables or walls. Also, it is important to cover the edges of the table with foam bumpers or soft cloth. This will further prevent damage to the walls and the table.
4. Disassemble the Pool Table
Now that all is set, begin by removing the six ball pockets of the table. Use a staple remover if it is a staple that keeps the pockets in place. In the case of screwed pockets, use a screwdriver to remove them. Next, remove the side rails on the table using a socket wrench.
Remember to label the screws and bolts so that you can easily identify them when it is time to reassemble the table.
The next thing to detach is the felt on the top of the pool table. If the felt is stapled, use a staple remover to detach it carefully band try not to damage it.
Now, to the heavy-duty; the slates. The slates weigh about 450 pounds, so, except you are used to lifting such heavy weight, you are going to need enough strength and extra care to detach them. This is why you should have friends around to help you with the pool table moving. The slates are often screwed in, hence, the need for a power drill to help you remove them properly.
Lastly, separate the pool table legs from the body. After you have detached every other part from the pool table, take the legs out one after another. To make it easier, turn the table upside down before removing the legs.
5. Wrap the Part and Load the Truck
Wrap all the parts of the pool table thoroughly in your moving blankets and bubble wrap if possible. Pay great attention to the slates because they are heavy and fragile. Load every part carefully in the truck. Similarly, you should drive carefully so that the parts do not shift and break.
6. Reassemble the Pool Table
At your new location, reassemble the parts of the pool table in the opposite way you separated them. You will still need the help of your friends to do this.
Final Words
Pool table moving is not a walk in the park and you may want to employ professional help. However, if you are big on DIY, the steps provided here will help you move your pool table successfully without injury to yourself and damage to the wall or pool table. Whether you are moving it within a floor or outside a building, we have provided all the guidance you need in this article.
If you found this guide helpful, let us know in the comment section below.
