How to Move a Billiard Table

Whether you're moving to a new house or have set up a new game room, moving your billiard table requires careful and safe handling to make sure that it arrives in one piece. Some people have professional movers move their pool or billiard tables, but it is possible to safely move it yourself---with the help of a few friends. In this article, you'll learn how to move your billiard table without damaging or warping the table---or your back.

Instructions

Moving Without a Dolly

1

Remove the staples around the edges of the pockets, if your table has them. Remove the pockets themselves and mark them so you know which one went where.

2

Unscrew the rails using the screwdriver, or drill, if necessary. Most rails have three screws in them. Mark the rails so you know which ones go where. Slide the rails off the frame.

3

Remove the felt. You'll have to have the table refelted after the move is complete, but removing the felt allows for better and safer purchase on the slate when you move it. If your felt is stapled in, remove the staples using a staple remover. If it is glued on, peel it off the slate slowly.

4

Remove the screws holding the slate into the frame with the drill. If the screws are covered with wax, as some are, scrape the wax away with the screwdriver first. Work carefully so as not to burr the screws or damage the slate.

5

Lay out the padding, such as heavy blankets or moving padding, and lift the slate panels out of the frame. You'll need help for this---at least two people to each end. Place the panels on the padding and wrap them up securely with the straps.

6

Turn the frame over and remove the legs using the drill. Again, work carefully so as not to burr the screws or damage the wood frame. Wrap the parts of the frame in the padding and secure with straps.

7

Move the parts of the frame first, followed by the slate panels and rails. When you have reached your destination, assemble the frame first, then insert the panels. Refelt the table (or have it done), put the rails back on, and have the table leveled.

Moving with a Dolly

8

Move your billiard table with a specialty moving dolly with jacks. These can be used if you are just moving the table a few feet. Roll the dolly under the table and lock the brakes.

9

Push the handle up to raise the carrying surface underneath the table. With people steadying the table, jack the carrying surface up so that the table rests fully on it. There should be about 4 inches of clearance between the table legs and the floor.

10

Unlock the brakes and push the dolly to the table's new location. Lock the brakes. Lower the jack slowly until the table rests on the floor. Remove the dolly. Have the table leveled.

11

Use a side dolly if you need to move the table through narrow spaces. Clamp the dolly onto the side of the table. Lock the brakes. Turn the table onto its side with the dolly. Have extra people available to help turn the table and stabilize it. Roll the table to its new location, lock the brakes, and turn it back onto its legs and remove the dolly. The table will still need to be leveled.