A Step-By-Step Guide To Moving Your Clunky Pool Table
Your pool table has provided your family with endless hours of entertainment and distraction. However, now that it is time to move, you're worried about how you're going to get your beloved pool table on the moving truck. Don't risk damaging your table or, worse, hurting your back. Instead, here are a few tips to help you get your pool table to your new home in one piece:
Gather the Necessary Tools
According to Baron's Billiards, the average pool table weighs anywhere between 650 and 900 pounds. So to avoid damaging the pool table, your home or yourself, the best option available is to disassemble the table into lighter portions before placing the pieces on the moving truck.
Before you begin disassembling your felt or slate pool table, it is vital to gather the right tools and supplies. Here is everything you will need to take apart your pool table:
- Staple remover – If you have a felt table and want to salvage the felt, you will need a staple remover. The staple remover is often also used to take down the pockets.
- Screwdrivers – Depending on the pool table model, you will need a flathead or Phillip's screwdriver. In some cases, you might need both. You will also need an electric screwdriver to remove the slate.
- Socket Wrench – Check your pool table to see if you will need a socket wrench set to disassemble it.
- Zippered plastic baggies and felt tip marker – Storing and labeling all of the screws, bolt and other small odds and ends while disassembling the pool will make it much easier to put it back together.
- Bubble wrap and moving blanket – The bubble wrap will be used to protect the smaller items, such as the bumpers and rails. The moving blanket is crucial to protect the table top.
Disassembling Your Pool Table
Now that you have the necessary tools and supplies, it's time to take apart your pool table. If you still have the manufacturer's directions, use them. Otherwise, here is a step-by-step guide to help you successfully take down the table:
- Begin by taking off the pockets, which are typically secured to the table with screws or staples. Set them aside. Next, loosen the sockets that are holding the rails in place. Carefully take down the rails and protect them with bubble wrap.
- Next, if the pool table is covered with felt, you will need to decide if you are keeping it or tossing it out. If you're keeping the felt, you will need to carefully remove all the staples securing it to the slate.
- Remove the screws that are securing the slate to the frame. The slate will either be a single piece or several smaller pieces. Whatever the case, you will need at least two to three people to carefully remove the slate because the pieces will be very heavy. Set the slate aside and wrap them in moving blankets.
- Now that the slate is removed, all you will need to do is crawl under the table and remove any screws that are holding the frame and legs together.
Once again, remember to place any screws, bolts and smaller items into baggies as you pack up the pool table.
Getting Your Pool Table On the Moving Truck
Loading the pool table onto the moving truck will be pretty straightforward. The most difficult aspect will be the slate. Once again, these pieces are extremely heavy and should be loaded onto the moving truck with great care. If you've hired professional movers, go ahead and ask them to load the slate for you. A professional will have the equipment and experience necessary to get your slate onto the truck without causing any damage.
Moving your pool table to your new home can be a tricky, time consuming chore. However, with the right tools and a little time, it is possible to safely get every part of your beloved pool table to your new home without causing any damage.
Talk with a moving company or click here for info on how you and movers can best move large items like your pool table.