Moving a Pool Table? Here’s What You Need to Know

An 8ft pool table that weighs around 400kg isn’t an easy thing to move in Dubai. You may be shifting homes and want to move your billiard table to your new luxury apartment. Or maybe your sports lounge intends to relocate the crowd favourite snooker table to a newer location.

Either way, you need to understand how to move a pool table, and this is your complete guide. But if you want the safest method, you can hire professional pool table movers in Dubai.

Table of Contents

Key Highlights

You need to disassemble a pool table for safe moving.
Labelling and packaging components individually makes reassembly easy.
Transport slate pieces vertically.
Use appropriate tools and protective materials to safeguard the table and surroundings
Hiring professional pool moving companies in Dubai gives you peace of mind.

Should you disassemble a pool table or move it in one piece?

It really depends on your situation, so we’ll tell you when you should disassemble and when you can move the billiard table as it is.

Full disassembly

If you’re moving a pool table from or to tight spaces, with stairs, and even for long distances, we recommend you disassemble it to avoid any damage to its structure. Pool table movers in Dubai do all the disassembly and reassembly ourselves.

Partial disassembly

If you’re moving the snooker table within the same building, like from one floor to the next floor or maybe to the next room, you’ll only have to do partial disassembly.

No disassembly

We do not recommend moving a pool table without disassembly. Even the slightest movements can unlevel the table, so if you’re serious about your pool games, hire billiard table movers in Dubai.

But if you must move it, make sure it’s a very short distance, like a few inches. If you have furniture dollies or lifting jacks, then maybe 1 to 3 metres.

Steps for disassembling a pool table

Remove the pockets

If the pockets are secured with staples, extract them slowly with a staple remover or a flathead screwdriver. Use a socket wrench if it has bolts.

Detach the rails

Usually, each rail is fastened with three bolts underneath the table. Remove them with the socket wrench. Then gently lift the rails off the table.

Remove the felt

The felt covering the slate bed may be stapled or glued. Extract the staples, or if it’s glue, you can gently peel it from the corner without stretching it or tearing it. Fold the felt.

Lift the slate

The slate is usually split into three pieces. It is the heaviest and most fragile part. So before lifting, remove the screws securing the slate to the frame with a power drill.

Disassemble the frame and legs

Now, turn the table frame upside down to remove the legs. Unscrew the bolts that attach the legs to the frame. Remove the legs.

How to move a disassembled pool table?

Step 1: Pack the disassembled parts

Small accessories:

Wrap pockets, billiard balls, the triangle, and other accessories in soft packing paper or bubble wrap. Place them in a sturdy cardboard box and label it.

Slate, rails, legs, and frame:

Wrap the slate, rails, legs, and frame separately in moving blankets. Secure the blankets with packing tape. You can also try building a simple wooden frame to prevent the slate from bending.

Pool cues:

Bundle pool cues together and wrap them in moving blankets. Or use dedicated cue cases.

Hardware:

Collect all screws, bolts, and other small hardware removed during disassembly. Place them in labeled, resealable plastic bags.

Step 2: Transporting the pool table parts

Moving the Slates

Always carry slate pieces vertically (on their side).
Use a heavy-duty dolly to move each slate piece to the vehicle.
When loading slates into the moving vehicle, stack them flat on top of each other in the vehicle’s clean floor.
Use straps or tie-downs to secure the slates in the vehicle to avoid any movement during transit.
Add a plywood sheet under the slates for more stability.

Moving the frame, legs, and rails

Load the frame, legs, and rails into the vehicle. Secure them with straps. Place them in a way that avoids putting pressure on the slates.

Moving the felt:

If you’ve removed the felt and plan to reuse it, store it in a protective bag or box to avoid creases or tears.

Before moving, measure all doorways, hallways, and stairwells, so all the parts can fit through.

Step 3: Reassembling the Pool Table

Set up the Frame:

Position the frame on a stable, flat surface. Use a machinist’s level to check that the frame is perfectly flat. Adjust with shims or playing cards, if needed.

Place the slate:

Carefully place the slate pieces on the frame. Align them properly.

Make sure that the seams are tight in the three-piece slates. Use beeswax or a bonding agent to fill any gaps. Smooth the surface with a metal paint scraper. Check the level again.

Reattach the felt:

Unfold it carefully and position it over the slate. Stretch it taut and secure it with staples or glue. Replace it if is it is damaged.

Install the rails and pockets:

Attach the rails to the table, and tighten the bolts. Reattach the pockets. Align them properly to maintain the table’s structure.

Trust professional movers in Dubai

Moving a pool table needs you to plan the entire process, use the right tools, and a lot of physicall effort. For complete safety and to preserve your table’s condition, hire experienced movers in Dubai, like Sanamovers, who also specialize in billiard table relocations in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman.