How to Install a Professional Pool Table at Home

Professional pool tables, about a foot longer than recreational tables and used for national competition, have very strict guidelines for proper length, dimension, and construction. Installing a professional billiards table in your own home is no easy task. Professional pool table movers and assemblers can be hired to do all the work for you, with maximum efficiency and low risk of error. But if you do decide to install your own pool table, the job isn't impossible.

Instructions

1

Decide ahead of time where you will set up the pool table. Six feet of available play space around all sides of the table is ideal, but a smaller space can be overcome if you use smaller cue sticks. If there is no room in the house, the garage may be your next best bet. Set up the table in the room in which you plan to use it.

2

Attach the legs to the main frame. The main frame usually comes pre-assembled, but if it isn't, assemble it by following the instructions that came with the materials. Once the frame is assembled, flip the table upside-down. Position the legs in the proper spots and tighten the nuts and washers with a wrench over the lag bolt on each pool table leg. Flip the table over so the frame stands on its legs.

3

Put the slate on the table. The slate is extremely heavy, so make sure you have help. The slate may come in three pieces, or just one large piece. Put the middle piece on first and center it, then install the two end slates.

4

Level the slate of the pool table. Put a ball on the surface to see which way it rolls. There are a few ways to level a pool table, depending on the brand. You might need to twist the screws on adjustable plates, or the table may have adjustable legs for leveling. You can also place shims under the legs or slate on the lower side to achieve an even plane. Use a machinist level on each side to make sure all sides are balanced.

5

Install the felt. Make sure the pool table is clean, then lay the felt onto the table. Stretch the cloth tightly width-wise on both sides and staple into the wooden frame. Do the same length-wise on both sides, diagonally, and at the side pockets. Trim off the excess felt on the sides.

6

Install the rails on the edges of the table, on top of the felt. The rails should already have holes, so drill into the given positions on the edges of the pool table. Use the rail bolts to further fasten the rails into the table, making sure the rails are lined up with the slate beneath the felt.

7

Attach the leather pool table nets to the bottoms of the pockets. Use staples or screws to attach the nets, which hold the pool table balls.