How to Refelt a Billiard Table

Billiard tables of all types use felt to cover the playing surface and rails along the edges for smooth, even play. Over time, the felt on a billiard table can become worn, dirty and faded. One of the fastest ways to improve the look and play of your table is to replace the felt. To do this properly takes some time and patience, but a new felt covering can give new life to an old billiard table.

Instructions

1

Remove the nuts that hold the rails onto the table. Lift off the rails and place them onto the table in front of the location from which they were removed.

2

Turn one of the rails upside-down and remove all of the staples from the felt on the underside of the rail. After you've removed all the staples, pull out the metal strip that holds the felt to the top of the rail. Repeat this procedure for all six rails.

3

Cut a six-inch wide strip of felt from the main piece of felt for each of the rails. Place one edge of one of the strips onto the top edge, and secure it with the metal strip. Trim off any excess felt along the strip.

4

Turn the rail over and pull the fabric in the center across the bumper until it is tight. Tack the fabric to the bottom rail with a staple. Continue pulling and securing the fabric to the bumper, working from the center out to the edges, placing a staple every two inches until the rail is covered. Trim the excess felt from under the cushion.

5

Repeat the previous two steps with the remaining five rails. Set all six completed rails aside, keeping in mind which rail belongs in which spot on the table. Put a sticky note on them if it will help you remember where each one goes.

6

Remove the staples around the perimeter of the table holding the felt onto the table. Fold the felt and set it aside.

7

Check the slate for level in all directions. Loosen the bolts securing the slate to the table and shim where needed with wooden or plastic shims.

8

Unfold the felt over the table, making sure it is square to the table structure. Tack one end in place with staples every two inches, but be certain to keep the felt even with the edge of the table.

9

Step to the other end of the table and pull the fabric taut at the center. Tack with a staple. Continue stretching and stapling from the center out to the edges of this end of the table, placing staples every two inches.

10

Move to one side of the table and pull the fabric so that the square edge is flush with the side of the table. Hold it with a staple. Staple from the center outward, with staples every two inches. Focus on keeping the fabric square with the edge of the table.

11

Move to the other side and pull the fabric taut in the center of the table. Secure with a staple before moving outward toward the ends, pulling taut and securing with staples every two inches.

12

Cut three vertical, evenly spaced slits in the fabric in each of the four corners to accommodate the corner pockets. Be sure that the slits begin at least one-half inch down from the bottom of the slate. Tuck the slits underneath the pocket and secure to the underside of the slate with felt cement.

13

Repeat the previous step for the two center pockets. Trim the excess fabric from around the perimeter of the table.

14

Locate the bolt holes along the edges and cut a small X-shaped hole in the fabric to accommodate the rail bolts. Slip the bolts for each rail through the appropriate holes, then secure the rails to the table by tightening the nuts underneath the table.