How to Refelt a Pool Table With a Wood Top

An old pool table can often be restored to "like-new" condition just by refelting the tabletop. The felt can be worn through years of continued use, or have been torn during moving or storage. In addition, felt is sometimes snagged or torn during use. Once disassembled, the felt can be replaced in less than an hour in some cases. Pool tables come in several sizes. Tournament tables are typically 4.5 feet by 9 feet while many pub and home tables are 3.5 feet by 7 feet. Add an extra foot to the width and length of the felt you purchase so you have enough to refelt the rails as well.

Instructions

1

Carefully trim 12 inches from the length and 12 inches from the width of the felt. Cut these 12-inch sections in half horizontally, and set them aside. They will be used later on the rails.

2

Look underneath the edge of the table and locate the bolts that hold the rails in place. Remove the bolts, and lift the rails off of the table. Set them aside. Remove the staples holding the felt to the wooden tabletop. These should be on all four sides of the table, under the area where the rails were. Discard the staples, and peel the felt off the tabletop.

3

Spread the new felt on top of the pool table, and align the sides of the felt with the sides of the wood. Pull the felt against the edge of the wood on one end, and staple into place using one staple every 3 to 4 inches. Once secured, pull the felt taut from the opposite end of the table. Staple this end. Repeat the process with the sides.

4

Find the six pockets. Cut the felt that extends over each pocket. Cut it 2 inches from each side of the pocket, in a straight line that extends from the edge of the felt to the wood. Wrap the center piece of felt under the wood and staple to secure. Bend the sides under in the same manner, completely wrapping the wooden table edge at each pocket.

5

Remove the staples holding the felt onto the rails, and wrap them in new felt. Secure the felt by stapling it along the underside of the rails. Lay the rails back into place and replace the bolts. Tighten with the socket wrench.