How to Set Up a Slate Pool Table

A pool table can be a wonderful addition to any game room that provides hours of enjoyment for family and friends. Purchasing a beautiful slate table is an investment that requires little maintenance but needs to be installed correctly to provide full enjoyment.

Instructions

1

Clear the area that the pool table is to be installed. Make sure everyone has enough room to move and adjust without bumping into other things.

2

Place an area rug down if the table will sit on it. Make sure it is centered and flat. Use carpet tape to keep it from moving and tape the edges with painters tape. Note: if there will be no rug under the table, skip to Step 3.

3

Measure the middle point where the table will sit. Place the level on the center point to make sure the floor is level. Check the floor moving out to where the table legs will sit.

4

Adjust the bottom of the table legs if the floor is not level so that the table will sit completely level.

5

With assistance, stand the legs up and secure the table in place.

6

Take half of the slate (it will come in two pieces) and place it on the table with the help of your assistants. Repeat with the other half of the slate.

7

Use sealing wax in the seam of the slate, heating it with the torch, and allowing it to cool for a minute. Then smooth it with the putty knife by scraping the excess out.

8

Screw the slate down into the table and check to make sure it is level.

9

Use spray on glue to get the pocket edges tacky, and then insert the pockets.

10

Lay the felt on, being certain it is straight and even on all sides.

11

Staple the felt on one end every three inches.

12

Go to the other end and pull the felt toward you very tightly and securely.

13

Pull the sides and staple in place.

14

Add three slits to the felt over the pocket and wrap the felt under the slate.

15

Mark the bolt holes in the felt with a small Exacto slit.

16

Attach the rails and bolt from underneath to secure in place. Note: check your felt to make sure it remains straight.

17

Insert the pocket liners using the Exacto knife to carefully trim the edges. You can glue them in place, but don't do this until you see if they need to be adjusted.