While pool halls are popular destinations for lovers of the sport, for those who want the convenience of playing at home, buying a pool table is a great option. You may wonder whether it is easy to have one installed and if pool tables come assembled.
Pool tables do not come assembled, they typically come in a multitude of pieces that must be assembled with expert care in order for the pool table to effectively perform.
Whether you plan to purchase and install a pool table on your own or plan on purchasing a table and having it professionally installed – read on for some helpful tips.
Do Pool Tables Come Assembled?
While we have established that pool tables do not, in fact, come assembled – you may be wondering why.
Pool tables may appear simple to piece together, however, their construction doesn’t lend well to a single-piece product because:
- How steady and sturdy pool tables are. It would be impractical to move one without a crane or other heavy machinery to help you out. Imagine trying to lift and move all that weight at once!
- Something the size and shape of a pool table wouldn’t fit through the doors of your home. By being delivered in pieces, the pool table can offer the convenience of being navigated into any part of your home.
Now, let’s see how to install your pool table.
How Do I Install My Pool Table?
Pool tables will come with detailed instructions for installation, as each will have slight variations specific to the brand and type to ensure you get the best playing experience possible.
We’ve outlined the basic steps below:
- Get your tools and installation materials handy
- Bring all of the components into your pool table space
- Unpackage and organize all components
- Work your way from the bottom up – build the base first
- Place and level the slate (or chosen playing surface)
- Overlay, glue, and staple the felt
- Place the rails and pockets onto the table and install
Each step will have its own variations based on the manufacturer, model and type – but it is important to understand the intricacies of each to ensure you’re up to the challenge.
What Tools Do I Need to Install a Pool Table?
Having the right tools and materials on hand will ensure that you don’t need to stop the process to find something – or worse, go out and purchase anything.
Below are a few generic, recommended tools:
- Screwdriver
- Socket Wrench
- Beeswax
- Heat Source – lighter or torch
- X-acto or putty knife
- Level
- Measuring Tape
- Stapler
Having these tools at the ready will aid in making the installation process as smooth and efficient as possible.
How Do I Make Pool Table Installation Easy?
There are some tips to make installing your pool table easier.
They include:
- Unbox and lay out each piece so you know which ones to pick up during assembly
- Establish your pool table location
- Keep the playing area clear for about five feet on all sides
- Lay out the unassembled base to help ensure that you are installing it in the right location
- Once the base is built, use a level to ensure you’ve got a good even start before the slate goes on
- Most pool table manufacturers recommend starting with the middle slab if it’s a three piece slate, following up with the two side pieces
- Use the heat source of your choice and melt beeswax into the grooves between the slabs
- Once hardened, the putty or X-acto knife can be used to level the beeswax with the slab surface
- Cut the felt to fit over the socket holes
- Stretch the felt and secure it to the underside of the table
- Install the rails and pockets
Now, let’s see if you should hire an expert pool table installer.
Should I Hire an Expert to Install My Pool Table?
It’s most important to know, there is no shame in asking the experts to come in and install if for you— That’s their job after all, and your job is to play!
Having a professional install the pool table for you can come with benefits:
- A major time saver for you
- They are trained to install it safely, while you may not have any training
- Slate slabs and other components can be heavy and difficult to manipulate; hurting your back on the install could inhibit your playing skills
For a qualified and dependable installer – look to your local dealer for recommendations.
Conclusion
While there are a lot of things to take into consideration when purchasing a pool table, understanding that they do not come assembled will help you start to ask the right questions in determining if you will be installing it yourself or bringing in the professionals to get the job done.